Empire of Booze is a loose history of Britain, cleverly and humorously told through its contributions to alcohol, charting the rise of British power from its small corner of Europe to global pre-eminence. Each chapter features a historical period and a drink – tracing its origins and examining its impact on British culture, literature, science, philosophy and religion. Learn about how...

...the champagne we drink today is owed to British technology for making sparkling wine.

...rum and India Pale Ale were developed so they could withstand the long, hot journeys to Britain's burgeoning overseas empire.

...whisky became the drink of choice for weary empire builders far from home.

...without alcohol, the pre-twentieth century global economy could not function.

With drink recommendations offered throughout, you can booze while you read along. So raise a glass to Britain, the Empire of Booze, whose alcoholic innovations are some of its greatest, lasting gifts to the world.