first | A Thirst for Firsts

Jul 207 min read

First canned beer

Canned beer wasn’t publicly or commercially available until 24th January 1935, a surprisingly late invention for such an ancient drink.

May 158 min read

First kombucha

The first kombucha, the myths and history of the fermented tea renowned for its health-giving properties

Mar 248 min read

First Earl Grey tea

The (tea)potted history of the world's first Earl Grey tea blend

Feb 237 min read

First coupe glass

One of the most headline-grabbing stories is the claim that the coupe's shallow bowl shape is moulded on Marie Antoinette’s left breast.

Jun 11, 20237 min read

First tea bag

For such a commonplace cupboard essential, the origin of the tea bag is steeped in a surprising amount of mystery – no one seems to be...

Jun 11, 20225 min read

First use of the word tequila

Tequila is the America’s first distilled drink, and first commercial alcohol. But it also has a turbulent and blood-thirsty history.

Feb 21, 202210 min read

First ice sold worldwide

Ice is such a natural and ubiquitous part of modern life, often available at the touch of a button from suburban freezers, that it’s hard...

Jan 4, 20223 min read

First whisky to be marketed as a single malt

The story of the first single malt to be actively marketed outside the UK – effectively starting the modern-day boom of single malt whisky.

Jan 1, 20223 min read

First cocktail umbrella

The cocktail umbrella is just a toothpick with a fancy wardrobe and a swagger. But who first added them to their drink? And why?

Oct 9, 20216 min read

First addition of milk to tea

The first written evidence we have for people enjoying tea with 'milk' is from a Mongolian doctor and writer living in China in 14th century

Aug 10, 20216 min read

First Courvoisier cognac

Courvoisier cognac boasts an incredible origin story; one steeped in adventure & entrepreneurialism (via Napoleon Bonaparte’s court).

Aug 9, 20213 min read

First use of the word liqueur

The first known use of the word ‘liqueur’ in its modern sense was in 1755, written by the gloriously named Father Polycarpe Poncelot.

Jul 16, 20211 min read

First cup of tea in China

For a drink so deeply rooted in Chinese ceremony, culture and celebration, it will come as no surprise that tea has such a mythical and...