Roman soldiers alcoholic drink of choice

The drink of choice for Roman soldiers was **posca**, a blend of water, vinegar, and sometimes herbs. Unlike the image of Roman elites sipping on fine wine, soldiers in the field required something practical, and posca was just that. This sour, tangy drink served a critical function: it was a safe, portable beverage that could hydrate soldiers while offering some protection against bacteria. Given that water sources in ancient times were often contaminated, the acidity of vinegar made posca a safer alternative. It also helped to mask the taste of stale water, a common issue for soldiers on long campaigns. Posca wasn't just about practicality; it had social significance as well. It was a drink associated with the common Roman soldier, the backbone of the Roman army.