Drink In Medieval Times

The most valued drink in medieval times was probably wine and this dates back to the Romans. It is interesting to note that medieval people do not seem to have appreciated the benefits of aging the wine.

Ale was also a popular drink, but as it was produced without hops it would have had a different and perhaps less pleasant taste to that which we are used to today.

Meade was also popular and was produced by fermenting honey and water. When blended with herbs it became metheglin.

Cider would be made from apples and could also be blended with pears.

Claret came from the wines of Bordeaux and would be sweetened with honey and spices to make "hippocras". Further sweetening would make "malmsey".

Punches were much prized and also had the distinction of people believing that it helped tooth decay.