Alcoholic Beverages

Spirits are beverages containing ethanol alcohol produced by distilling fermented grain, fruit, or vegetables. "Hard liquor" is an un-distilled beverage. A spirit has no added sugar and is at least 20 percent alcohol by volume. Popular spirits include brandy, fruit brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey. Liqueurs Distilled beverages with added sugar and flavorings are liqueurs. Examples include Grand Marnier, Frangelico and Schnapps. The distinction between spirit and liqueur is often unknown or ignored, but everyone recognizes that spirits include all alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine. The basic process of distillation has not changed since the 8th century; freeze distillation remains in limited use. Freeze-distillated cider produces Applejack. Methods used to prepare and market organic material change over time. Knowledge of the principles of sanitation and access to standardized yeast strains improve the quality of the base ingredients. Larger and more efficient stills produce more products per square foot and reduce waste; ingredients such as corn, rice, and potatoes are alternatives to expensive traditional grains and fruits. The blue agave plant is part of making tequila. Chemists uncovered the scientific principles behind aging and devised ways to accelerate the maturation of the fruit without introducing harsh flavors. Modern filters remove unwanted residue and produce smoother finished products.