A History of the World in Six Glasses

The story of beer is the story of Egyptian pyramids, Belgian monks, Irish pubs, and American entrepreneurs. And also friendship, according to the world's most famous beer lover, George Wendt.

Dan, Jim, and Kevin pay as much attention to the history of liquor as they can while working their way through Old Fashioneds, tequila shots, and perfect Martinis made with Dan's special vodka.

When soda was first invented, they said it could cure anything. But as Dan, Kevin, and Jim discover, soda's real contribution was introducing the world to the American way of life.

From its roots in the ancient world to its place in Christian churches and among the wine snobs, Dan, Jim, and Kevin sip, swirl, and drink their way through the history of wine.

Tea is simple. Just leaves in hot water. But it's a complicated story involving opium, the American Revolution, and the ritual of High Tea, which Dan, Jim, and Jon enjoy with scones and silly accents.

Coffee woke the world up. Centuries ago it gave people a lift and it still does. Jon doesn't like it. Jim grew up on it. But one thing is clear: without coffee, the world would still be asleep.