aqua vitae
Alchemists' strong drink
Aqua vitae is an old term for distilled spirits, particularly brandy or whiskey.
The Latin phrase means "water of life," reflecting the medieval belief that strong alcohol had medicinal or life-giving properties.
The term survives mainly in literary or historical contexts: The apothecary prescribed aqua vitae for her fainting spells.
Oak-aged grain spirit
- brandySpirit from fermented fruit
- cognacGrape-based distilled spirit
- bourbonCorn-based American spirit
- scotchDecisively put an end to
vodka · gin · rum · eau-de-vie · grappa · schnapps · moonshine · poteen
Life-giving legendary drink
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- life-givingSustaining or restoring vitality
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
- vigorActive physical strength
vitality · sustenance · nourishment · restorative · invigorating · reviving · renewal · elixir of life
Mythical healing draught
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- transmutationComplete change of form
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- alembicDistillation apparatus
magnum opus · tincture · hermetic · arcane · esoteric · occult · retort · sublimation
Historical medicine preparer
- monksCloistered religious men
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
- renaissancePeriod of renewed vitality
- distillationPurification via vaporization
cordial · medicinal · tonic · monastery · herbalist · remedy · curative · preservation
whiskey
Oak-aged grain spirit
- brandySpirit from fermented fruit
- cognacGrape-based distilled spirit
- bourbonCorn-based American spirit
scotch · vodka · gin · rum · eau-de-vie · grappa · schnapps · moonshine · poteen · distillery
water of life
Life-giving legendary drink
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- life-givingSustaining or restoring vitality
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
vigor · vitality · sustenance · nourishment · restorative · invigorating · reviving · renewal · elixir of life · longevity
elixir
Mythical healing draught
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- transmutationComplete change of form
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
alembic · magnum opus · tincture · hermetic · arcane · esoteric · occult · retort · sublimation · calcination
apothecary
Historical medicine preparer
- monksCloistered religious men
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
- renaissancePeriod of renewed vitality
distillation · cordial · medicinal · tonic · monastery · herbalist · remedy · curative · preservation · concoction
aqua vitaewater
Clear essential liquid
plain water · soft drink · milk · juice · tea