I haven't read it yet, but it's on my list of books to read.

Standage, Tom. A History of the World in 6 Glasses. New York: Walker & Co, 2005

It contains much more than just beer, as it examines the influence of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coke on culture through various epochs of history. It's on my list of summer reading.

Edit: linky link