A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage (2006, Paperback, Reprint)

One will never think of most "drinks" in the same way after reading Standage's excellent book. His chronicle of the world's favorite libations is historical and very in depth -- revealing much of the social and political forces that influenced just what the average "joe or jane" was reaching for on a daily basis (throughout the eons) to quench his thirst or to help get her through their day. This is fun, lighter reading for any lover of historical or social books -- I liked it and also learned a lot from it...though I did find myself craving a good drink more than once while I was reading it!

Yours, Figgiegj in Colorado