As an expert sommelier and brewer, I find the drinking habits of ancient Romans quite fascinating. Wine was undoubtedly the beverage of choice for most Romans, but it was not consumed in the same way we enjoy it today. The Romans typically mixed their wine with water and various spices, creating a beverage known as mulsum. This mixture not only diluted the wine but also added flavor and aroma to it.
The practice of mixing wine with water was not limited to the elite or noble class; it was a common practice among all social classes. This dilution was not only seen as a way to control alcohol consumption but also as a sign of sophistication and refinement. It was believed that drinking undiluted wine was a characteristic of barbarians.
Interestingly, soldiers and slaves had a different beverage of choice – posca. Posca was a type of vinegar-based drink that was heavily diluted with water. It was a refreshing and cheap beverage that provided hydration to those who consumed it. While wine was considered a luxury, posca was the everyday drink for the common people.
The Romans were aware of beer, which had been developed by their northern neighbors, but they refused to embrace it. They viewed beer as a barbaric drink, associated with the Germanic and Celtic tribes. The Romans considered themselves superior to these “barbarians” and saw beer as a symbol of their uncivilized ways. As a result, beer never gained popularity in ancient Rome, and wine remained the beverage of choice for the majority.
In my experiences as a sommelier and brewer, I have come across ancient Roman recipes for wine and posca. It is fascinating to recreate these beverages and try to understand the taste preferences of the Romans. The combination of water, wine, and spices in mulsum creates a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and complex. Similarly, posca with its vinegar tang and diluted nature provides a different drinking experience altogether.
To sum up, the ancient Romans primarily drank wine mixed with water and spices, known as mulsum. This practice was prevalent among all social classes and was seen as a symbol of refinement. Soldiers and slaves, on the other hand, consumed posca, a diluted vinegar beverage that provided hydration. Despite the invention of beer, the Romans rejected it as a barbaric drink, associating it with uncivilized tribes. The Romans' preference for wine and their disdain for beer showcase the cultural significance of beverages in ancient Rome.