The Different Types of Alcohol
There are three basic types of alcohol, which can be combined with each other or other substances into mixed drinks. Alcohol often is served at parties and group gatherings, but it can be an addictive substance if not consumed in moderation. A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and a 1.5-ounce shot of spirits all contain about the same amount of alcohol. Does this Spark an idea?
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Beer
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Beer is made by fermenting starches and grains. It is the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic drink in the world. There are two types of beers: ales and lagers. Ales ferment at a warm temperature, and lagers ferment at a cold temperature. Beer comes in a variety of shades and colors, such as brown, amber, pale or dark.
Wine
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Wine is grape juice that has fermented over time and become alcoholic. Many grape varieties are used to make wine. Wine is either red, white or rose, depending on the skin color of the grape. Some examples of wine include pinot grigio, cabernet, merlot, shiraz, chardonnay, riesling, zinfandel and malbec.
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Spirits
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Spirits are the strongest forms of alcohol, because they are created by distilling a fermented substance into something more potent. The result is at least 20 percent ABV (alcohol by volume). Some examples of spirits are rum, vodka, whiskey, schnapps and brandy.
Mixed Drinks
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When two or more ingredients are mixed together to create one specific taste, it is known as a mixed drink. Some example include: rum and coke, vodka and cranberry juice, boilermaker (beer with a shot of vodka, tequila or whiskey), mimosa (sparkling wine and orange juice), and pina colada (coconut rum and pineapple juice). There are unlimited possibilities for mixed drinks.
History
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There is no historical record of the first drop of alcohol that was ever consumed, but people have been drinking it in one form or another for as far back as we can tell. Alcohol was purposely fermented 9,000 years ago, and was distilled in the 12th century. It has been used in religious ceremonies as well as for social events.
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