Mallory O’Meara’s Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol takes readers on a journey through the overlooked role of women in alcohol. Given the present industry climate, many might assume that drinking and alcohol have always been male-dominated, but O’Meara challenges this misconception by showcasing how women have played a pivotal role in brewing, distilling, and drinking throughout history.
O’Meara begins with ancient history and the earliest brewers: women! In many societies, brewing was considered part of domestic work. Women made beer, mead, and other fermented drinks for daily sustenance and ceremonial purposes. Moving closer to the present, we can see how brewing became more commercialized, men took over, and women were pushed out, completely redefining alcohol production and consumption as manly pursuits.
The message woven throughout the book is how historical erasure has skewed our modern perceptions of alcohol and drinking. The idea that beer, whiskey, and spirits are “for men” and that women should stick to lighter, sweeter, “girly” drinks has its roots in centuries of gendered marketing. These stereotypes persist into modern times, which O’Meara calls out with pithy commentary on the influences extended from drink preferences to product packaging.
A concept that few have explored are the cultural significance of women’s drinking spaces, from the shebeens to speakeasies to modern-day women-owned breweries and distilleries. These spaces were more than just places to enjoy a beverage; they were and continue to be a nexus of history and community.
What makes this book especially engaging, besides the humor, is its global perspective. It really and truly is a world history of women, traveling across continents and centuries, showing how they have always been a part of shaping alcohol. Whether it’s African women protesting their right to brew with spears to Japanese women writing odes to their favorite beverages, we can learn how incredibly far-reaching and diverse women’s contributions to alcohol are.
If one is interested in alcohol or gender studies, Girly Drinks is essential. It is an entertaining book that reclaims women’s place in drinking history and is especially relevant for us in the brewing industry. O’Meara shines a light on women who shaped the world of alcohol and encourages us to continue supporting and celebrating the growing community of women in brewing and distilling today.
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