As a cultural and historical expert, I can tell you that the diet of the ancient Egyptians was quite diverse and included a variety of beverages that were consumed by different social classes. The most common drink, as you've mentioned, was beer. This was a daily staple for many Egyptians, particularly the working class such as laborers and craftsmen. Beer in ancient Egypt was not like modern beer; it was a low-alcohol beverage, often consumed for its nutritional value as well as its ability to rehydrate. It was considered a safe drink as it was less likely to be contaminated compared to water.

The brewing process was quite sophisticated, and the beer was made from grains such as barley and emmer wheat. It was often flavored with herbs and had a taste that was somewhat similar to modern-day bread. The beer was consumed in large quantities and was an essential part of the daily diet, providing both hydration and sustenance.

In addition to beer, wine was also consumed, but it was more of a luxury item reserved for the upper classes. Wine was produced from grapes and was considered a delicacy. It was often used in religious ceremonies and was also enjoyed at banquets and feasts by the wealthy. The production of wine was a significant part of the Egyptian economy, and the quality of the wine was often a reflection of one's social status.

Another important beverage in ancient Egypt was date palm wine. This was made from the sap of the date palm tree and was a sweet, fermented drink. It was consumed by both the rich and the poor, and it was also used in religious rituals.

Milk and dairy products were also consumed, particularly by those who lived in rural areas and had access to livestock. Milk was often consumed fresh, but it was also used to make cheese and other dairy products.

Tea was not a part of the ancient Egyptian diet as it was introduced to the region much later. However, herbal infusions were common and were used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. These infusions were made from a variety of plants and herbs that were native to the region.

Lastly, water was the most basic and essential drink. However, due to the concerns about waterborne diseases, it was often avoided in favor of beer, which was considered safer.

In summary, the ancient Egyptians had a rich and varied diet when it came to beverages. Beer was the most common and consumed by all classes, while wine was a luxury item for the elite. Date palm wine, milk, and herbal infusions rounded out the drink options, each with its own cultural and social significance.

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The Ancient Egyptians drank beer: *daily! Beer was the staple drink of ancient Egyptian workers and craftsmen -C wine was for rich people. Low alcohol beer (like the Israeli brand Nesher Beer) replaced water lost through sweat and provided calories.read more >>