Refreshing and slightly sweet, this honey sima is a paleo version of the traditional Finnish mead. Full of fizz and fun this drink is safe for adults and kiddos alike!
Honey What?
A sima origin story.
If youāre like me and need a little refresher as to what sima is, let me refresh you. Yes, sima looks a little like kombucha or water kefir. It sort of is. But not quite. While kombucha and water kefir can boast boatloads of probiotics, sima is kinda just there for fun. Though there are health benefits from the honey and lemons, of course.
Basically, sima is a sweet mead made from lemons. Sorta like a strong fermented lemonade. Though itās technically an alcoholic drink, itās not really alcoholic enough to do anything ā even if you drank a whole gallon ā so itās perfectly safe for kids. According to the ever-trustworthy wikipedia, sima is a traditional Finnish drink usually consumed with a fancy Finnish doughnut or funnel cake during the May Day festivities.
Sounds good.
Honey Sima.
During my extensive research (ahem) into the origins of sima I came across various ways it can be made. Most of the recipes I read called for a brown sugar/white sugar combo. I donāt keep brown sugar on hand and I love swapping honey when white sugar is called for, so I opted for honey. Wikipedia [again] okād honey, so donāt think this is becoming some whacky creation of mine.
I halved the amount of sweetener called for in most of the recipes, so if youāre looking for a more traditional, sweeter version, double the honey or use brown and white sugar.
Anyway, if you want to have some idea of what it tastes like before you spend your time making it, my dear husband described it as 20% lemonade, 70% kvass, and 10% beer. Now, I donāt know about the beer part, but I would definitely say it reminded me of kvass only lemony and not so thick.
Fun Paleo drinks.
Not sure what you think about this honey sima, but youāre still wanting a fun cool drink for the summer? Try theseā¦
- Mixed Berry Switchel
- Homemade Mango Soda
- Cranberry Apple Switchel
- Iced Coconut Matcha Latte
- Spiced Apple Kombucha
- Fizzy Ginger Lemonade
- Elderberry Water Kefir
- Iced Raspberry Leaf Chia Tea
In the recipe card Iāve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links wonāt cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Honey Sima
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 lemons
- 1/16 teaspoon active dry yeast (basically a couple pinches)
- about 20 organic raisins
Instructions
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
While water boils, thinly slice the lemons.
Remove from heat and add the lemons.
Let mixture sit until lukewarm, then add in the honey and yeast and stir.
Pour into 2 quart-sized glass jars (I use these), dividing the lemons between the two jars. Add raisins (10 to each jar) and cover with cheesecloth or an old t-shirt.
Let the sima sit for 8-12 hours. By then, tiny bubbles should have formed around the perimeter of the jars and the raisins should be floating. (If your house is cold this might take a little longer than 12 hours.)
Strain into flip-top bottles (like these) or into two quart-sized glass jars.Ā Cap tightly and let stand at room temperature for 3 days.
Transfer bottles to the fridge. (You can let out some of the pressure if you donāt like super carbonated drinks.)
Serve chilled.
Notes
Makes 2 quarts. Recipe can be doubled to make more.
This is SO interresting and unique! I've treid making any fermented drinks, but you have my curiosity peaked now! Thanks for sharing with us at Allergy Free Wednesdays!
I am not a fan of fermented food or drinks, but this looks good regardless. I have never heard of sima. It looks so interesting. Thanks for sharing it with us at Gluten-Free Wednesdays.
Ever find the GF funnel cakes??
At the time I went egg-free and I couldn't find a recipe that was gluten *and* egg free. Now that I can have eggs again, I should find those recipes and try them out! Thanks for reminding me, Michelle! š
Ohh I’ve never heard of this drink! It sound refreshing – can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy it, Renee! š
I have never heard if this, but I am completely intrigued because the ingredients look so healthy. This looks like the perfect patio drink for summer entertaining and I can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy it, Jenni! It’s totally perfect for summer fun. š
This is fascinating! Love that you cut the sugar and used honey instead. It looks refreshing but not too sweet. Can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy it!
Wow this was a very interesting post! Lots of good information, thank you!!
You’re welcome! š
This sounds very interesting. I’ve never had this before but think it’s time to try it.
It’s a perfect drink for summer! I hope you enjoy it, Andrea!
Looks so refreshing! Such a great summer drink!
Thanks, Taylor!
There’s a donut involved, so I know this is a good decision! How tasty and I bet the honey adds such a delicious flavor!
Haha! Yes, it is a pretty good decision. š
I had never heard of sima until I read your post. Sounds so refreshing and delicious perfect for a hot summer day.
Yes! It’s totally perfect, Kelly!
Had never heard of this recipe..so glad I came across this blog post..
I hope you get a chance to try it!
Hi Raia,
As a beekeeper, honeyspecialist and Finland lover I would advice you to poor in the honey when the water is luck warm so the enzymes that the bees add are not destroyed and the health benefits remain. Thethe same goes for tea. You better add honey before you start really drinking it. The enzymes make up for only 3-5% of the honey. Destroying the enzymes by heat (over 40 degrees Celsius) in fact turn the honey back into sugarwater.
Thanks for your advice, Linda! I will amend the recipe to add that. š I usually don’t add honey until my liquid is lukewarm for that reason, but I often forget to add that in my recipes!
This looks great and I want to try it out, but Iām wondering if it would be ok to use instant yeast instead of dried active yeast …
Would I have to change any of fermenting times to do that or anything ?
Thank you!
You could definitely try it! I don’t know that I would change the fermenting time, though, just to be sure. š
If you dont have raisins but have prunes on hand, would they work?
I’d definitely try it! š
Silly question, peel the lemon first?
No need! I just scrub them really well and leave the peels on. š
Would this work for limes also?
I’ve never tried limes, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work. Sounds yummy!