The Fiery History of Kill-Devil: A Strong Spirit of the Past

Kill-devil is an old name for a type of strong, fiery spirit that was popular in England and other parts of Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name "kill-devil" is thought to have originated from the belief that the drink could kill the devil within oneself, or that it had the power to drive away evil spirits.

The drink was typically made by mixing a type of strong brandy or rum with a variety of herbs and spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. It was often served in small quantities, as it was considered to be very potent and could cause drunkenness and other negative effects if consumed in excess.

Kill-devil is no longer widely available today, as it has largely been replaced by other types of spirits and cocktails. However, the name lives on in some historical accounts and in the names of certain bars and restaurants that specialize in classic cocktails.