Historical Elixirs trivia
Historical Elixirs Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these top questions!
Why does absinthe turn cloudy when water is added?
Water lowers ethanol's ability to dissolve anethole, so tiny anise-oil droplets scatter light and create the milky louche.
Which ingredient gives traditional switchel its signature spicy kick?
Ginger supplies the warm heat that sets switchel apart from fruit-forward vinegar drinks such as shrubs.
Why did haymakers keep switchel in shaded stone jugs?
Shade and cool containers let workers drink the mixture chilled before refrigeration was available.
How did drinkers traditionally sweeten absinthe?
Traditional absinthe spoons held a sugar cube above the glass while a slow stream of cold water dissolved it gradually.
What common ailment did historical posset often soothe?
Historical posset was served hot as a soothing remedy for colds; recipes could also include spices, sugar, or breadcrumbs.
In Macbeth, what did Lady Macbeth add to the grooms' possets?
Lady Macbeth drugged the possets to make Duncan's grooms sleep, leaving them unable to guard the king during the murder.
What base did traditional posset combine with ale or wine?
Posset used hot milk, while ale or wine curdled the milk; sugar and spices often flavored the drink.
Which British admiral ordered sailors' rum diluted, inspiring the name "grog"?
Edward Vernon, nicknamed "Old Grog," ordered the Royal Navy's rum ration diluted with water in 1740.
What name does The Long Winter give a switchel-like drink?
Laura and her father drink the ginger-flavored mixture while haying in Laura Ingalls Wilder's novel.
What did "Black Tot Day" mark for the Royal Navy's grog tradition?
On 31 July 1970, the Royal Navy issued its final daily rum ration, ending the service's centuries-old tot.