Part 4/5:
Interestingly, the refreshment offered at these routs strayed from the heavy drinking usually associated with wild parties. Instead, the 18th-century elite indulged in lighter beverages such as coffee, tea, and lemonade—more suitable for social interaction than for drunken revelry. To complement these drinks were route cakes, delicate little sweets that provided sustenance in between bursts of social excitement. The culinary offerings were simple but indicative of the refined tastes expected in high society.