A Drink to Your Health

Across the 18th century, warm and spiced drinks weren’t merely seasonal pleasures—they were part of the rhythm of daily life, believed to steady the nerves, warm the body, and bring households together. As we head into the holiday season, we’re highlighting four timeless favorites: toddies, wassails, teas, and shrubs. Each carries centuries of tradition, rich flavor, and a place of honor at any winter gathering.

Hot Toddy: A Restorative Sip

In period accounts, the hot toddy appears again and again as a welcome reward at day’s end. It was often praised as “heartening,” thought to ease the shock of cold weather and settle the body after long hours of work or travel. Though many traditionally incorporate whiskey, these can be enjoyed on their own. With its gentle spices and mellow depth, the toddy became a familiar comfort in taverns and homes alike.

Our toddy mix draws on those traditional notes—warm spice, mild sweetness, and a slow-building heat that lingers. Whether the warmth of the orange clove or the zest of the lemon ginger appeals to you, they are always better when enjoyed in good company. 

 Wassail: A Bowl of Good Cheer

Few beverages are as closely tied to celebration as wassail. Rooted in Old World custom, wassail was typically served from a communal bowl and symbolized goodwill, good health, and shared festivity. Period descriptions emphasize its fragrant spices and enlivening nature, making it a natural centerpiece for winter gatherings.

Our wassail blend follows these early inspirations, filling the kitchen with spice long before the first ladle is poured. Served warm at a bustling party or a calm family evening, it brings a sense of ceremony and cheer that connects directly to 18th-century tradition. For a family beverage, use the Wassail Cider Spices in an apple cider base, and toss in some peeled apples to soak. For the adult crowd, the Wassail Wine Spices are perfect for a warmed, full-bodied red wine. 

Tea: Calm, Comfort & Conversation

Throughout the 18th century, tea was prized for its gently steadying qualities. Many writers of the period described it as calming and clarifying, a perfect companion for correspondence, reading, or reflective conversation. It quickly became a staple of early American households—quiet, dependable, and endlessly versatile.

Our historic blends echo the character of teas enjoyed in the colonies: bright, aromatic, and full of subtle complexity for any occasion. Varieties like Bohea, and Hysong pack two different taste profiles for anyone to enjoy. Accoutrements like a tea strainer can round out the full experience.

Shrubs: Bright, Tangy, and Timeless

Before icehouses and refrigeration, families preserved seasonal fruit by turning it into shrubs—a mixture of fruit, sugar, and vinegar that produced a vivid, long-lasting syrup. In 18th-century writing, shrubs were often described as refreshing, invigorating, and particularly helpful after hearty meals or in warm, crowded rooms.

A small measure stirred into cold water produces a crisp, lightly tart drink; mixed with spirits, it becomes a lively punch suited to winter evenings. The balance of sweet and sharp makes shrubs an ideal counterpoint to rich holiday fare. Bring back summer flavors like wild blueberry, or dive into the winter season with flavors like amaretto cherry and elderberry.

Our historical shrub varieties draw on those period methods and flavors, offering a bright, memorable option that feels both old-fashioned and perfectly at home in the modern season.

A Tradition Worth Raising a Glass To

Whether you choose the warmth of toddy, the ceremony of wassail, the quiet comfort of tea, or the bright tang of shrubs, each of these historic beverages brings something special to the table. They are rooted in centuries of custom, shaped by real 18th-century tastes, and ready to make your holiday gatherings a little warmer, a little brighter, and a little more memorable.