An alcoholic beverage is essentially a fermented liquor like beer, wine or any other distilled spirit that contains the chemical compound - ethyl alcohol or ethanol, as a result of which it produces intoxicating effects. While alcoholic beverages with lower alcohol levels (such as wine and beer) are produced simply by fermentation of sugars/starches present in plant products, those with higher alcohol levels (spirits) are manufactured by the dual processes of fermentation coupled with distillation.

History

Not surprisingly the manufacture and consumption of alcoholic beverages dates back to many centuries ago in most cultures across the world. As a matter of fact, sharing alcoholic beverages became an important social culture in itself. The neurological effects associated with alcohol intake may be responsible for its role in social interaction.

Ingredients used & popular methods of preparation

An alcoholic beverage is usually prepared by the process of fermentation of sugars present in berries, fruits or grains. Other methods include the distillation of plant fluids such as plant saps, honey, milk thereby bringing about a reduction in the original dilute liquid to one with much higher alcoholic concentration.

Usually it is plants like corn or maize, potatoes, barley, rye and grapes that are known to have sugars which may be subject to fermentation under specific conditions to produce carbon dioxide gas and ethyl alcohol. Perhaps the most popular fermented alcoholic beverage today is beer. It ranks third among the most popular beverages following water and tea. It is made primarily from malted barley (sometimes corn, rice or wheat may also be used) and the other variants that can be manufactured similarly are malt liquor, porter, stout and ale. Lager and ale are the two principal varieties of beer. Ale may be further categorised into brown ale, pale ale and stout ale. Hops are usually added as a preservative in beer making but also provide the characteristic bitter flavour. Alcohol content of beer can range anywhere between 2-12%, most commonly between 4-6% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Alcoholic Beverage Use

Consumption of alcoholic beverages has become a global trend with the younger generation reaching out for a drink to de-stress and socialize with their friends at the end of a long tiring day at work. Western cultures have popularised drinking joints typically called ‘pubs’ and the pub culture is spreading at a rapid pace. Alcoholic beverages have become an integral part of celebrations as well as festivities worldwide. In fact numerous multinational companies have established themselves in the field of alcoholic beverage production owing to the ever-increasing demand of these drinks.  Other than beer, rum, whiskey, gin, vodka and wine are the alcoholic beverages of choice across the globe.

Health facts related to alcoholic beverages

• Studies have revealed how consumption of food before drinking an alcoholic beverage helps in limiting the absorption of alcohol and aids in its rapid elimination from the blood stream. 
• Excessive intake of an alcoholic beverage can result in intoxication and also lead to dehydration as it causes the release of a large amount of water from the body through urine and vomit.  While these are some short-term effects of alcohol intake, it has been documented that regular excessive intake of alcoholic beverages can cause addiction which could further bring about detrimental changes to the metabolism of liver and brain.
• Alcohol is not advisable for Diabetics, patients with cardiac concerns, and those who are on weight loss programs.
• Alcohol consumption could lead to improper digestion as well as mal-absorption of vital nutrients including some vitamins and minerals.

Trivia

In many countries special laws govern the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. In India for instance, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited. Also there are strict laws that determine the legal age for drinking. Drunken driving is a punishable offence. These and other laws have been enforced across many different countries to curb the social issues arising from alcohol indulgence.