What is posset milk drink?
Posset was an old English hot drink of milk or cream curdled with ale, wine or another acidic or alcoholic liquid, usually spiced and sweetened, and once taken for colds. Today the word mostly means a cold lemon cream dessert. A modern lemon posset contains no alcohol.
Free download
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What is a posset?
A posset is a traditional British hot milk drink. Hot milk or cream was mixed with liquor such as sweet ale or cherry wine, which made it curdle. It was then spiced (cinnamon is mentioned) and sweetened. It was widely believed to treat ailments, especially colds and fevers. It has no proven healing effect, and nobody serves it as medicine now.
How did posset change?
Cooks began using heavy cream, plenty of sugar and lemon, and posset turned from a drink into a pudding similar to syllabub. That is the version people mean today: a cold, smooth, mousse-like dessert.
| Old posset | Modern lemon posset | |
|---|---|---|
| Served | Hot, in a cup | Cold, in a small glass or ramekin |
| Base | Milk or cream plus ale or wine | Heavy cream, sugar, lemon juice |
| Alcohol | Yes, from the ale or wine | No (unless you add a splash) |
| Thickened by | Curdling | Lemon acid reacting with the cream |
What does it taste like?
The old drink was warm, creamy, sweet and spiced, with a slight tang from the ale or wine. The modern dessert is rich and silky with a clean lemon sharpness, something between lemon curd and panna cotta.
Why does it set without gelatin?
Heavy cream is boiled with sugar, then lemon juice is stirred in. The acid thickens the cream as it cools, and the high fat content is what helps it set. That is why light cream or milk does not work in the dessert.
Is it the same as a baby posset?
No. In the UK, parents also use posset to describe the small amount of milk a baby brings up after a feed. That is unrelated to this drink. Ask your health visitor or doctor if you are worried about a baby’s feeding.
Should I make the old hot drink?
It is a historical curiosity and contains alcohol, so keep it away from children and anyone avoiding alcohol. If you want to try posset, the lemon dessert is far easier and safer. See how to make it in our posset recipe.
People also ask
Does posset contain alcohol?
The old hot posset did, because ale or wine was used to curdle the milk. A modern lemon posset does not, unless a recipe adds a splash of liqueur.
Is posset a drink or a dessert?
Both, depending on the period. It began as a hot drink and is now mostly a cold cream and lemon dessert.
Does posset cure colds?
It was used that way historically, but there is no evidence it treats colds. Treat it as a comforting recipe, not medicine.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
