Drink of the Gods

Do normal sports drinks leave you unsatisfied? Gatorade and Powerade not doing it for you? Introducing Posca, the ancient beverage that will quench your thirst faster than you can say “triumvirate.” That’s right, this classic Roman drink powered thousands of legionaries in their legendary conquest of Europe. Made with only the finest wine, Posca contains all the nutrients and energy you need to charge into battle.

From the early Roman Republic to the Byzantine Empire, Posca was a hugely popular beverage, drunk primarily by the lower class and the military. The upper class of Rome were notorious for their excessive consumption of wine, which is largely how wine became so integrated into the Roman diet. The common belief was that wine was a necessity. Some historians speculate that the average Roman citizen consumed an entire bottle of wine per day. However, Roman wine was much more diluted compared to the modern day, meaning it had far less alcohol content. Despite Posca’s poor reputation among the Roman elite, it was actually quite nutritious. A handful of herbs and spices would be added to a low-quality wine called Acetum to deliver a highly nutritious mix of antioxidants and Vitamin C. In an age before clean water, Posca was a safe source of hydration and energy. In light of the drink’s apparent benefits, Posca falls short in terms of taste. Its low-quality ingredients make for an extremely sour and tart drink. Who would’ve thought a drink made of vinegar would taste bad? It’s still better than Powerade, though. 

Some Priory students may recognize the stench from Raven Roundup, when the Junior Classical League showcased the drink for people to try. A club dedicated to the classics, the JCL prides itself on its study of Greek and Roman literature, subjects that still impact our day-to-day life.

So do you want the power of a Roman legionary? Do you dream of fighting Carthaginians in Sicily? Barbarians in the heart of Europe? If you can get past the questionable taste of wine vinegar, then Posca, the “Drink of the Gods,” is the perfect drink for you. To make this wonderful beverage, here are the short, simple steps:

• 1.5 cups of red wine vinegar
• 0.5 cups of honey
• 1 tablespoon of crushed coriander seed
• 4 cups of water

Simply boil the ingredients together and strain out the coriander seed. Enjoy!