What does posset mean?
A posset is a drink made by curdling milk, traditionally with wine or another acidic liquid, then sweetening it and often adding spices. In earlier English usage, possets were associated with households, apothecaries, and celebratory or convalescent meals, and recipes could include beer, wine, or spirits. The name survives chiefly as a historical or literary term, although modern versions—especially rum-and-milk drinks with sugar, citrus, or spices—have given it renewed interest. A posset differs from an ordinary glass of milk because its texture is deliberately thickened by curdling and its flavor is usually adjusted. It also differs from junket, a more specifically sweet curdled-milk dish. Knowing the word therefore reveals both an old domestic drink and a tradition of transforming basic milk into something rich and highly flavored.
nounA drink made by curdling milk, traditionally with wine or another acidic liquid, and usually sweetened and flavored with spices. Modern versions may be made with rum, citrus, or other ingredients.
- A drink made from milk curdled with an acidic ingredient, traditionally sweetened and flavored with spices.
"She served a warm, spiced posset after dinner."
"The recipe calls for a posset made with milk, sugar, lemon, and nutmeg."
"In the period novel, the invalid was given a warming posset by the apothecary."
The standard plural is possets, used for individual servings or distinct varieties of the drink.
"The apothecary prepared several possets for the household."
A posset turns milk on purpose—curdled, sweetened, spiced, and sometimes fortified with wine or rum.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does posset come from?
Posset entered Middle English from an Old French word for a curdled-milk drink. That form is generally traced to medieval Latin pocsellus, a diminutive associated with a cup or small cup, although the precise ultimate origin is uncertain. The English meaning subsequently broadened to include milk curdled with an acid and sweetened or spiced, while later recipes often added wine, rum, or other spirits.
How posset is actually used
The word is chiefly historical or literary today, though it has seen a modern revival in recipes for rich rum-and-milk drinks. Its strongly spiced and sweetened character distinguishes it from plain milk or an ordinary curdled-milk dessert.
Easily confused with posset
A posset is a sweetened or spiced drink of curdled milk, sometimes made with wine or spirits, whereas junket is primarily a sweet curdled-milk dessert.