The Smiling Human

The iconic yellow smiley face, found in popular culture is known among many of the alien cultures of the galaxy as "The Smiling Human".  

Different cultures perceive it differently, but it is nearly always associated with humans.  In some cultures it is a symbol of restraint, because it shows the mouth drawn back in a smile, but without bared teeth.  Some see it as symbolic of a disingenuous attitude or sarcasm.  The most popular interpretation is to see it as emblematic of cleverness and good fortune, since humans are the most technically advanced species, and the face has to be smiling about something. 

It is widely recognized and popular enough that that there is a good bit of interstellar commerce attached to it.

"The Smiling Human"  was also the name of a popular saloon/casino on New Albuquerque that became a galaxy-wide chain during Era-2.

Alcohol

Space-booze

The humans of the future (and quite a few different alien species as well) enjoy the consumption of this organic compound.  Since various locations in our galaxy  contain copious amounts of it, an industry of alcohol collection has sprung up.  In particular, the nebula G34.3 (which lies inside Planetary League territory during Era-1), is a prime location for space-booze.  Also, Sagittarius B2 is famous for its “Raspberry Rum”, but is close enough to the galactic core that only the foolhardy and the radiation-hardened go to collect it, making it a rare and expensive drink.   The planet Dionysus is home to many species of alcohol-bearing fruit trees.

Dogarri egg-beer

Dogarri egg-beer is made when the eggs of a Dorrik-braagh (a large, birdlike animal) are slow-fermented in a broth made from vort-grass. The results are remarkably similar to Earth-beer, plus you get a tasty alcohol-saturated egg to eat at the end. (This does not taste as bad as it sounds.)