Title: Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol

Author: Mallory O’Meara

Publisher: Hanover Square Press 2021

Genre: Nonfiction - Food

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Spring TBR

Strawberry daiquiris. Skinny martinis. Vodka sodas with lime. These are the cocktails that come in sleek-stemmed glasses, bright colors and fruity flavors—these are the Girly Drinks.

From the earliest days of civilization, alcohol has been at the center of social rituals and cultures worldwide. But when exactly did drinking become a gendered act? And why have bars long been considered “places for men” when, without women, they might not even exist?

With whip-smart insight and boundless curiosity, Girly Drinks unveils an entire untold history of the female distillers, drinkers and brewers who have played a vital role in the creation and consumption of alcohol, from ancient Sumerian beer goddess Ninkasi to iconic 1920s bartender Ada Coleman. Filling a crucial gap in culinary history, O’Meara dismantles the long-standing patriarchal traditions at the heart of these very drinking cultures, in the hope that readers everywhere can look to each celebrated woman in this book—and proudly have what she’s having.

Overall a very entertaing romp through history and alcohol. I do so enjoy O’Meara’s writing style. She approaches a May Roach style with her dy wit and small asides. There were many historical stories and facts that I already knew going into the book. And yet, I learned more through the pages. And I enjoyed my time reading through the chatpters. My favorite ones were the early chapters about prehistory and the ancient world.

Next up on the TBR pile: