I last week saw a PBS show about Helen of Troy. Among the many interesting things I learned were these two nuggets:
The Greek “wine” Retsina has been around since the bronze age.
We now know the ingredients of an alcoholic concoction consumed by bronze age Mycenaeans. No one knows the proper ratio, but the drink is a mixture of Retsina, barley beer, and mead.
I watched the show’s hostess and a scientist friend make these drinks. They used roughly these proportions:
1 part mead
1 part retsina
3 parts beer
Both women, convinced that the drink would taste awful, were pleasantly surprised by it.
Now, I intend to make and drink this beverage tomorrow night. I am naming the drink a “Mycenaean Hero”. I am fairly certain that, should it catch on, the drink will need another, simpler name; perhaps simply a “Hero” or “What’ll it be gentlemen?” - “Agamemnons all around, thanks”.
I will, of course, report my findings here. I have some fond hopes for the effects of this drink. I expect to find myself yearning to organize and lead a band of men to attack and pillage a nearby wealthy town in northern New Jersey; perhaps Ridgewood.
If I haven’t reported in by Monday, assume the worst, e.g., the drink’s profoundly hallucinogenic effects have driven me - wrapped in aluminum foil armor and wielding a stick - to sail the wine-dark Hudson against windy Manhattan, rich in gold.
There are so many unemployed comedians, and Paul is trying to be funny (and succeeding )
We’ll all be worried if you don’t report by Monday, but if you do report, we won’t know if it is Paul talking or if the “Hero” has gone to your head.
While I am afraid to make the recipe (for fear of what the effects will be), I am going to get some Retsina this weekend. I want to taste it for myself. It sounds like it has an interesting flavor.
Don’t get into too much trouble with your concoction, Paul!
Ouzo sometimes causes me to address irate syntax questions to the air as though Pindar, whom I call “dude” in this situation, were present. While I’m also fond of retzina, I think I should pass on this concoction. Who knows what I’d call Homer.
All ingredients have been purchased. The drinking should begin in about 5 hours.
With the help of a knowledgeable liquor store clerk, I found the most primitive ingredients available: a simple honey mead, and a Marzen style OctoberFest beer. In order to reduce any hoppy finish in the beer, I also purchased a 100% pure barley malt drink (also German). So my 3 parts barley beer will consist of 1/2 OctoberFest + 1/2 pure barley malt beverage.
Peter, I doubt that Agamemnon served this drink cold, but your food idea makes good sense for several reasons. I will pick up some bread, feta, olives, and some string cheese. Greek olive oil is a staple in my house. A huge rack of lamb would probably add a touch of authenticity.
Senor Boethius: love the “Achilles Heel” appellation.
Will: ouzo is indeed an interesting drink. But don’t feel too bad about calling Pindar “dude” (hilarious, BTW). When I’m in my cups and wrestling with grammar I routinely refer to Homer as “white boy”.
Thank you all for you well-wishes. Truth be told, they do make me a little nervous. I mean, it’s not like I am about to attempt time-travel…or am I?
The first “Hero” was a bit rough. But the 2nd through 5th were simply excellent. I should point out that none of its components is especially high in alcohol.
That said, I just sacrificed several neighborhood pets to Posei-das and Da-mater. Strangely, none of my neighbors wants to join me in the attack on Ridgewood.
One of my slaves just brought me news from rich-clodded Phthia. What’s this - Achilles is calling me a “bitch”?! I will have to deal with him someday.
Actually, I’m not too hung over this AM, but do feel a bit spaced-out. I seem to have stopped channeling Agamemnon; I’ve heard no reports of attacks by a band of armed men against Ridgewood or Manhattan. But what’s with this blood on my hands; and where’s my cat?
The drink really is pretty tasty. The honey mead softens the piney Retsina. I drank about 7 of them (I think). Again, the first one tasted a bit rough, but 2 through 7 were delicious. I drank a bunch of water before bed against hangover.
All in all a positive experience. And I can now boast to have drunk a concoction that Agamemon himself likely drank. That just rocks.
Man…you guys are making me jealous…I almost wish I still drank! Is there by chance a good virgin ancient drink? Maybe something fruity with an umbrella in it (why do I have a feeling that I’m about to incur more Epi insults?) One of my favorite creatures in mythology is Typhon, which would be a great name for a drink if it was really horrendous:)
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