Pronunciation: [sˈaluːp] (IPA) 
The word Saloop is an old-fashioned drink made from a mixture of sago starch, cinnamon, and milk. The spelling of this word can be confusing because its pronunciation is also quite uncommon. The correct IPA transcription of Saloop is /səˈluːp/. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the vowels in the word are pronounced like "uh" and "oo". This word is not commonly used today, but it remains an interesting part of culinary history.
Saloop is a noun that refers to a traditional hot beverage popular in 18th and 19th-century England. Also known as salep, it is made from a starchy substance obtained from the dried roots of certain terrestrial orchids, particularly Orchis mascula and Orchis militaris. The starchy substance, called salep, is ground into a fine powder and then mixed with hot milk or water to create a thick and creamy drink.
The term "saloop" also encompasses the drink itself, which has a distinct flavor profile. Infused with various aromatic ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even orange flower water, saloop has a warm and comforting taste. It is often sweetened with sugar or honey to enhance the flavor.
Historically, saloop was a popular beverage consumed as a breakfast substitute or late-night pick-me-up. It was particularly favored by the working class as it provided sustenance and warmth during cold winter months. Owing to its energy-boosting properties, the drink was also believed to have medicinal benefits, such as aiding digestion or relieving coughs and sore throats.
Today, saloop is often considered a quaint and nostalgic drink, associated with traditional British culture. Though it has largely disappeared from modern menus, it occasionally appears in specialty cafes or tea rooms catering to those seeking a taste of the past.
A decoction of salep sweetened-see salep.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "saloop" originated in the 17th century in England, specifically from the combination of two Turkish words: "salep" and "sahlep".
Salep, or sahlep in Turkish (ساحلەپ), refers to a powder made from the root of certain species of orchids, mainly Orchis mascula. The root is dried, ground into a fine powder, and then used to create a thick, starchy beverage. Salep has been consumed as a hot drink in the Middle East and the Balkans since ancient times.
During the 17th century, salep gained popularity in Europe as a trendy drink, particularly in England. To refer to this beverage, the English adopted the word "saloop", altering the pronunciation and spelling of "salep". The word "saloop" became a common name for the beverage in England for several centuries.
