Drinking alcohol is a way to unwind and socialize in many cultures around the world, and ancient artifacts show that alcohol has been around for thousands of years. Today, there is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages to choose from, almost guaranteeing that someone wanting to imbibe will find something that appeals to them. Here are three of the most common types of alcohol.
1. Liquor
Liquor, or spirits, are produced by distilling products such as fruits, grains, or sugars. The alcohol by volume of most liquor ranges between 30% to 80%, with the majority being around 40%. This means that you can consume a smaller quantity of liquor to feel the same effects as a larger quantity of beer or wine. Because of this, most bars and restaurants that serve liquor need to go through some sort of TABC licensing program to ensure that they can serve people responsibly. Popular types of liquor include vodka, tequila, rum, whisky, and gin. If you are at a restaurant with a wide variety of spirits, ask your server what cocktails they would recommend, and consider trying something outside of the standard margarita or cranberry vodka.
2. Beer
Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from hops, grain, yeast, and water. Despite having these four common ingredients, beers vary greatly in style. For example, a pilsner is crisp, refreshing, and very light in color, while a stout is darker in color and generally has a richer flavor. Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world, with evidence of people in China first brewing beer thousands of years ago. With the right equipment and ingredients, it is even possible for amateurs to brew beer in their own homes.
3. Wine
Wine is made from fermented grapes or, less commonly, other fruits. After fermentation, wine is usually aged in barrels made of oak to give it that unique wine flavor. Some of the more common types of wine include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, a red wine with a full body and flavors of spices and dark fruits
- Chardonnay, a white wine that often has flavors of fruit along with creamy notes like butter
- Moscato, a sweet wine that pairs well with desserts
If you are interested in drinking wine, try a few different kinds to see which flavors suit you best.
If you choose to drink alcohol, try some varieties of these three common types of alcohol and see what you enjoy the most.