Posset was a bizarre restorative drink that fi rst became popular in the Middle Ages. Made of warm milk and beer or wine, the drink was fl avored with sugar and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg and thickened with eggs and grain. The milk curdled and fl oated to the top and the eggs created a custard layer immediately below. At the bottom was a warm alcoholic drink accessible only through the straw-like spout of a posset pot. This odd design was based on a type of Middle Eastern spouted vessel that may have been used to serve coffee or tea.

Recipes taken from John Nott, Cook’s and Confectioner’s Dictionary; or The Accomplish’d Housewife’s Companion, London, 1723.

Drawing by Anna Pankratz, 2008