Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Black Drink: A Southeastern Native Tea

— Mission San Luis —

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

1. The Black Drink: A Southeastern Native Tea Marker

Inscription. Cassina, commonly called black drink, was a dark brew loaded with caffeine. It was popular with Spaniards and Apalachee alike.

Black drink could only be served in the council house unless the chief granted special permission to serve it elsewhere.

One friar was allegedly experiencing cassina-nerves or caffeine withdrawal when he stormed into the council house and broke some pottery jugs because he was not given his black drink on time.

Bip Bentura As inija, or town manager, Bip Bentura was responsible for overseeing the preparation of the black drink. He was also in charge of native sentries and supervised the planting of the San Luis fields.

(caption)
The leaves of Ilex vomitoria or yaupon holly, were used to make cassina. They were first roasted, then ground before being used to brew the black drink.

Erected by Florida Heritage.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1700.

Location. 30° 26.964′ N, 84° 19.165′ W. Marker is in Tallahassee, Florida, in Leon County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of

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West Tennessee Street and Ocala Road, on the right when traveling west. Located on the grounds of the Mission San Luis living history museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee FL 32304, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Apalachee Civic Center (here, next to this marker); Apalachee Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The Land of the Apalachee (within shouting distance of this marker); New Ways, New Faces (within shouting distance of this marker); Trade Bolsters San Luis’ Economy (within shouting distance of this marker); A Stronghold at the Top (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Mission San Luis de Apalachee (within shouting distance of this marker); A Comfortable Life on the Spanish Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tallahassee.

Also see . . .
1. Mission San Luis. (Submitted on January 12, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. San Luis de Talimali Tallahassee. (Submitted on January 12, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

2. The Black Drink: A Southeastern Native Tea Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 12, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.