Ethiopian Honey Wine: Tej

Tej, Ethiopia’s beloved honey wine, is much more than just a drink—it’s a story steeped in rich history, intricate craftsmanship, and a deep sense of community. At Batch Mead, we find inspiration in treasured beverages like Tej, which share honey as their central element. By exploring Tej’s unique backstory, brewing process, and cultural significance, you’ll discover an incredible connection between this ancient drink and the modern meads we create.

From a royal drink to a treasured cultural icon, Tej reminds us of the magic honey brings to fermentation. And you’ll even learn how to make it with an easy, step-by-step recipe.

One of the best ways to appreciate Tej is by making it yourself. Here’s an easy recipe to start your adventure into Ethiopian honey wine.

Ingredients

• 21 oz of high-quality local honey, like this one
• 63 oz (1 gallon) spring water (don’t use distilled water)
• 2 oz dried gesho leaves or sticks (available online or in specialty markets)
• 1 gallon glass jar with a lid
• Optional: raisins for added sweetness

Instructions

1. Sterilize Your Equipment
Make sure all your tools and the glass jar are thoroughly sterilized. Wash with hot soapy water and rinse well. For added safety, you can place your jar and lid on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 225°F for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before use.

2. Mix Honey and Water
Pour the water into a large, sterilized glass jar or fermenter. Stir in the honey until it’s completely dissolved. Take your time with this step—dissolving the honey well is the foundation of your wine.

3. Add Gesho
Submerge the dried gesho leaves or sticks into the honey-water mixture. Loosely cover the jar with a lid or cloth to allow gases to escape during fermentation.

4. Ferment
Place your jar in a warm, dark area where the temperature stays between 70-80°F. Allow the mixture to ferment for 2-3 weeks. Check occasionally, and skim off any foam or sediment that forms on the surface. This is part of the natural process.

5. Strain and Adjust
After fermentation, carefully strain out the gesho and taste your Tej. If it’s too bitter for your liking, you can stir in a bit more honey or toss in some raisins to enhance the sweetness.

6. Bottle and Age
Transfer your Tej to sterilized bottles and refrigerate for an additional week or two. This aging period allows the flavors to mellow and harmonize, giving the wine a smoother, more refined taste.

Celebrate your success and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Every homemade bottle of Tej is a testament to Ethiopian tradition and your love of craftsmanship.

While Tej has its roots in Ethiopia, its story resonates with the global tradition of mead making. The use of honey as a base ingredient binds these two beverages together, showcasing the versatility of fermentation.

To dig deeper into the history and art of Tej, we recommend exploring more from sources like this insightful overview of Ethiopian honey wine or this detailed cultural study that outlines its fascinating history.

At Batch Mead, we bring the magic of mead to life with time-honored techniques and bold flavors. Our fruity melomels, spiced metheglins, and hop-infused meads reflect the same spirit of innovation and tradition that Tej represents. Just like gesho transforms honey and water into Tej, our use of local honey and hand-picked ingredients creates exceptional meads with depth and character.

If you’re drawn to Tej, it’s a perfect stepping stone to the broader world of mead. Here’s why:

• Infinite Varieties
  Mead offers endless possibilities. Whether infused with fruits, herbs, or spices, there’s a flavor for every palate.
• Historical Ties
  Like Tej, mead carries centuries of history. From Vikings to Ethiopian festivals, honey wine connects us to ancient traditions.
• Craftsmanship in Every Sip
  At Batch Mead, we treat every bottle like a work of art. With local honey, real fruits, and attention to detail, we create meads that are as layered and meaningful as Tej.

For those inspired by the story of Tej but unsure about brewing their own, Batch Mead makes it easy to explore the magic of honey wine. Browse our handcrafted meads here to find a bottle that brings an equally rich experience to your glass.

And don’t forget, honey isn’t just delicious—it has incredible benefits. Explore the health benefits of honey and see how mead can add a meaningful touch to life’s celebrations.

Whether it’s through Tej’s centuries-old recipe or our modern meads, there’s something timeless about honey-based beverages. They tell stories of culture, history, and global connection—all in one sip. Cheers to Tej, mead, and the joy of sharing honey’s gifts!