Drinking in the ancient, medieval, and early modern world 2026

Alcoholic drinks played a vital role in premodern societies. People have gathered around drinks for centuries, conveying social meanings and creating cultural customs. The trade in beer, wine, and mead created economic opportunities for many. During the early modern period, new non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, tea, and chocolate profoundly changed conceptions of intoxication and alcoholic beverages. You are what you drink—and who you drink with.