flipJudean Wine Cut with Water and Pomegranate
Judean Wine Cut with Water and Pomegranate
Why this dish? Judean wine flowed at Amon's table and accompanied the libations placed before the statuettes. This drink, cut and flavored with pomegranate, evokes both the royal banquet and the ritual gesture of libation.
Red Judean wine diluted with water, as it was drunk in antiquity, enhanced with pomegranate juice and a hint of honey. Refreshing and slightly tangy, a few drops were also poured as libation.
Hold out your cup. Pure wine is only good for barbarians: we cut it with fresh water, two or three measures for one of wine, and I have the sour pomegranate juice poured in. A drop of honey, and the drink is worthy of a king. I have a few drops poured before my gods before I wet my lips—such is my custom.
- •Red Judean wine — one measure (base)
- •Spring water — two to three measures (dilution)
- •Pomegranate juice — a dash (fragrant acidity)
- •Honey — a drop (sweetness)
Judean Wine Cut with Water and Pomegranate
Red Judean wine diluted with water, as it was drunk in antiquity, enhanced with pomegranate juice and a hint of honey. Refreshing and slightly tangy, a few drops were also poured as libation.
Why this dish? Judean wine flowed at Amon's table and accompanied the libations placed before the statuettes. This drink, cut and flavored with pomegranate, evokes both the royal banquet and the ritual gesture of libation.
Hold out your cup. Pure wine is only good for barbarians: we cut it with fresh water, two or three measures for one of wine, and I have the sour pomegranate juice poured in. A drop of honey, and the drink is worthy of a king. I have a few drops poured before my gods before I wet my lips—such is my custom.
Ingredients (period version)
- Red Judean wine — one measure (base)
- Spring water — two to three measures (dilution)
- Pomegranate juice — a dash (fragrant acidity)
- Honey — a drop (sweetness)
Ingredients
- Full-bodied red wine — 200 ml (base)
- Fresh water — 400 ml (dilution)
- Pomegranate juice — 100 ml (fragrant acidity)
- Honey — 1 tsp (sweetness)
- Non-alcoholic version: red grape juice — 200 ml (replaces wine)
Method
- Dissolve the honey in a little warm water to blend well.
- Mix the wine (or grape juice), water, and pomegranate juice in a pitcher.
- Add the dissolved honey and stir.
- Serve chilled, optionally over some seasonal fruit.
- For a family and school-friendly version, replace the wine with red grape juice.
How it was made : In the ancient Near East and Mediterranean, wine was rarely drunk pure: it was diluted with water, sometimes with spices, honey, or fruit juices. Wine also served for ritual libations, poured on the altar or before divine statues. For a family audience, a non-alcoholic version with grape juice is offered here.
The contemporary twist : Serve over ice with pomegranate seeds and a mint leaf: an 'antique' mocktail perfect for a summer table.
Amon · Charactorium
