Aperitifs- specifically sherry.

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:24 am Post subject: Aperitifs- specifically sherry.

I have looked at a lot of information about Regency food and drink.

Port was mainly for gentlemen and I see a lot of info on Madeira and wine.

Question: Was sherry a suitable aperitif for ladies?

I hope this isn't a dumb question but nothing I find is an absolute answer in regards to ladies. Any references would be appreciated.

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:50 am Post subject: I found something.

Okay, I found a reference in Georgette Heyer's Regency World by Jennifer Kloester that states women did drink sherry. Would it be plausible that ladies would partake of sherry in the drawing room before dinner?

Viscountess of the Manor Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 1100

I don't see why not. It's one of many drinks listed as appropriate to serve with dinner, and as far as I know it was considered something of a lady’s drink (not that men didn’t drink it too) . If you look at period books about dining and entertaining they’ll often list just how/when to serve various beverages.
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-Kalen
w/a Isobel Carr
Ripe for Pleasure, May 2011
Book 1: The League of Second Sons
www.isobelcarr.com

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

Ratafia (sp?) was also considered a lady's drink. But I remember when author Lynn Kerstan found a period recipe and made up a batch for a Beau Monde conference ... it was POTENT!!!!! heiss

I think you're safe with Sherry.
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject: Thanks ladies.

Candice, ratafia sounded like a drink served at a social or assembly. I wanted something easy for the family at home. (I hope that made sense.)

I don't have much here at the base library or the library in our little town.