If you’re searching for the best mead in the UK, you’ll quickly realise there isn’t just one type. Mead comes in a range of styles, from light and sparkling to rich and traditional, and the “best” option depends on how you like to drink. See our other post which goes through all of the different styles of mead.
This below guide breaks down the main types of mead available in the UK, explains the differences between sparkling and traditional mead, and helps you decide where to start.
What Makes a Mead “The Best”?
Unlike wine or beer, mead isn’t defined by a single flavour profile. It’s made by fermenting honey, and the final character depends on factors like carbonation, sweetness, ageing, and added ingredients such as fruit or spices.
The best mead for you depends on:
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Whether you prefer still or sparkling drinks
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How strong you like your alcohol
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Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift
If you’re looking to order directly, you can buy mead online in the UK here.
Sparkling Mead: A Modern Introduction
Sparkling mead is one of the fastest-growing styles in the UK. Lightly carbonated and best served chilled, it’s designed to be refreshing and easy to drink.
People often describe sparkling mead as sitting somewhere between prosecco, cider, and a light cocktail.
Why Choose Sparkling Mead?
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Easy to enjoy, even if you’re new to mead
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Ideal for social occasions and gifting
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Lower alcohol styles available
Sparkling mead is often considered one of the best meads to try first, especially for wine drinkers. We’d personally recommend starting with the Pure Honey variety if you are looking for the classic flavours of honey, before branching out to the others.
Explore Sparkling Mead from Hive Mind
Traditional Mead: Richer and More Classic
Traditional mead is still rather than sparkling and has a deeper honey character. These meads are closer to wine in body and are often enjoyed slowly rather than casually.
This style reflects mead’s long history, while still allowing for modern interpretations.
Why Choose Traditional Mead?
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Fuller flavour and body
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Ideal for sipping or pairing with food
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Appeals to wine and whisky drinkers
Traditional meads can be dry, medium, or sweet depending on the recipe.
Browse Traditional Mead
Small Batch & Barrel-Aged Mead
For those looking for something distinctive, small batch meads explore techniques like barrel ageing, seasonal ingredients, and collaborations.
These meads are often released in limited quantities and make standout gifts or special-occasion bottles.
Discover the Small Batch Mead Series
Sparkling vs Traditional Mead: Which Is Better?
There’s no universal answer, but this comparison helps:
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Sparkling Mead
Best for casual drinking, sharing, and gifting. Light, fresh, and approachable. -
Traditional Mead
Best for sipping, food pairing, and exploring honey-forward flavours.
Many people enjoy both styles for different occasions. If you’re unsure, a mixed selection is a good way to explore. Think sparkling mead for a replacement for beer, cider, or sparkling wine. And think Traditional mead as a replacement for still wine, dessert wine, sherry, port, digestifs, or liquors. Traditional mead will be the most intensely ‘honey’ tasting, so if that’s what you are looking for, then try that first.
Where to Buy the Best Mead in the UK
The easiest way to access the full range of styles is to order directly from the producer.
Hive Mind Mead offers:
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Nationwide UK delivery
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Sparkling, traditional, and small batch meads
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Limited releases available online
You can also find Hive Mind mead in selected retailers. For details, see Where to Buy Mead in the UK. And see our stockist page for some of our highlighted stockists.
Looking for a Mead Gift?
If you’re buying for someone else, style matters just as much as flavour.
Sparkling meads suit most tastes, while traditional or barrel-aged meads work well for enthusiasts.
Explore Mead Gift Sets & Bundles
Read Gift Ideas for Mead Lovers
Final Thoughts
The best mead in the UK isn’t about choosing a single bottle, it’s about finding the style that suits you. Whether you prefer something light and sparkling or rich and traditional, modern mead offers more variety than ever.
If you’re ready to explore, you can browse the full range and order directly online.
Buy Mead Online from Hive Mind
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