And probably make drinking as important as eating. So source of fresh water would be essential for the town. And wells for deserts.
Drinks that give temporary bonuses. Coffee could speed up mining/chopping, tea could slow down digestion. I assume no alcohol because Eco is family friendly but maybe with mods you could drink wine while rating paintings for a larger reputation boost :P
Jason: alcohol distilling seemed like a very great and obvious feature to add, but I hadn't thought about the game's family friendly angle. Maybe you're right. Coffee and Tea, at least, would be very welcome.
There was also a time when chocolate cafes (for drinking hot chocolate) were in vogue, like coffee/tea cafes are today. https://randombitsoffascination.com/2022/07/05/english-choco… In terms of brewing, there's fermented drinks that are low alcohol (or have the alcohol removed) like kvass and kombucha.
Beers and ales are just "liquid bread/wheat" that contributed greatly to the pre-industrial diet's CALORIC NEEDS. Perhaps the drink industry would be the alternative for EMPTY CALORIES that won't affect the balance of your food nutrients (up to a certain degree), in addition to various bonuses listed below? Drinks to make happy, drinks to feel sharp, drinks to feel refreshed...many opportunities await!