Each example shows influence on history. To this day, these drinks give the same message as they did when they were first introduced. Beer depicts friendship. In early Mesopotamia and Egypt, people drank beer together from straws, which brought people together. Even the discovery of beer gave people a reason to settle down and form civilizations together. Next, wine is a symbol of being upperclass, but also shows equality. Even though it was once one for the elite, it became more common but still a representation of sophistication. Spirits, at least for America, are a symbol of freedom. After being overtaxed by Britain, the American colonies rebelled and gained independence. Overall, I agree with Standage’s arguments for each drink. I never realized how something like a beverage could be so significant to history. Each drink provided something for the society it was born