Description
The history of alcohol in America began with colonial necessity, as water was often unsafe and beverages like cider, beer, and imported rum were common. After the Revolution, whiskey production surged using local corn, leading to high consumption rates and social integration of alcohol, but also sparking the Whiskey Rebellion due to a federal tax. The late 19th century saw the rise of cocktails and the Prohibition movement, culminating in the 18th Amendment in 1920, which banned the sale and production of alcohol nationwide. Alcohol consumption is mostly recreational in this day and age, and resulted in $295 billion in combined revenue in 2025. Whether you love it or hate, alcohol is here to stay.
