Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s greatest museum of art and design
Opening times
10.00 to 17.45 daily
10.00 to 22.00 Fridays
The Art of Drinking
Posset pot, Late 17th or early 18th century. Museum no. 3841-1901
Posset pot, Late 17th or early 18th century. Museum no. 3841-1901
Posset pot
Netherlands
Late 17th or early 18th century
Tin-glazed earthenware painted in blue
Museum no. 3841-1901
Celebration and Commemoration
Drinking alcohol has long been associated with celebration, but many traditions have disappeared. Posset was a nourishing warm drink of eggs, sugar, milk and breadcrumbs. Decorative posset pots were brought out for celebrations such as a wedding, Christmas or harvest feast.
