The original settlers in the United States were a religious lot on the whole, but didn't realise that they needed skilled workers to establish a thriving community and many perished over the harsh winters.   Before long craftsmen joined them and the colonies were established.   But what did they drink?

Beer was far too expensive to import, fuel for mashing and boiling was in short supply and the local barley didn't make good beer.  

Rum was initially the drink available as the British used the growing colonies in the slave triangle, transporting slaves and sugar between Africa, the Caribbean & Americaⁱ and the UKⁱ.

Cider was probably the first brewed drink in the Americas by the new settlers as it requires no mash or boil.