Ancient Brews: The Fascinating History of Early Alcohol

Alcohol is often seen as a modern indulgence, but its roots go much deeper, thousands of years into human history. Long before cocktails, breweries, or wine cellars existed, ancient civilizations were already fermenting fruits, grains, and honey to create their versions of alcoholic drinks. These early brews weren’t just for pleasure; they were part of rituals, medicine, and community life.

The Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 4,000 BCE, are credited with creating one of the earliest known alcoholic drinks: beer. They discovered that fermenting barley and water produced a foamy, nutritious drink, which became a staple in their daily diet. In fact, Sumerians worshipped a beer goddess named Ninkasi, and left behind one of the oldest surviving recipes — a hymn that doubles as a brewing guide.

Meanwhile, the ancient Egyptians refined the art of both beer and wine. Wine was often reserved for royalty and religious ceremonies, made from fermented grapes stored in clay jars. Beer, on the other hand, was consumed by everyone,  from workers building the pyramids to everyday farmers. It was often brewed thick and sweet, flavored with dates or herbs, and even used as currency or wages.

In China, evidence shows that people were brewing fermented beverages as early as 7,000 BCE — even earlier than in Mesopotamia. These drinks were made from rice, honey, and fruit, and played a role in ancestor worship and social bonding. Across the ocean in Mesoamerica, ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans made pulque, a fermented drink made from the sap of the agave plant, which was reserved for warriors, priests, and nobles.

So next time you sip your drink, think of it as more than just a beverage — it’s a tradition stretching back thousands of years. Ancient people turned simple ingredients into meaningful experiences, using fermentation as both a craft and a cultural cornerstone. In many ways, their creativity and curiosity laid the foundation for the drinks we enjoy today.