A Gladiator Drink for Victory
A spiced honey, fig, and ginger Gladiator drink for victory and success, no matter what battles lie ahead! Inspired by both ancient Rome and the Gladiator movie series, this Roman cocktail has both alcohol and nonalcoholic mocktail options for everyone to enjoy.
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Creating a Gladiator-Inspired Drink
When I was first asked to make a drink for Gladiator II, I leaped at the opportunity. As a nerdy teen, I took Latin class all four years of high school, translating Roman texts and learning about the myths and history. Plus, the first movie was such a hit at the time.
I really wanted a gladiator cocktail that not only portrayed the themes of the movie, but used Ancient Roman-inspired ingredients where possible—without the sacrifice of a deliciously modern libation.
Luckily, with astrology’s connection to both Roman deities and rulership of ingredients in Western magic, it was fun to pick out ingredients that really tell a story. For example, Mars (named after the Roman god of War) empowered ingredients would inspire victory and strength, while Jupiter-ruled ingredients would bring success and riches. So, Mars and Jupiter-ruled ingredients would be perfect for a gladiator drink.
Ingredients and Their Inspiration
Fig. In Ancient Rome, figs were popular and eaten to inspire strength, health and prosperity (perfect for a gladiator’s success). I used Bonne Maman fig preserves since fig isn’t super accessible for me, but those lucky enough to find them in season can experiment with adding them straight to the recipe (let me know how it goes!).
Honey & Lemon. Honey was also a common sweetener in Rome, while lemons might’ve been more reserved for the wealthy.
Spices. Since being a gladiator required strength and skill, but also good fortune, I added fresh ginger for power, clove for riches, and cinnamon for luck. Plus, mulled wine was made in Ancient Rome to fight off colds at the change of season (or to mask unwanted flavors), so the addition of spices felt natural for a Roman-inspired cocktail.
Bay Leaf. Since a crown of laurel leafs was a symbol of victory, I garnished the recipe with bay leaves I dusted with gold cocktail glitter.
Brandy & Wine (for the cocktail version). Being made from grapes, I thought brandy was a great choice for an alcohol, for those wanting a gladiator cocktail. Plus, it’s hard not to associate wine with Rome, so I added a float of red wine as a way to also create a “bloody” effect atop the drink.
Mocktail Options. For nonalcoholic enjoyers, I tested Lyre’s American Malt and Orange Sec in this gladiator recipe. A strong earl grey brew and orange juice worked as well (just be aware orange juice can add extra sweetness).
Altogether, you have a Roman-inspired, Gladiator drink perfect to claim your inner victor, whether watching the movie series or invigorating your senses with success.
The Recipe
Gladiator’s Victory – An Inspired Gladiator Drink Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- A ginger, spices, fig, and honey to shaker. Muddle ginger into honey.
- Then add lemon, orange sec, brandy or replacement, and ice to a shaker.
- Shake, then double strain into stemmed glassware. Top with a layer of red wine by gently pouring into drink on the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with gold-cocktail glitter dusted bay leaves for victory.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
