Empire of Booze - British History Through the Bottom of a Glass

From award-winning booze correspondent Henry Jeffreys comes this rich and full-bodied history of Britain and the Empire, told through the improbable but true stories of how the world's favourite alcoholic drinks came to be.

Empire of Booze traces the impact of alcohol on British culture and society, from madeira and India Pale Ale being created to withstand the long, hot journeys to overseas territories to why whisky became the favoured choice for weary empire builders longing for home.

Filled to the brim with fascinating trivia, this colourful history underlines that Britain's alcoholic innovations are some of its greatest, most lasting gifts to the world.

About the author

Henry Jeffreys

Product details

• Authors: Jeffreys Henry
• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 02.04.2026
• EAN: 9781805466420
• ISBN: 978-1-80546-642-0
• No. of pages: 304
• Illustrations: B&W integrated
• Subjects: Guides > Food & drink > Drinks; HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / Georgian Era (1714-1837), HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / Stuart Era (1603-1714), HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / Victorian Era (1837-1901), wines, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / General, Social and cultural history, Colonialism and imperialism, General and world history, COOKING / Beverages / Alcoholic / General, Drugs and alcohol: social aspects