300-Year-Old Booze Bottles Found Intact on Mysterious Florida Shipwreck

Photo byFlorida Division of Historical Resources

In an incredible discovery off Florida’s Atlantic coast, archaeologists have uncovered two rare, 18th-century “onion bottles” from a Spanish shipwreck—surviving over 300 years underwater! These delicate glass artifacts, pulled from the wreck in 2021 and 2022, date back to the 1700s and were part of the infamous Spanish Plate Fleets.

The shipwreck, located off Indian River County (about 150 miles north of Miami), has yet to be identified by name, but it’s believed to be from the fleet that set sail from Cuba in 1715, only to meet a tragic end thanks to a hurricane. These fleets were loaded with treasures from Spain’s colonial territories, including silver coins (hence the name “Plate Fleets”), and they were often targeted by pirates.

What makes this find so special is how rare it is to discover intact glass bottles from that era. According to Florida Department of State’s Mark Ard, archaeologists usually just find small fragments, so finding these bottles whole is nothing short of amazing. They likely once held alcoholic spirits for the ill-fated crew to enjoy—because let’s face it, a long, dangerous sea voyage pretty much demanded some booze.

Photo byFlorida Division of Historical Resources

While the bottles were found empty, their survival is impressive. After enduring the ship’s wreckage and centuries of tidal forces, they were painstakingly cleaned and preserved in a Florida state lab. The process took months of slow, meticulous work to stabilize the fragile glass, which had started to flake after all those years underwater.

These bottles offer a glimpse into the maritime culture of the 18th century, beyond the typical gold and silver treasures scattered across the sea floor. Seven bottles like these have been discovered from the 1715 Plate Fleet, and they’re now available for display in museums worldwide, sharing their fascinating story with everyone.

It’s a reminder that history sometimes hides just below the surface—waiting to be discovered!