Alcohol has been a loyal companion to humanity for thousands of years—long before modern bars, tailgate parties, and questionable karaoke decisions. But where did it all start? Which ancient civilization first had the bright idea to turn fruit, grain, or honey into a party elixir? And, perhaps more importantly, which of these ancient drinks is the true granddaddy of booze? Grab your goblet, and let’s take a journey back in time to explore the world’s oldest known alcoholic beverages.
The Contenders: Beer vs. Mead vs. Wine
The battle for alcohol’s eldest ancestor is a tight one, with three major contenders: beer, mead, and wine. Here’s how they stack up:
Beer – Made from fermented grains, beer was a staple of many ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Babylonians. The earliest known beer recipe dates back to around 5,400 BCE in what is now Iran.
Mead – Often called the “nectar of the gods,” mead is made from fermented honey and water. It’s believed to be even older than beer, with evidence suggesting it may have been brewed as far back as 7,000 BCE in China.
Wine – The fermented grape juice we all know and love can trace its roots back to around 6,000 BCE in the South Caucasus region (modern-day Georgia).
While all three contenders have impressive résumés, mead takes the crown as the oldest known alcoholic beverage—meaning that the world’s first recorded hangover likely came from honey hooch.
What Was the Most Popular Ancient Booze?
Popularity depends on time and place, but here’s how things generally shaped up:
The Sumerians (Beer Lovers Extraordinaire) – Beer was such a major part of Sumerian life that they wrote a hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of brewing. Their beer was thick and porridge-like, requiring a straw to drink. Classy.
The Vikings (Mead Maniacs) – Mead was huge in Norse culture, consumed by warriors and even featured in mythology as Odin’s favorite drink.
The Greeks & Romans (Wine Snobs in Togas) – Wine became the drink of choice for the ancient Greeks and Romans, who pioneered large-scale winemaking and even added lead to it for extra “flavor” (which, unfortunately, may have contributed to their downfall).
By the time of the Roman Empire, wine had won the popularity contest, though beer and mead remained widely consumed in other parts of the world.
Fun (and Occasionally Horrifying) Ancient Alcohol Facts
- Egyptian laborers were paid in beer – Pyramid builders received a daily beer ration, proving that “Will Work for Beer” is a tradition dating back millennia.
- Mead was thought to have magical properties – Vikings believed mead granted wisdom and poetic inspiration (after enough drinks, anyone becomes a philosopher).
- Ancient Roman wine was sometimes mixed with seawater – Because nothing says “refreshing” like a salty chardonnay.
- The oldest known booze stash was found in China – Archaeologists discovered traces of an ancient fermented beverage (likely mead) in 9,000-year-old pottery.
- Beer was safer than water – In medieval Europe, people drank beer daily because it was often cleaner than the water supply.
Final Verdict: What’s the Oldest? What’s the Best?
Oldest? Mead. Honey fermentation pre-dates both beer and wine.
Most Popular in Ancient Times? Wine. Once the Greeks and Romans got involved, wine spread like wildfire.
Most Universally Loved? Beer. No civilization ever really gave up on beer.
Whether you’re sipping on a fine Bordeaux, knocking back a cold IPA, or channeling your inner Viking with some mead, just remember—people have been getting tipsy for thousands of years. So next time you raise your glass, give a toast to our ancient ancestors, the true pioneers of partying.
