In the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter", Demeter travels to Eleusis to find her daughter Persephone, who was captured by Hades. Demeter fasts as she frantically searches for her daughter. In Eleusis, Demeter meets the daughters of the king of Eleusis. She creates a fake identity as "Doso" and asks the daughters to help her find work. Metaneira, the king's wife, asks Demeter to work for them as a maid. Demeter, disguised as Doso, visits the home of Metaneira and her daughter. Metaneira offers Demeter some red wine, but she instead requests a drink made of barley, water, and soft mint (Line 208).

The Eleusinian Mysterians were secret gatherings in Ancient Greece. These gatherings were held in honor of Persephone and Demeter, as Persephone was tragically taken away from her mother. Individuals participate in the initiation of the Eleusinian Mysteries as they fast and consume a special drink called kykeon consisting of barely, mint, and water. Just as Demeter drank kykeon with Metaneira in her time of grief, the participants in the Eleusinian Mysteries drink kykeon. Kykeon acts as a symbol of community and healing.

In my pressbook entry, I wanted to make kykeon myself. Even though kykeon is rumored to include a psychoactive ingredient, I opted to include some white wine instead. I specifically chose white wine because Demeter refused to accept red wine from Metaneira. Wine was also served during one of the festivals of the Eleusinian Mysteries. I consulted some other recipes online but added my own twist by serving the beverage over ice.

I hope you can enjoy this drink with (21+) friends as you honor the stories of Demeter and Penelope. I read online that some people drink it now to help with an upset stomach. Feel free to add your own flare - maybe include some lemon or honey, but definitely avoid pomegranates.