About This Book
This volume surveys the history, production, varieties, and social uses of beverages worldwide, from ancient wines, beers, and fermented milk to spirits, tea, coffee, cocoa, and non-alcoholic cordials. It combines historical anecdotes, regional descriptions, technical explanations of fermentation and distillation, accounts of trade and cultivation, notes on taste and medicinal claims, discussions of adulteration and regulation, serving customs and vessels, and numerous recipes and practical preparations. Organized by drink type and geography, it interleaves scientific analysis, folklore, and household instructions to portray how liquids have been manufactured, consumed, and incorporated into social and culinary life.