EPISODE 2
Flips, Punches and Corpse Revivers: Charles Dickens’ Victorian World of Drinks
This week on Intoxicating History, Tom and Henry take us to the heart of Dickensian London, a world where every glass of gin, mug of punch, or bottle of sherry consumed by one of Charles Dickens’ characters tells us something about Victorian life.
Dickens wasn’t just a master storyteller—he was a chronicler of his times. Through his vivid descriptions of food, drink, and the characters who consumed them, we get a window into the entire society: its joys, struggles, and often, its hypocrisies.
From the gaslit allure of gin palaces—both refuge and ruin for London’s poor—to the moral crusades of the temperance movement, Dickens captured it all. Whether it’s Mr. Pickwick’s cheerful excess, Nancy’s bittersweet affair with gin and Bill Sykes, or the rich smells of a Christmas punch, every scene is soaked in meaning.
So mix a Corpse Reviver and join us for a spirited look at Victorian society through Dickens’ brilliant writing.
IMAGERY
Hogarth's "Gin Lane" (1751) starkly contrasts with "Beer Street," highlighting the social ramifications of gin consumption in 18th-century England. While "Beer Street" presents a joyful camaraderie, "Gin Lane" depicts despair and chaos from gin addiction. The engraving features a skeletal figure of Death over a neglectful mother and her child, symbolizing the destructive effects of addiction amidst decay. Unlike the celebratory nature of beer, "Gin Lane" critiques the gin craze that plagued London, serving as an early example of social realism. This artwork reflects urgent calls for reform, emphasizing the intersections of public health, morality, and regulation, while powerfully illustrating the devastation of vice on communities.
William Hogarth's "Beer Street," created in the year 1751, is a striking and thought-provoking artwork that critiques the intricate social and cultural dynamics of 18th-century Britain. This engaging engraving showcases ale not merely as a beverage, but as a powerful symbol of community and conviviality, while simultaneously highlighting the contrasting themes of industrialization and societal decay. The vivid imagery captures the essence of the era, portraying an idealized scene of happiness and prosperity that stands in stark contrast to the darker implications of alcohol consumption and its impact on society.
SOURCES
No author is more synonymous with Christmas cuisine than Charles Dickens. This collection allows you to recreate classic Victorian dishes and drinks from 'the man who invented Christmas'.
From Mrs Cratchit’s plum pudding to Mr Pickwick’s 'mighty bowl of wassail', Dickens's writings are rich with examples of festive feasting. Discover updated recipes for traditional Christmas fare like roast goose and chestnut mince pies, as well as dishes for entertaining, such as lobster patties and Charlotte Russe. There's even a recipe for a hand-raised pork pie, perfect for unexpected visitors.
Drinking with Dickens is a whimsical sketch by Cedric Dickens, the great-grandson of Charles Dickens. The book is rich with memorable drinking scenes from Dickens’ works and features a variety of recipes inspired by the beverages of Dickensian England and America, such as Bishop, Dog's Nose, Hot Bowl Punch, Milk Punch, Mint Julep, Sherry Cobbler, Shrub, and Negus.
Remarkably, this appears to be the first comprehensive exploration of this subject, enhanced by Cedric's own recipes and anecdotes. Victorian sources include a penny notebook from 1859 kept by Georgina Hogarth, who cared for Dickens' younger children at Gads Hill.
It opens with a recipe for Ginger Beer, an alcohol-free drink that intriguingly includes a quart of brandy. Additionally, it features the inventory from Gads Hill's cellar at the time of Dickens’ passing. With meticulous attention to detail, Cedric captures a series of delightful moments where wisely enjoyed drink serves as a catalyst for joy across generations.