The Hymn to Ninkasi, Goddess of Beer: A Praise Song and Ancient Beer Recipe (opens in new tab)

The Hymn to Ninkasi is at once a song of praise to Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer, and an ancient recipe for brewing. In an age when few people were literate, the Hymn to Ninkasi, with its steady cadence, provided an easy way to remember the recipe for brewing beer. According to the hymn, one began with flowing water, then made bappir (twice-baked barley bread) and mixed it with honey and dates. Once the bread had cooled on reed mats, it was mixed with water and wine before being put i...