Alcoholic beverage

Alcoholic beverages are drinks containing ethanol.

Types of alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages include low-alcohol-content beverages produced by fermentation of sugar- or starch-containing products, and high-alcohol-content beverages produced by distillation of the low-alcohol-content beverages. Sometimes, the alcohol content of low-alcohol-content beverages is increased by adding distilled product, particularly in the case of wines. Such fortified wines include Port wine and Sherry.

Related Topics:
Fermentation - Sugar - Starch - Distillation - Fortified wine - Port wine - Sherry

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The process involved (as well as the resulting alcohol content) defines the finished product. A "beer" involves a relatively short (incomplete) fermentation process and an equally short aging process (a week or two) resulting in an alcohol content generally between 3-8%, as well as natural carbonation. A "wine" involves a longer (complete) fermentation process, and a relatively long aging process (months or years -- sometimes decades) resulting in an alcohol content between 7-18%. (Note that sparkling wine is generally made by adding a small amount of sugar before bottling). Distilled products are generally not made from a "beer" that would normally be palatable as fermentation is normally completed, but no aging is involved until after distillation. Most distilled liquors are 40% alcohol by volume.

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It is important to understand that standard drinks of alcoholic beverages in the United States all contain equivalent amounts of alcohol, about .6 ounce each. A U.S. standard drink is a 12 ounce can or bottle of beer, a five ounce glass of dinner wine, or a 1.5 ounce drink of 80 proof distilled spirits (either straight or in a mixed drink).

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This means that there is no drink of moderation, only behaviors of moderation. Standard drinks of beer, wine and liquor are all the same to a Breathalyzer.

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Non-distilled beverages

• Beer
• Ales
• Barleywine
• Bitter ale
• Mild ale
• Pale ale
• Porter
• Stout
• Real ale
• Stock ale
• Fruit Beer
• Lager beer
• Bock
• Dry beer
• Oktoberfest
• Pilsener
• Schwarzbier
• Small beer
• Wheat beer
• Cauim
• Chicha
• Cider
• Kumis
• Lappish hags lovepotion
• Mead
• Perry
• Pulque
• Sake
• Wine
• Spritzer
• Palm wine
• Wine cooler
• Fruit wine

Distilled beverages

• Cocktails
• Liqueurs
• Spirits

The names of some beverages are determined by the source of the material fermented:

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Note that in common speech, wine or brandy is made from grapes unless the fruit is specified: "plum wine" or "cherry brandy" for example, although in some cases grape-derived alcohol is added.

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In the USA and Canada, cider often means unfermented apple juice (see the article on cider), while fermented cider is called hard cider. Unfermented cider is sometimes called sweet cider. Also, applejack was originally made by a freezing process described in the article on cider which was equivalent to distillation but more easily done in the cold climate of New England. In the UK, cider is always alcoholic, and in Australia it can be either.

Related Topics:
Cider - Applejack - New England

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Beer is generally made from barley, but can sometimes contain a mix of other grains. Whisky is sometimes made from a blend of different grains, especially Irish whiskey which may contain several different grains. The style of whisky (Scotch, Rye, Bourbon) generally determines the primary grain used, with additional grains usually added to the blend (most often barley, and sometimes oats).

Related Topics:
Irish whiskey - Oat

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Two common distilled beverages are vodka and gin. Vodka can be distilled from any source (grain and potatoes being the most common, also industrial cellulose for the cheapest!) but the main characteristic of vodka is that it is so thoroughly distilled as to exhibit none of the flavors derived from its source material. Gin is a similar distillate which has been flavored by contact with herbs and other plant products, especially juniper berries, from which it gets its name.

Related Topics:
Vodka - Gin - Grain - Potato - Juniper

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