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The extraordinary origin stories of ordinary drinks

A thirst for firsts

First instant coffee

First instant coffee

First instant coffee

The first reference to instant coffee was for a ‘coffee compound’ created and patented by an Englishman called John Dring in 1771.

Jul 22, 20215 min read

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Got a thirst for firsts? Don't miss future blogs

A thirst for firsts

The corking origin story of the world's first wine cork

The corking origin story of the world's first wine cork

First wine cork

How and why did a bit of tree bark start being used for closing wine bottles? And who was the first person to think it was a good idea?

2 days ago11 min read

First drinks ‘toast’

First drinks ‘toast’

First drinks ‘toast’

Where did the ritual of the drinks toast come from? And why is it named after a burnt bit of bread?

Sep 2810 min read

Heineken 0,0%

Heineken 0,0%

First 0,0% ABV beer (alcohol-free)

This is the story of the first 0,0% ABV beer, commonly known as ‘alcohol-free’.

Jul 287 min read

Ludwig Roselius, decaffeinated coffee inventor

Ludwig Roselius, decaffeinated coffee inventor

First decaffeinated coffee

Who would have thought a product as wholesome and seemingly innocuous as decaffeinated coffee would have such a strong Nazi subplot?

May 119 min read

About this blog

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I'm a writer, historian, researcher, booze hound and all round curious cat with a passion for delving deep into drinks and their origin stories.

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Make sure you read my 'favourite first' story this month - it's a cracking yarn.

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