This blog post will explore some of the beverages that were popular before coffee came onto the scene.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or not, you’re sure to find this information interesting!
Beer.
In the 17th century, many European people considered beer a definite breakfast drink.
Alcohol was a prominent drink for several reasons: Everyone was to be very careful about the water they consumed because water caused diseases that could kill.
However, with alcohol, they never got sick. And they believed that getting sick from drinking alcohol was impossible except for how they felt the next morning.
Additionally, the beer fermentation process had the added advantage of purifying the liquid and removing bad bacteria that may make people sick.
Alcohol had 2 two bi-products that yeast creates when consuming the sugars found in the starches.
The aim was not to get drunk but to get energy from the starches, which was a stomach-filling liquid that could see them through the day and keep them free from sickness.
Strange choice of drink? People did not know about proper nutrition.
They believed that beer was both healthy and nourishing, which was comparatively true given the dangers posed by the water they had readily available.
Mulled Wines and Hot Punch.
These were also non-alcoholic wines drunk mostly in Europe and Germany. They were made by fermenting grape juice and various fruit juices.
Possets
Possets were made from hot milk curdled with wine, ale or any other alcoholic liquor.
They were flavored with spices and were considered medicinal drinks at that time.
They were considered to cure minor illnesses like common colds and other ailments.
Soup Broths and Tisanes
Tisanes are a form of tea that wasn’t made from tea plants. It was made from chamomile, jasmine, and rooibos.
These substances made hot beverages like tea but did not have caffeine or tea.
According to research, all cultures, races, and countries must have eventually discovered that hot liquids with something put in it - “tisane” or “infusion”- seem to have special properties.
Another drink was warm milk which was very easy to come about and prepare. Buttermilk was often offered in places such as India.
Even up to date, they offer buttermilk or lassi to guests instead of tea or coffee.
Cocoa
It was made from slabs of roasted cocoa bean particles left behind when cocoa butter is extracted and added to warm water for an instant drink.
The seed used to make Chocolate and brewed drinks from leaves and twigs were from yaupon holly (cocoa tree).
Final Thoughts
So, what did people drink before coffee?
As it turns out, there were many different options – some of which are still enjoyed today.
If you’re looking for a unique experience and want to try something new, find authentic varieties of coffee from our store today, by clicking here (link).