From Cleopatra to Louis XIV: The Favorite Drinks of History’s Elite
When we look back at history, wealth has often been associated with luxury, refinement, and indulgence. For the world’s richest and most influential figures of the past, food and drink were more than sustenance—they were a reflection of power, culture, and identity. From emperors and kings to philosophers and magnates, their favorite beverages reveal much about their personalities, their societies, and their legacies. Let us take a journey through time to explore the top drinks beloved by some of history’s wealthiest individuals.
1. Cleopatra VII – Wine Infused with Herbs and Honey
The legendary Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, was renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and her lavish lifestyle. Among her luxuries was her love for wine, often blended with honey and herbs. Egyptian elites drank wine not merely for pleasure but also for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Cleopatra was known to infuse her wines with aromatic herbs, creating elixirs that were thought to enhance vitality and allure. Her passion for such concoctions reflected not only wealth but also the ancient tradition of treating drinks as symbols of both health and sensuality.
2. Marcus Aurelius – Mulsum (Honey Wine)
The Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius lived a disciplined life, but even he enjoyed the luxuries of Rome. Mulsum, a mixture of wine and honey, was one of the most popular beverages among Roman elites. It was often served at banquets before meals as a sweet aperitif. For Aurelius, this drink was likely a small indulgence amid his otherwise austere lifestyle, a reminder of Roman traditions that balanced duty with moments of pleasure.
3. Kublai Khan – Fermented Mare’s Milk (Kumis)
As the powerful Mongol ruler and founder of the Yuan dynasty in China, Kublai Khan commanded vast territories and immense wealth. Yet his favorite drink reflected his nomadic heritage: kumis, a fermented beverage made from mare’s milk. This drink was deeply tied to Mongol culture, symbolizing both nourishment and social bonding. For Kublai Khan, kumis was not just a drink but a connection to his people’s roots, a symbol of unity across his empire.
4. Catherine the Great – Hot Chocolate
The Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great, was famous for her ambitious reforms, her intellectual curiosity, and her indulgence in life’s finer things. One of her favorite beverages was hot chocolate, a drink that had spread to Europe from the Americas through Spain. At the Russian court, hot chocolate became a status symbol, consumed by nobles during lavish gatherings. Catherine believed in its invigorating qualities, and it became part of her morning routine—a sophisticated blend of taste, luxury, and energy.
5. Louis XIV of France – Champagne
Known as the “Sun King,” Louis XIV epitomized extravagance, and his palace at Versailles became the symbol of European opulence. Among his many indulgences, Champagne held a special place. During his reign, the sparkling wine from the Champagne region gained enormous prestige. Louis XIV helped establish it as the drink of aristocracy and celebration. To sip Champagne at Versailles was to bask in the glory of the monarch himself, making the drink inseparable from French royal culture.
6. Benjamin Franklin – Madeira Wine
The American founding father Benjamin Franklin, while not a monarch, was one of the wealthiest and most influential men of his era. Known for his diplomacy, scientific pursuits, and wit, Franklin adored Madeira wine, a fortified drink imported from the Portuguese islands. Madeira was favored by elites in the American colonies because it aged well during long sea voyages. Franklin often enjoyed a glass during political discussions, considering it both a delight and a facilitator of conversation.
7. Queen Victoria – Whisky and Claret
Though best remembered for her propriety and the era named after her, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was fond of both Scotch whisky and claret (a red Bordeaux wine). She and her husband, Prince Albert, enjoyed whisky during their stays in Scotland, embracing a drink once considered rustic. At the same time, claret represented the refinement of European courts. For Victoria, these drinks reflected the duality of her reign: deeply rooted in tradition yet embracing innovation.
8. The Medici Family – Italian Wine
The Medici dynasty of Florence, among the wealthiest banking families in history, were great patrons of art and science. Unsurprisingly, they were also passionate about wine, particularly the varieties of Tuscany. The Medici used lavish banquets featuring local wines as tools of diplomacy and power. Their wealth allowed them to promote Tuscan wine across Europe, turning it into a cultural export as well as a personal indulgence.
9. Emperor Qianlong – Chinese Tea
In contrast to Western rulers who prized wine, Emperor Qianlong of China valued the art of tea. As one of the wealthiest and longest-reigning emperors in history, he promoted tea as a refined and healthful beverage. He favored delicate green teas and saw tea ceremonies as moments of meditation and cultural pride. Tea under Qianlong’s reign became a symbol of sophistication, diplomacy, and Chinese tradition. Interestingly, modern science aligns with this ancient preference, as tea remains among the best drinks for health.
Conclusion
Throughout history, the wealthiest figures have shaped culture not only through politics, art, and warfare but also through their choices in food and drink. Cleopatra’s honeyed wines, Catherine’s hot chocolate, Louis XIV’s Champagne, and Qianlong’s tea all highlight how drinks transcend simple refreshment. They become cultural markers, tools of diplomacy, and emblems of luxury. Studying the favorite drinks of the world’s richest individuals offers a window into how indulgence, tradition, and identity have always been intertwined.
From emperors to queens, each glass tells a story—not only of wealth but of humanity’s eternal desire to savor life.