A History of the World in 6 Glasses

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What beverages are most widely consumed in the world? What is the role of culture in defining attitudes toward beverages? How might these perspectives vary among different cultures?

Teaching Suggestion: In A History of the World in 6 Glasses, Standage explores the ways in which beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola have played a significant role in shaping the world. Consider asking students to speculate as to the correct answers for the questions, then read the articles to discuss the consumption of beverages around the world and the cultural impact on beverage consumption.  

• This article from news-medical.net examines global patterns of beverage consumption and delves into how cultural factors shape drink choices.
• This article from USDA explores the consumption of beverages in the United States.
• This article from Food & Beverage Insider describes the cultural shift of beverage consumption within the United States to include healthy choices.

Short Activity

Consider the significance of beverages in your own culture.