The entire group accounts for $45 Billion in annual total sales.
Here’s
a breakdown by category.
Whisky: $17.5 Billion (39%)
Vodka: $10.75 Billion (24%)
Liqueur: $5.2 Billion (12%)
Cognac: $5 Billion (11%)
Rum: $4.25 Billion 9%)
Tequila: $2.3 Billion (5%)
top 10 liquor brands in the U.S. below.
* In millions of 9-liter cases
#
Brand
Category
Supplier
Total Sales Volume
(2022)*
1
High Noon
Hard Seltzer
Spirit of Gallo
16.40
2
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Vodka
Fifth Generation
11.55
3
Smirnoff
Vodka
Diageo
8.75
4
Crown Royal
Canadian Whisky
Diageo
7.20
5
Fireball
Flavored Whisky
Sazerac Co.
7.15
6
Jack Daniel’s
Tennessee Whiskey
Brown-Forman
6.78
7
Bacardi
Rum
Bacardi USA
6.63
8
Jim Beam
Bourbon
Beam Suntory
6.09
9
New Amsterdam
Vodka
Spirit of Gallo
5.33
10
Captain Morgan
Rum
Diageo
5.33
The 15 Best-Tasting Liquors in America
Sometimes, you’re in the mood to do one thing and one thing only: a
tall, fruity drink with
a cute straw, a sugar rim, and a lime wedge. You could either stick with
your usual White Claws and High Noons or ditch your regular choice and
indulge in some of the best-tasting liquors in the United States.
No matter if you’re a fan of taking a couple of shots, or carefully
crafting brilliant, crowd-pleasing cocktails, these will look stunning
on your bar, and be used over and over again.
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
As mentioned by the bottle’s label, Fireball tastes
like cinnamon. It is great on its own and also pairs well with sodas
of all kinds, fruit juice, and even hot tea. Any drink can be
elevated with a splash of cinnamon flavor, right?
Bombay Gin Bramble
As your parents probably told you when you were younger: “Eat your
fruits and veggies.” What they didn’t tell you is that your fruits
and veggies also come in vodka form. Bombay
Bramble is a smooth, sweet gin bursting with blackberry and
raspberry flavor and will certainly amp up your classic G&T.
Bacardí Dragonberry Rum
If you can’t go to the beach, you can bring the beach to you with a
good Bacardi Rum drink. You can never go wrong with the Dragonberry
flavor, which stars a dazzling mix of strawberries and
dragonfruit.
Stoli Razberi
The specific flavor of Stoli is perfect for making fruity drinks in
the spring and summer. Spruce up your lemonade or tonic water with a
dash of Stoli
Razberi, and don’t forget the little umbrella!
Effen Cucumber
If you aren’t into fruity-forward vodka flavors, try
out Effen’s light and refreshing cucumber flavor. I mean, it’s
kind of like drinking cucumber water, just with a higher chance of
getting tipsy.
Don Julio Blanco
If you are preparing your salt and lime for a tequila shot, grab one
of the best-tasting liquors you can on a college budget and grab Don
Julio Blanco for around $40
for 750 mL.
Hennessy V.S Cognac
Hennessy V.S Cognac tastes best on its own with hints of citrus,
vanilla, and chocolate. Though, it is also wonderful when mixed with
cranberry or pineapple juice. Plus, whenever you drink it,
“Hennything is possible.”
Grey Goose Watermelon & Basil
It’s smooth, bold, light, and will make you feel super
sophisticated– Grey Goose Watermelon & Basil. Mixing this with a
little tonic or soda water is just divine.
Johnnie Walker Black Label
With Johnnie
Walker Black Label, you’re paying for the quality of the
alcohol. Don’t blame us if this kickstarts your curiosity about what
various whisky brands have to offer.
White Claw Black Cherry Vodka
With this specific vodka,
the taste is bold and it goes down smoother than smooth. If your
fave White Claw seltzer is black cherry, you definitely need to add
this bottle to your bar cart.
UV Pink Lemonade
UV Pink Lemonade is both light and refreshing, just in time for
summer. With this lemon drink, you’re able to skip those lemonade
stands.
Smirnoff Peach
This summertime fruit can shine in any cocktail or shot glass all
year long. Obsessed with peach ring candy? Make this
peach cocktail that tastes just like that perfectly sweet gummy.
Absolut Citron
Absolut Citron, aka lemon-flavored vodka, is always a go-to
flavor to sip while the sun is out. A little goes a long way, so you
could keep drinking all summer long without breaking the bank.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
Want to try whiskey but are too afraid of the strong flavor? Then
this should be your go-to. Made by Jack Daniel’s, Tennessee Honey is
smoother and sweeter than your typical Jack options. It goes down
super easily, trust me.
Patrón Silver
Patrón Silver is of great quality and worth the extra money
charged at your local liquor store. Made from the Blue Weber Agave
plant, Patrón is perfect when chilled on its own, or in a delicious
margarita. The choice is all yours!
Enjoy these best-tasting liquors that I love, and don’t be afraid to
experiment with new liquor products as they hit store shelves.
The Top 30 Liquors of the World
30. Crown
Royal Whisky
Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky aged in a variety of casks, a perk of
looser rules around whisky production compared to the United States.
Because of this, Crown Royal — which offers traditional whiskies as well
as flavored varieties such as peach,
vanilla, apple and maple — embodies a variety of flavor profiles born
out of different types of wood casks.
29. Ballantine’s Scotch
Whisky
George Ballantine founded this Scotch whisky company in the early 19th
century, which steadily grew in popularity in Scotland, the U.K., and
eventually the States. Ballantine’s Finest, one of its most popular
varieties, burst onto the scene in 1910 and remains popular over a
century later.
28. Baileys
Irish Cream
When you think of Irish Cream, you probably think of Baileys. As the
world’s first and best-selling cream liqueur, Baileys sold over 2
billion bottles in 2021.
27. Mansion House Brandy
India’s best-selling brandy has seen its sales continue to soar,
displacing Hennessy cognac
from the second place on the global brandy charts.
26. Royal Challenge
India consumes
more whisky than any other country in the world, and Royal Challenge
is among India’s best selling brands. This whisky is manufactured by
United Spirits Ltd., a Diageo
Group company, and is crafted with a blend of imported Scotch and
select Indian malts.
25. 8PM Whisky
A popular Indian brand, 8PM is the flagship whisky from mega-distillery Radico
Khaitan. The brand was featured in 2001’s LIMCA Book of Records for
selling one million bottles in the year it launched, becoming the first
liquor brand to do so.
24. Hlibny Dar Vodka
Hlibny Dar vodka, produced by Ukraine’s Bayadera Group, tops sales of
the category in its home country. Bayadera Group boasts a
widely-distributed portfolio of spirits and is the largest alcohol
holding company in Eastern Europe — exporting its products to 45
countries.
23. Jägermeister
This German digestif is most commonly consumed as a shot, best served
very cold. By forging new partnerships, Jäger is slowly but surely rebranding itself
as a craft liqueur — a foil to its hard-partying reputation.
22. Morosha Vodka
This Ukrainian vodka has seen its zig-zag due to recent events but they
surged over 50% in 2023.
21. Żubrówka
Vodka
Żubrówka is a popular Polish vodka. The most-well known version,
flavored with a blade of bison grass, is a
cult favorite among bartenders.
20. Blender’s
Pride Whisky
Launched by Seagram’s in 1995, this is one of the most popular blended
whiskies in India. It features a heavy aroma with touches of fruit, wood
and peat. The brand of Scotch whisky joined Pernod Ricard’s portfolio in
2001.
19. Aperol
This up-and-coming Italian bitter aperitivo has an unmistakable bright
orange hue. Created
in 1919, this spirit is the star of many an Aperol
Spritz, as well as countless Instagram stories. Want to learn more?
Check out our Unstoppable
Spritz package to learn about the rise of Aperol in the United
States.
18. Jameson
Irish Whiskey
The world’s best-selling Irish Whiskey was ironically founded by a
Scottish legal clerk. Only one Jameson distillery is in operation today,
located in Cork, Ireland.
17. Jim
Beam Bourbon
America’s best-selling Bourbon — if you don’t count Jack Daniel’s — Jim
Beam is the leading brand in Suntory Global Spirits’ portfolio of global
whiskeys.
16. Khortytsa Vodka
In 2019, this Ukrainian vodka brand sold upward
of 176 million bottles domestically and to its export market of more
than 87 countries. This global reach has placed the spirit among the top
four best-selling vodkas in the world. Sales grew 17.1% in 2023, moving
the brand up a few spots.
15. Absolut
Vodka
Iconic for its stripped down branding and successful marketing campaigns,
Absolut has been a mainstay on the American spirit market since 1979.
Its logo was considered unconventional at the time of its release, as
its divergence from more traditional Russian-inspired bottle designs
dominant in the market made it stand out from the crowd.
14. Captain
Morgan Rum
This spiced rum’s namesake doesn’t just exist in lore. In fact,
Welsh-born Sir Henry Morgan was enlisted by the Queen herself to guard
Spanish interests in the Caribbean sea. The ruthless and successful
sailor led a group of pirates, eventually using his riches to buy land
in Jamaica. The rum, according to Captain Morgan, tastes of vanilla,
brown sugar, dried fruit, and warming spices with hints of oak.
13. Tito’s
Handmade Vodka
America’s original “craft” vodka, Tito’s, is produced in Austin, Texas.
Bert “Tito” Beveridge founded the brand in 1997, making it one of the
younger brands on this roundup — all the more impressive that Tito’s
moves up two spots from its list debut at the 15 spot last year.
12. Jack
Daniel’s Whiskey
Famed whiskey brand Jack Daniel’s is not only a popular spirit, but also
a destination — attracting over 300,000 visitors to its Tennessee
distillery annually. The brand has begun to
diversify its portfolio recently, debuting canned whiskey cocktails in
2022.
11. Emperador Brandy
Leading the worldwide brandy market, Emperador is Filipino in origin.
Emerperador was the Philippines’ first brandy label upon its release in
1990 and has steadily grown in popularity since.
10. Bacardi
Rum
Though its label designates it Puerto Rican, this rum was actually born
in Cuba. Once the world’s best-selling rum, Bacardi has since been
eclipsed by Tanduay.
9. Johnnie
Walker Whisky
In a sea of single malts, Johnnie Walker is a proudly blended Scotch
whisky. Johnnie Walker reportedly created the blend in an effort to
produce a more consistent Scotch.
8. Imperial Blue Whisky
Imperial Blue Indian whisky is the largest brand by volume in Pernod
Ricard’s portfolio,
which acquired it in 2002. Its sub-$10 price point and smooth flavor
make it a go-to for drinkers around the globe.
7. Tanduay Rum
Tanduay has held onto the title of the world’s most popular rum for more
than five consecutive years. The Filipino rum is named for the location
of its first distillery, Isla de Tanduay.
6. Officer’s Choice Whisky
Officer’s Choice, like its predecessor on this list, is an Indian whisky
composed of both Scotch malt and Indian grain. Its parent brand, Allied
Blenders & Distillers, debuted Officer’s Choice in 1988 and has seen its
progressive growth in popularity in the decades since.
5. Smirnoff
Vodka
The most popular vodka in the world, Smirnoff has long been recognized
for its smooth taste and texture. While its unflavored variety is its
most popular offering, Smirnoff’s flavored offerings and its Smirnoff
Ice malt liquor soda have cemented it as a household name in both the
vodka and RTD arenas.
4. Royal Stag Whisky
A member of global beverage giant Pernod Ricard’s portfolio, Royal Stag
whiskey blends locally-sourced
grain spirits and imported Scotch malts. The whiskey, distributed
globally and finding its largest audience in India, is produced in
Nepal.
3. McDowell’s No.1 Whisky
Diageo giant McDowell’s takes the cake in the whisky category, with its
signature No.1 variety landing at the number three spot in terms of
popularity for the second year running.
2. Ginebra San Miguel Gin
Ginebra San Miguel makes only one of two gins featured on this list,
produced in a family-owned distillery in Manila, Philippines. Having
entered the scene in 1834, Ginebra has successfully made a name for
itself over nearly two centuries.
1. Jinro
Soju
With one makguli and nine soju offerings, Jinro is the top-selling
spirit brand in the world. Consumed both straight and in cocktails,
Jinro is the quintessential soju in Korea and beyond, making its
signature green bottle an emblem of the spirit.
10 Most Popular Alcohol Drinks
Are you looking for some great alcohol drinks to enjoy at your next
party or night out? Look no further! From beer to spirits, there are
plenty of popular drinks that you can try out. In this article, we’ll
take a look at some of the most popular alcohol drinks out there and
provide you with all the information you need to know to enjoy them to
the fullest.
10. Absinthe
Absinthe is a strong and unique spirit that is known for its anise
flavor and green color. It’s typically served with sugar and ice-cold
water to create a refreshing and flavorful drink.
09. Jager
Jager is a popular spirit that is known for its unique and complex
flavor. Whether you prefer it straight or mixed in a cocktail, there are
plenty of ways to enjoy this popular spirit.
08. Wine
Wine is another classic alcoholic beverage that is loved by many.
Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, there are plenty of options out
there to choose from. Wine is perfect for sipping on its own or pairing
with your favorite foods.
07. S*x On The Beach
If you’re looking for a fruity and fun cocktail, then S*x On The Beach
is a great choice. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and
cranberry juice, this drink is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
06. White Russian
For those who prefer creamy cocktails, the White Russian is a great
choice. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, this drink is
perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
05. Margarita
One of the most popular tequila-based cocktails out there is the classic
Margarita. Made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, this
refreshing drink is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or enjoying
with friends at a party.
04. Tequila
It is distilled beverages is made from agave plants. Named after the
tequila because it is the tequila-producing region, which lies 65
kilometers northwest of Guadalajara, Mexico. Tequila usually served with
salt and lime.
03. Vodka & Orange
Vodka & Orange is another easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any
occasion. Made with vodka and orange juice, this drink is light,
refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a warm summer afternoon.
02. Rum & Coke
Rum distilled in the form of clear-colored liquid, and is usually saved
for the experience of maturation in the barrel made of oak or other wood
species. As soon as you mixed with some coke, it tastes like light coke
for heavy drinkers.
01. Beer
Beer is a classic alcoholic beverage that is loved by many. It comes in
a variety of flavors and styles, from light and refreshing lagers to
dark and malty stouts. You can enjoy a beer on its own or pair it with
your favorite foods for the ultimate experience.
The 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks in the world
Here are the results of the top 10,
counting down to the number one alcoholic drink of all.
10. Tequila
Global market size in 2022: US$14.7 billion
Tequila’s popularity has been on the rise for years, and in 2021 it
surpassed whisky in retail sales. The analysts found that the growth
in popularity of Tequila can primarily be attributed to a number of
factors, including the expansion of the premium spirits sector as
well as the introduction of new flavours, and a greater social media
presence.
9. Gin
Global market size in 2022: US$15.3 billion
There are, reportedly, three main reasons for gin’s continued
popularity – taste, versatility, and the variety now available. The
UK is the largest exporter of gin in the world and, according to His
Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data, gin exports from Britain
hit US$879 million last year, up from US$651 million in 2021.
8. Rum
Global market size in 2022: US$17.4 billion
While rum sales are still dominated by major producers, many
consumer preferences are said to be moving away from value options
and towards an appreciation for craft and aged rums instead. Made
from fermented sugar cane juice, rum also provides a key function in
cocktail culture.
7. Cider
Global market size in 2022: US$17.9 billion
Cider has risen in popularity significantly over the last decade and
can also flex with the seasons. In the UK, Insider Monkey outlines
how cider continues to be a popular alcoholic drinks category with
an off-trade value sales growth in the UK of 5.2% over the past
year. Some 47.8% of all British households now regularly buy cider –
up from 45.5% last year.
6. Vodka
Global market size in 2022: US$25.98 billion
Vodka continues to be the most consumed spirit in the US and has
been since 1970. Around 78.1 million cases of the spirit were sold
in America in 2021 and by 2022, 28.1 million 9L cases were sold
globally.
5. Whisky
Global market size in 2022: US$64 billion
As millennials are increasingly beginning to experiment with
different drinks and assisting in the rise of ‘cocktail culture’,
the use of whisky as a premium ingredient has increased in bars.
2022 was hinted to be a great year for Scotch whisky and exports of
Scotland’s native spirit hit US$7.5 billion last year, the highest
figures ever. Whisky exports by volume also rose, with the number of
700ml bottles shipped overseas up by 21%, to 1.67 billion.
4. Baijiu
Global market size in 2022: US$95.21 billion
Baiju plays a prominent role in China’s drinking culture and has
done so ever since the Ming Dynasty. It is most commonly distilled
from sorghum, although other grains – including rice, wheat, corn,
and millet – are also available in blends throughout the country.
Last year, consumers in China consumed US$91 billion worth of baijiu,
yet it still remains less well-known outside the nation.
3. Liqueurs
Global market size in 2022: US$128.9 billion
Liqueurs, which are essentially distilled spirits that are sweetened
with sugar or syrup, and often also contain fruit, herbs, and oils,
can be sweet or bitter depending on the flavours used.
2. Wine
Global market size in 2022: US$441.6 billion
The rising demand for premium and luxury wines has been reported
alongside the growing popularity of wine tourism which have become
key factors driving growth. According to the analysts, global wine
consumption in 2022 was estimated to be at 232 million hectolitres,
marking a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year.
Year-on-year, wine consumption around the world has decreased at a
regular rate and yet this can be mainly attributed to the decline in
China’s consumption, which has lost an average 2 million hectolitres
per year since 2018.
1. Beer
Global market size in 2022: US$793.74 billion
Beer is the most consumed alcohol in the world. In fact, after water
and tea, beer is actually the most popular drink in the world.
According to reports, in the 2022 brewing year, global beer
production ended up increasing slightly year-on-year by 1.3% to 1.89
billion hectolitres. However, the market is yet to return to its
pre-pandemic levels, when production peaked at 1.91 billion
hectolitres in 2019. The category has also evolved with consumer
tastes as brewers look to satisfy the thirst of their audience.
Plus, the overall demand for premium and low-calorie beers, the
rising popularity of craft beer, and the continued expansion of
distribution networks in emerging countries are all expected to
continue driving growth in the global beer sector over the next few
years.
7 Best Low-Carb Alcoholic Drinks to Order at the Bar
Liquor is carb-free, but what about when you start adding mixers? Here's
your low-carb cheat sheet.
Sticking to health goals can be tricky when alcohol is a big part of
social life, from post-work cocktail hours to casual get-togethers with
friends. Many popular
drinks, such as margaritas, mojitos, and gin and tonics, are
refreshing and flavorful but high in carbohydrates from ingredients
other than alcohol.
Low-carb alcoholic drinks offer a solution by striking a balance between
abstaining and indulging. By omitting sugary flavorings, mixes, and
juices, these drinks allow you to enjoy a lower-carb and often lower-calorie
option.
Even with low-carb alcoholic drinks, it's important to monitor alcohol
intake. Alcohol provides calories without nutritional value and can
affect your health goals. It lowers inhibition and impairs your ability
to sense hunger and fullness, leading to increased cravings and
appetite.
In this article, we'll define low-carb alcoholic drinks and suggest what
to order at the bar.
What Are Low-Carb Alcoholic Drinks?
Alcohol is naturally carb-free. Liquors like rum, vodka, whiskey,
tequila, and gin have zero carbohydrates.
But just because alcohol is low-carb doesn't mean cocktails are also
low-carb. Flavorings, juices, syrups, tonics, and other ingredients used
to make cocktails contribute sugars and carbohydrates. Regular cocktails
like a margarita can have upwards of 36
grams of carbohydrates per drink, pushing it into high-carb
territory.
Low-carb alcoholic drinks skip the juices, syrups, tonics, and other
flavorings. Instead, the alcohol is consumed neat, on the rocks, or with
sparkling water. Sometimes, a wedge of citrus or a splash of juice is
added for flavor.
Already-made drinks like canned cocktails or beer can be produced low-carb.
Changes in fermentation and processing methods create a low-carb
beverage that retains some of the taste and mouthfeel of traditional
drinks.
Low-Carb Drinks to Order
You can order plenty of low-carb drinks at the bar. Below are some
recommendations, but this list is not exhaustive. When in doubt, pair
your favorite spirit with soda water and a lemon, lime, or orange wedge
for a low-carb alcoholic beverage.
1.
Vodka Soda
Nutrition (per 8-ounce drink):
Calories: 133
Carbs: 0
Sugar: 0
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 8%
Vodka soda is the classic low-carb drink. It is a great cocktail
choice with no carbohydrates or added sugar. Sparkling water dilutes the
vodka, making the drink last longer without impacting the nutrition
profile. Citrus fruits are lower in sugar and carbohydrates than other
fruits. Squeeze a lime, orange, or grapefruit wedge into the beverage
for some flavor without affecting the calorie or carbohydrate content.
2.
Tequila and Lime
Nutrition (per 1-ounce shot of tequila and splash of lime juice):
Calories: 65
Carbs: <1 g
Sugar: <1 g
ABV: 33%
A tequila and lime is a lower-calorie alternative to a margarita.
Instead of a pre-made margarita mix that is high in carbohydrates, this
alternative sticks to the basics: tequila and lime. Ask for a splash of
lime juice or flavor the tequila with a lime wedge—both options keep the
drink low-carb.
Unless you're reaching for top-shelf tequila, opt for silver tequila.
Top-shelf darker tequilas achieve their coloring from aging processes,
whereas lower-quality tequilas use additives like syrups for their gold
coloring.
3.
Martini
Nutrition (per 4-ounce drink):
Calories: 241
Carbs: <1 g
Sugar: <1 g
ABV: 29%
A martini is
essentially all alcohol. It contains vodka or gin and dry vermouth, an
aromatic fortified wine used for flavoring. The high alcohol content
contributes to the higher amount of calories per 4-ounce drink. Still,
the martini is low-carb. Vodka and gin are zero-carb. Conversely,
vermouth contains carbohydrates. However, only a small amount of
vermouth is added to a martini, so the carbs are low.
4.
Dry Wine
Nutrition (per 5-ounce pour, Pinot Grigio):
Calories: 122
Carbs: 3 g
Sugar: 0 g
ABV: 11%
Dry wines are a great low-carb drink, with each 5-ounce pour containing
about 3 grams of carbohydrates. The fermentation process converts most
of the sugar into alcohol, leaving little residual sugar. Because the
entire pour contains alcohol, dry wines have a higher ABV than other
low-carb alcoholic drinks.
Low-carb dry wines include sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir,
cabernet sauvignon, and pinot grigio.
5.
Light Beer
Nutrition (per 12-ounce can):
Calories: 103
Carbs: 6 g
Sugar: <1 g
ABV: 3%
Light beers are lower
in calories and alcohol than regular beer. Fewer malted grains are
used to produce a light beer, and other ingredients like rice and corn
are often added to build flavor and body. Light beers may have a weaker
taste than regular beer due to changes in the brewing process to create
lower-carb and calorie beer. Still, light beers are a suitable low-carb
alternative.
6.
Rum and Diet Cola
Nutrition (per 8-ounce drink):
Calories: 135
Carbs: 0.5 g
Sugar: 0
ABV: 8%
Despite being derived from sugarcane, rum is naturally low-carb and
sugar-free. However, be aware that some brands add sugar after
processing, which can increase the carbohydrate and calorie content. To
make an informed choice, check out this list
of sugar content in different rums.
Opt for white rum instead of dark rum, as some dark rums use molasses
for coloring, which adds to the alcohol's calorie and carbohydrate
content. Use diet cola to reduce the carbohydrate and calorie content of
rum and cola. A rum
and diet cola has less than one gram of carbohydrate per 8-ounce
serving compared to the nearly 18 grams of carbohydrates in a regular rum
and cola.
7.
Hard Seltzer
Nutrition (per 12-ounce can of mango hard seltzer):
Calories: 99
Carbs: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
ABV: 5%
Hard seltzers are everywhere these days. They combine soda water,
alcohol, and flavoring for a convenient low-carb cocktail. Although the
nutrition profile of hard seltzer varies depending on the brand, most
are low-carb. Yes, hard seltzers contain sugar cane. But if you look at
the nutrition facts panel, added sugar is usually just 1% of the daily
value, so hard seltzer is still low-carb. Plus, the different flavors
provide multiple options for alcoholic drinks to order at the bar.
List, types, and Classification of Bottled Alcoholic drinks
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as
alcohol. It is produced by fermentation of sugars by yeasts or through
distillation. Below, we’ve made a high-level classification of the main
beverages, spirits, and liquors. You can check our dedicated page
on Types of Alcohol and Liquor Names for an in-depth overview.
Fermented Beverages
These are drinks made via a natural fermentation process where yeast or
bacteria convert sugars into alcohol.
Beer:
Brewed mainly from malted barley, hops, yeast, and water.
Wine:
Derived from the fermentation of grapes, though other fruits can be
used.
Red
Wine: Made from whole grapes, including the skins.
White
Wine: Made without the skins of the grapes.
Rosé
Wine: Produced using red grapes but with minimal contact
with the skins.
Cider:
Comes from fermented apple juice.
Mead:
A result of fermenting honey combined with water.
Sake:
A traditional Japanese beverage made by fermenting rice.
Distilled Beverages (Liquors or Spirits)
These drinks are processed by distillation after fermentation to enhance
their alcohol content.
Whiskey/Whisky:
Distilled from grain mash and aged in wooden barrels.
Vodka:
Typically distilled from grains or potatoes.
Rum:
Made from distilled sugarcane juice or molasses.
Gin:
Produced by distilling grain alcohol and infusing it with
botanicals, especially juniper.
Tequila:
Comes from the distillation of the blue agave plant.
Brandy:
A spirit distilled from wine or fruit juices.
Liqueurs:
Spirits sweetened post-distillation and flavored with various
botanicals, fruits, or creams. Examples include Baileys Irish Cream,
Amaretto, and Triple Sec.
Fortified
Wines:
Wines with distilled spirits, typically brandy, added to them. This
category includes drinks like Port, Sherry, and Vermouth.
Alcohol content
Here’s a table overview of the typical alcohol content for each of the
beverages mentioned:
Beverage
Typical ABV
Typical Proof
Beer
4-6%
8-12
Wine (Red, White, Rosé)
12-15%
24-30
Cider
4-6%
8-12
Mead
5-20%
10-40
Sake
15-20%
30-40
Whiskey/Whisky
40-50%
80-100
Vodka
40%
80
Rum
35-50%
70-100
Gin
37-50%
74-100
Tequila
40-50%
80-100
Brandy
35-60%
70-120
Liqueurs
15-55%
30-110
Fortified Wines (e.g., Port, Sherry)
15-20%
30-40
Note that these
are average figures. Specific brands and types of beverages can vary in
alcohol content.