flipFig, date and coriander infusion (altar drink)
Fig, date and coriander infusion (altar drink)
Why this dish? On Horus's offering table, alongside beer, sweet non-alcoholic drinks were also poured: fruit juices sweetened with honey, presented to the god in faience cups. For the solar falcon, a deity of purity and royalty, this clear and fragrant libation suited the morning rites, before the heat of the day.
A sweet and refreshing drink of infused figs and dates, brightened with a touch of coriander and honey, served cold. No alcohol: a pure libation for the god and a refreshment for the intense Nile heat.
Pour me the clear cup, the one that does not cloud the mind. Soak the figs and dates in fresh water, add the honey and a breath of coriander, and let the sun — my right eye — warm the brew. Present it cool on the altar, in the blue faience of the sky. It is the drink of the pure morning, before the heat rises. Drink of it, and may your throat know the sweetness of the river I protect.
- •Dried figs — a handful (sweet and fruity base)
- •Dates — a few (sugar and body)
- •Honey — a drizzle (sweetness)
- •Coriander seeds — a pinch (perfume)
- •Fresh water — as needed (infusion)
Fig, date and coriander infusion (altar drink)
A sweet and refreshing drink of infused figs and dates, brightened with a touch of coriander and honey, served cold. No alcohol: a pure libation for the god and a refreshment for the intense Nile heat.
Why this dish? On Horus's offering table, alongside beer, sweet non-alcoholic drinks were also poured: fruit juices sweetened with honey, presented to the god in faience cups. For the solar falcon, a deity of purity and royalty, this clear and fragrant libation suited the morning rites, before the heat of the day.
Pour me the clear cup, the one that does not cloud the mind. Soak the figs and dates in fresh water, add the honey and a breath of coriander, and let the sun — my right eye — warm the brew. Present it cool on the altar, in the blue faience of the sky. It is the drink of the pure morning, before the heat rises. Drink of it, and may your throat know the sweetness of the river I protect.
Ingredients (period version)
- Dried figs — a handful (sweet and fruity base)
- Dates — a few (sugar and body)
- Honey — a drizzle (sweetness)
- Coriander seeds — a pinch (perfume)
- Fresh water — as needed (infusion)
Ingredients
- Dried figs — 8 (fruity base)
- Pitted dates — 5 (natural sugar)
- Honey — 1 tbsp (sweetness)
- Coriander seeds, lightly crushed — 1/2 tsp (perfume)
- Water — 1 liter (infusion)
- Pomegranate juice (optional, for acidity) — 2 tbsp (tangy note)
Method
- Cut figs and dates into pieces; place in a large pitcher with the water.
- Add the crushed coriander seeds and honey.
- Let infuse for at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.
- Strain; adjust with a little honey or pomegranate juice for acidity.
- Serve well chilled, in faience cups or glasses, without crushed ice.
How it was made : Besides beer, Egyptians consumed sweet drinks made from fruits (dates, figs, grapes, pomegranates) and honey. The chedeh, a precious red drink, and various juices were presented as offerings. Without sugar, honey and dried fruits provided all the sweetness; these drinks served both cult and daily refreshment in the heat.
The contemporary twist : Served over ice with a floating pomegranate slice, this is a perfect 'pharaonic mocktail' for a summer table — alcohol-free, like the original libation.
Sources : Pierre Tallet, La cuisine des pharaons (Actes Sud) · Hilary Wilson, Egyptian Food and Drink (Shire Egyptology)
Horus · Charactorium