It's all a matter of individual preference. One author I've read on meads, in an attempt to convey to the reader the potential severity of a mead hangover, referred to the Biblical story of Judith and the Holofernes. Anyone with questions about mead-making can contact me at the addresses below. The recipe for basic mead follows. Yours in Carbonation, Cher Feinstein Univ.
All equipment mentioned below is assumed to be either well-cleaned or sterilized, as needed.
Add 2-4 tsp. Add enough water to bring the volume up to 3 quarts. Bring back up to a simmer. Add 2 lbs honey, stirring constantly. Some of the warm water can be ladled back into the honey container to rinse it.