The specific alcoholic drink mentioned in Roald Dahl’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is cider. This fermented beverage, typically made from apples, plays a small but noteworthy role in the story. It’s consumed by the farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, contributing to their portrayal as wealthy and, to some extent, oblivious characters.
Cider, in this context, serves as a symbol of the farmers’ affluence and their perceived right to the fruits of the land. Its presence reinforces the contrasting lifestyle between the comfortable farmers and the struggling animals they pursue. The drink has a long history, predating the modern narrative, with variations enjoyed across numerous cultures for centuries.