“Proposing a toast” from the first urban center in the north Loess Plateau, China: Alcoholic beverages at Shimao

•Millet-based beer production and consumption at the core area of the Shimao site.•Beer ingredients include multiple grains and diverse herbs.•Ritual feasting activities in the first urban center of the north Loess Plateau, China.•Specialized serving and drinking pottery vessels and alcohol as sociopolitical paraphernalia in the early urbanization process along middle Yellow River region.