Drinking in Colonial America - Part 1
In the early years of European settlement in the New World, alcohol wasn't just a beverage of choice - it was intricately woven into the very fabric of colonial American society. From morning drams to evening toddies, drinking permeated every aspect of daily life for the English, Dutch, French and Spanish colonists. The roots of this thirsty cultural necessity can be traced back across the Atlantic. Europeans had imbibed alcoholic drinks for centuries, with beer, wine, and spirits like gin flowing freely. This drinking heritage was packed into the trunks of the first settlers who viewed alcohol as a wise ration based on its caloric value and perceived health benefits. Upon their arrival in America, the colonists wasted no time in establishing breweries, distilleries and taverns to recreate their favorite potent potables. Local ingredients like corn, molasses and fruit were quickly tapped to produce beer, cider, wine and spirits satisfying those cravings from the old country. By th...
