Aleberry

/ˈeɪl.bɛr.i/ noun

Definition

A hot drink made from ale mixed with spices, sugar, and sometimes bread or eggs, popular in medieval and early modern England as a comfort beverage.

Etymology

From 'ale' + 'berry' (possibly referring to the drink's color or to the spices added, or perhaps an old word for a beverage). Documented in cookbooks and household records from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Kelly Says

Aleberry was the hot chocolate of medieval Europe—people made it for sick people, as comfort food, and to warm up on cold nights! It's basically an ancient mulled drink that combined cheap ale with whatever spices a household could afford.

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