Mead is an ancient liquor that in Italy is called idromele, a word that takes its origins from the Greek hydor and méli which mean water and honey.

It was called ambrosia by the Greeks, which was the Olympian Gods drink par excellence, mainly because honey has always been considered a fine product. It was usually consumed not only by the Greeks but also by the Egyptians and the Romans during feasts and important rituals.

It is said that the Celts used mead during their weddings to arouse their virility and their fertility. It was meant to be drunk during an entire lunar cycle after the wedding. For this reason, the term honeymoon seems to take its origins from the use of mead by husbands and wives during that period of time.

Today mead can be found at the medieval village of Contrada della Cerva during the Medieval festival, where it is possible to taste it to recall the sensations of the past.

Alchermes is a crimson liquor that is obtained using spices like coriander, star anise, cinnamon and cloves which are left macerating into a mixture of water and alcohol.

The most important feature of this liquor is its colour that derives from the cochineal insect which is left to dry and then it is chopped to be made into powder to be dissolved in the solution.

The origins of the liquor are said to be Arab, as a matter of fact the word alchermes derives from al-qirmiz which in Arabic means cochineal insect. It may have come to Italy through the Spanish. It became famous especially in Florence where it was produced by the convent of Santa Maria Novella and it was also brought at court in France where it is known as the liquor of the Medici family, thanks to Caterina de Medici.

The contrada presents Alchermes at the Medieval market where it is possible to taste it and to find out about its history.

Ippocrasso is a spiced wine that has ancient origins. The etymology of the word is uncertain, according to the legend it was invented by the famous Greek physician Hippocrates, but since it was considered to be a therapeutic wine, it was connected to Hippocrates and for this reason it bears his name.

In the past wine was bound to become vinegar in a short period of time and either for the fact that the vines were scarce or for the difficulty in producing it, its preservation was more cautious. The use of honey and herbs inside it was fundamental in slowing down oxidation, in making ippocrasso more palatable and this process also increased the consumption of it.

As centuries passed by, the process of adding honey and herbs was so improved that it became well-known also in the Middle Ages when the recipe that we use nowadays was established. The base is made with Barbera wine to which are added sugar, cinnamon, ginger and galangal. This combination of relaxing and therapeutic qualities increased the product popularity for its healthy features and its enjoyable taste.

During the exhibitions of Contrada della Cerva it is possible to taste this spiced wine into terracotta pots at the medieval village. It is like going back to the past flavour and traditions.