This weekend, as you sip your preferred beverage, whether it be a morning coffee, a relaxing afternoon tea, or something stronger come cocktail hour, consider this: your drink has a history. Inspired by Tom Standage’s “A History of the World in Six Glasses,” which was a thoughtful gift from my sons to their dad – a former homebrewer and rye connoisseur, I share some tidbits for the weekend.
From the ancient beer breweries of Mesopotamia to the vineyards of ancient Greece and Rome, each drink tells a story of agricultural innovation and socio-economic shifts. Spirits fueled the Age of Exploration, coffee sparked the Age of Reason, and tea became a symbol of the British Empire. And then there’s Coca-Cola, reflecting American ingenuity and global influence—and a drink I connect with, given my family’s historical ties to the iconic company.
Indeed, the global story of Coca-Cola was partly written by my mom’s uncle, H.B. Nicholson, Sr., who served the company in a variety of capacities throughout his career and as chairman in the 1950s. He helped shape the company’s strategy and international expansion in the previous decades. His story is beautifully captured in the memoir “I Am A Part Of All That I Have Met – The Memoirs of Burke Nicholson of Balvenie,” penned by my distant cousins. This book illustrates how our personal stories are part of a larger narrative. It’s also a love story if you fancy that.
So, as you choose your drink this weekend, consider it more than just a refreshment. Think of it as a part of history. Whether it’s the complexity of wine, the boldness of coffee, or the sweetness of soda, each sip is a chapter in the world’s ongoing story.
This weekend, take a moment to discover the impact of your favorite beverage. Enjoy, learn, and perhaps share a drink and a story with someone special. It’s a simple yet profound way to connect with history and each other.
Two Links Du Jour:
A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage – and now a Fox Nation series with Dan Akroyd
The Coca-Cola Company History — Since its birth at a soda fountain in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886, Coca‑Cola has been a catalyst for social interaction and inspired innovation.
Two Minutes Du Jour 