Sima (Finnish Spring Mead)

Submitted by Scarlett516

"The site where I found this said it's fine for kids if they drink it as soon as the raisins start to float, but it becomes slightly intoxicating as it ferments."

 

• Ready In: 18mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Serves: 20

ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• 2 large lemons
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup white sugar, plus sugar for bottles
• 1⁄4 teaspoon yeast
• 25 raisins

directions

1. Bring the water to a steady boil.
2. Meanwhile, use a zester or vegetable peeler to remove the yellow outer rind from the lemons and place in a large non-metal, heatproof container.
3. Peel, or trim, off the white rind and discard.
4. Slice the lemons and place in the container with the zest. Add the brown sugar and white sugar.
5. When the water boils, add it to the container with the lemons and sugar.
6. Let it cool to lukewarm, then stir in the yeast.
7. Cover and allow to sit out at room temperature for 24-48 hours, or until surface begins to bubble slightly.
8. Strain the liquid into clean containers about 1 quart in size. Add 5-6 raisins and 1 tsp sugar to each container. Seal tightly and refrigerate 2-5 days, or until raisins float to the surface.
9. Keep refrigerated and serve cool.

Reviews

[monicasauve]

This is the "real" Sima still being made in Finland today and an important part of their "May Day" Festival. I am French - but married a Finn and have been making Sima for a good 35 yrs! My family would drink this any day..I always have two batches on the go..so refreshing from spring until October..