Posca, the Soldier's and People's Drink
A refreshing drink of water mixed with wine vinegar, sweetened with a little honey and flavored with herbs. Tangy and cooling, it purified water and restored strength to marchers and legionaries alike.
A refreshing drink of water mixed with wine vinegar, sweetened with a little honey and flavored with herbs. Tangy and cooling, it purified water and restored strength to marchers and legionaries alike.
You may think the emperor drinks only Falernian wines? Know that posca has quenched the thirst of my northern legions, there where the wall bearing my name was raised. One takes pure water, pours in a little vinegar, a spoonful of honey to sweeten, and some herbs if you wish. It cuts thirst better than anything, purifies dubious water, and does not cloud the heads of men who must guard the frontier.
- •Water — a large pitcher (base)
- •Wine vinegar — a splash (acidity, purifies water)
- •Honey — a spoonful (sweetener)
- •Herbs (coriander seeds, mint) — to taste (flavoring)
Posca, the Soldier's and People's Drink
A refreshing drink of water mixed with wine vinegar, sweetened with a little honey and flavored with herbs. Tangy and cooling, it purified water and restored strength to marchers and legionaries alike.
Why this dish? Under Antoninus, the Pax Romana extends to the wall that bears his name in Scotland, where the legions keep watch. Posca, the vinegared water of soldiers and common folk, was the drink of those men who held the frontiers of an empire then at the height of its stability.
You may think the emperor drinks only Falernian wines? Know that posca has quenched the thirst of my northern legions, there where the wall bearing my name was raised. One takes pure water, pours in a little vinegar, a spoonful of honey to sweeten, and some herbs if you wish. It cuts thirst better than anything, purifies dubious water, and does not cloud the heads of men who must guard the frontier.
Ingredients (period version)
- Water — a large pitcher (base)
- Wine vinegar — a splash (acidity, purifies water)
- Honey — a spoonful (sweetener)
- Herbs (coriander seeds, mint) — to taste (flavoring)
Ingredients
- Cold water — 1 liter (base)
- Wine vinegar — 3 to 4 tbsp (acidity)
- Honey — 1 to 2 tbsp (sweetener)
- Coriander seeds, lightly crushed — 1 tsp (flavoring)
- Fresh mint leaves — a few (flavoring)
Method
- Warm a little water and dissolve the honey in it.
- Add the wine vinegar and stir.
- Add the crushed coriander seeds and mint, then top up with the remaining cold water.
- Let infuse in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, then strain.
- Serve well chilled, adjusting vinegar or honey to taste.
How it was made : Posca was the everyday drink of Roman soldiers and the lower classes: water mixed with vinegar, sometimes sweetened or flavored. Cheap and mildly antiseptic, it made dubious water potable and was part of the military ration. It was this drink, not wine, that was offered to Christ on the cross according to the Gospels.
The contemporary twist : Serve posca very cold over ice with a mint leaf: a 'Roman switchel', a drinkable vinaigrette that surprises modern palates.
Sources : Plutarch, Life of Cato · Roman military sources on the legionary's ration
Antoninus Pius · Charactorium
