Mead (/miːd/; archaic and dialectal meath or meathe,[1] from Old English medu[2]) is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops.[3][4][5] The alcoholic content ranges from about 3.5% ABV[6] to more than 20%. The defining characteristic of mead is that the majority of the beverage's fermentable sugar is derived from honey.[7] It may be still, carbonated, or naturally sparkling; dry, semi-sweet, or sweet.[8]