Posca was a popular beverage in ancient Rome and Byzantium, primarily consumed by legionaries. It was made by mixing water with wine vinegar, sometimes with cheap sour wine, and herbs like hyssop.
How it is made
Posca was prepared by combining water with wine vinegar, sometimes including cheap sour wine, and herbs such as hyssop. Some sources also mention raw eggs as an ingredient. The exact recipe has not been preserved, but one reconstruction suggests mixing 1½ cups of wine vinegar with ½ cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of crushed coriander seeds, and 4 cups of water, which is then boiled and cooled.
History
Posca was widely consumed by lower classes in ancient Rome due to its easy preparation. It not only quenched thirst but masked the taste of poor quality water. The drink may have had antibacterial and antiscorbutic properties. Historical accounts mention that soldiers offered a vinegar drink to Jesus during crucifixion. Even higher-ranking officials sometimes consumed posca to show solidarity with soldiers.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Поска, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.