Traditional mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting a mixture of honey, water, and sometimes yeast. It is one of the oldest known alcoholic drinks, with a history that dates back thousands of years across various cultures. The fermentation process can take weeks to months, resulting in a drink that can range from sweet to dry, depending on the ingredients and fermentation time. Mead can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other beverages. It may also include additional flavors from fruits, spices, or herbs, creating variations like melomel (fruit mead) or metheglin (spiced mead).