Make Tosca the ancient health drink that energised the Armies of Rome

Make Tosca the ancient health drink that energised the Armies of Rome.

It was a popular tonic drink in antiquity  and taken for its strengthening and refreshing qualities. The Babylonians brewed it 600 years BC and the Bible describes Ruth and Boaz taking a tipple together after a busy day in the harvest fields at around the same time.  100 years later Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine recommended it for many ailments.   It is, of course, apple cider vinegar, commonly known as cider vinegar.

Cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and its attributes are many.   Its detoxifying and purifying properties are reported to improve the working of kidneys, bladder and liver.  It thins the blood  and lowers blood pressure.  It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibre and these are just a few of the claims made by enthusiasts, both ancient and modern who have enjoyed its benefits over the centuries.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, advised sweetening it with honey, an idea adopted by Roman legionnaires who believed the drink to be an energising and strengthening tonic.  If it is true that an army marches on its stomach then it appears that the Roman army did it on cider vinegar, or ‘Posca’ as they called it then.

If you want to know more about the household and medical uses of cider vinegar considerable information is available, but space necessitates that this article is concerned with Posca as a health drink.

Posca is an easy to make cocktail based on Hippocrates’ recipe.  Simply mix 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar with 2 teaspoons of honey, add a glass of cold water and drink it twice a day.  I would recommend 2 ice cubes as well for a really refreshing drink in hot weather.

Consider the level of caffeine and calories in modern carbonated drinks, and the resulting cans and plastic bottles that litter our world.  Posca is an eco-friendly alternative, good for us and good for the planet.  A bottle of cider vinegar and a jar of honey will provide you with 2/3 months of healthy litter free refreshment.  There has never been a more appropriate time to invest in them. 

Posca is a drink for all reasons.  It will set you up in the morning to go out and conquer your world.  It will perk you up again at the end of the day.

The Romans conquered the world on Tosca, what might it do for you?