Mead is Irish for wine

Green beer?  Pass.
How about a Pickleback, a combo of Irish whiskey with a pickle juice chaser?  I'd rather not.
A glass of wine?  Definitely!

Mead, a wine with origins as far back as 7000 BC, was often served during Irish weddings.  Instead of grapes, this Muscat-like concoction is made primarily from honey, along with white wine, water and a bit yeast.  Mead is thought to be an aphrodisiac that enhances the groom's virile prowess and fertility.  In fact, the term "honeymoon" stems from an old Irish tradition of stocking up enough mead, or honey wine, to last one full moon after nuptials.  Whether or not the Irish started this concept, or it was really old world Babylon, is up for debate.  Either way, throw on a little Al Green and a night of romance is yours!

For less than $16, there are a few local options for those looking to spice up the evening, but be sure to call ahead as inventory is limited:

1. Mountain Meadows Honeymoon Nectar ($11) is an award winning wine made with wildflower honey (how apropos for spring!) and is available at K&L Merchants in San Francisco.
2. Bargetto Chausers Mead Wine ($14), available at The Cellar in El Sobrante, can be enjoyed both cold and mulled (i.e. warmed with a mixture of orange peel and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg).
3. For a full scope meadery experience, check out Rabbit's Food Meadery in Sunnyvale and try their multi-award winning Sweet Mead ($16). 

Enjoy and have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.
Salud!

(as published on Examiner.com)