History of Beverages in America

History of Beverages in America
The consumption of water is essential for human life. Throughout history, in rural areas water was easily accessible through river, wells and springs. In cities, water was usually provided by public pumps placed at intervals the streets.

Until the mid nineteenth century, the relationship between sanitation and drinking water was not understood and hence consuming water often caused illness.

One early solution was to combine water with alcohol. Although it was nor understood until almost the twentieth century, alcohol killed may of the germs present in the water.

In American colonial times, the most important American beverages were beer and hard cider made from apples. Where apples could not be grown, perry made from pears was a common alcoholic beverage.

The consumption of alcohol increased in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as the price of rum declined. Wine did not become an important beverage in America until the late twentieth century.

There are many other beverages in America besides alcoholic ones. Tea was America’s most important hot beverage, but this slowly changed during the early nineteenth century as the price of coffee declined.

Hot and cold chocolate were minor beverage until massive commercial advertising promoted them during the 1930s.

Cows were important into the New World shortly after European colonization began, and milk was also consumed, particularly by children.

During the nineteenth century, milk was a proven disease-carrier and mother were urged to boil it before giving it to their children.

Milk did not become a safe beverage until beverage nineteenth century. Beginning in the early twentieth century milk producer launched major promotional campaign touting the healthful qualities of milk. As result, milk is now an important beverage for children and adults in America.
History of Beverages in America