Mead

The most ancient alcohol in the world has been revived recently in Kinsale, County Cork, by Kate and Denis Dempsey at their purpose-built meadery. They use Spanish honey that travels to Ireland along time-honoured trade routes in conjunction with local ingredients such as the Jeffares' Wexford blackcurrants to give a light, refreshing drink that makes a perfect accompaniment to Ireland's continuing food revolution.

Revive its associations with the banquets and triumphal feasts of legend and literature in centuries gone by—and serve it generously.