flipPosca, the Soldier's and Slave's Vinegar Water
Posca, the Soldier's and Slave's Vinegar Water
Why this dish? Born a slave, Epictetus knew the drink of the humble: posca, water mixed with vinegar. It is the antithesis of the pure wine of banquets — exactly the moderation he taught. He indeed recommended drinking water, and wine heavily diluted.
Water, a dash of wine vinegar, a little honey to sweeten, and sometimes a few herbs: the thirst-quenching drink of the soldier, the slave, and the worker. Sour, sharp, refreshing — sobriety one drinks.
You want pure wine, thick, like the staggering guests? Drink this instead: water, a little vinegar, and if your throat craves sweetness, a drop of honey. This is the drink I knew when I was at my master's feet. It quenches without clouding judgment — for the drunken man no longer belongs to himself, and he who does not belong to himself is not free.
- •Spring water — a jug (base)
- •Wine vinegar — a dash (acidity, preservation)
- •Honey — to taste (sweetener)
- •Herbs (mint, coriander) — optional (flavor)
Posca, the Soldier's and Slave's Vinegar Water
Water, a dash of wine vinegar, a little honey to sweeten, and sometimes a few herbs: the thirst-quenching drink of the soldier, the slave, and the worker. Sour, sharp, refreshing — sobriety one drinks.
Why this dish? Born a slave, Epictetus knew the drink of the humble: posca, water mixed with vinegar. It is the antithesis of the pure wine of banquets — exactly the moderation he taught. He indeed recommended drinking water, and wine heavily diluted.
You want pure wine, thick, like the staggering guests? Drink this instead: water, a little vinegar, and if your throat craves sweetness, a drop of honey. This is the drink I knew when I was at my master's feet. It quenches without clouding judgment — for the drunken man no longer belongs to himself, and he who does not belong to himself is not free.
Ingredients (period version)
- Spring water — a jug (base)
- Wine vinegar — a dash (acidity, preservation)
- Honey — to taste (sweetener)
- Herbs (mint, coriander) — optional (flavor)
Ingredients
- Cold water — 500 ml (base)
- Red or white wine vinegar — 1 to 2 tbsp (acidity)
- Honey — 1 tsp (sweetener)
- Fresh mint leaves — a few (flavor (optional))
Method
- Dissolve the honey in a little warm water so it blends well.
- Pour the rest of the cold water, then add the vinegar gradually while tasting: it should be sharp but drinkable.
- Add the crushed mint leaves if you want flavor.
- Serve well chilled, ideally with an ice cube in summer (in antiquity, they cooled it with well water).
How it was made : Posca was the basic drink of Roman legionaries, slaves, and the lower classes: water mixed with vinegar (often turned wine), sometimes sweetened with honey or flavored with herbs. Cheap and mildly antiseptic, it made water safer to drink. This is the drink offered to the crucified in the Gospels.
The contemporary twist : Serve it in a carafe with cucumber slices: an ancient "shrub" non-alcoholic, perfect for a summer table.
Epictetus · Charactorium
