Author: Alex Thompson

Types of Alcohols Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Alcohols

Kahlua is a popular coffee liqueur made in Veracruz, Mexico with rum, sugar, vanilla bean, and coffee. Other top coffee liqueur brands include Tia Maria and Sheridan’s. See Quick Guide to Kahlua, Quick Guide to Tia Maria, and Top Kahlua Drinks. Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary alcohols.

All three types of alcohol are toxic but only ethyl alcohol is safe for human consumption, while the other two are used for cleaning and manufacturing. Drinking any amount of isopropanol or methanol is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Vermouth is a type of fortified white wine commonly used in cocktails. Other popular fortified wines are marsala, Disaronno, and sherry. Rectified spirit, also called “neutral grain spirit”, is alcohol which has been purified by means of “rectification” (i.e. repeated distillation). The term neutral refers to the spirit’s lack of flavor that would have been present if the mash ingredients had been distilled to a lower level of alcoholic purity.

Other fermented beverages

In fact, after water and tea, beer is the most commonly-consumed drink in the world. Beer is also most likely the oldest alcoholic drink in history. A standard beer, whether it be a lager or an ale, has between 4% to 6% ABV, although some beers have higher or lower concentrations of alcohol. For example, “light beers” only have between 2% to 4% ABV while “malt liquors” have between 6% to 8%.

The skins are left on the grape to help influence the deep color and taste of the wine. Most rums have around 40% ABV and contain about 97 calories. Many of the ABV and calorie ranges below are based on data from Drinkaware, an independent charity that aims to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Alcohol is known to have a range of harmful effects on short-term and long-term health. Alcohol consumption can have serious consequences especially if taken in large quantities or with a heavy frequency. Because of its psychoactive effects, regular alcohol use can quickly become addictive. If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, reach out to a healthcare provider to learn about treatment and recovery options. Many different ingredients and processes can create alcohol.

List of alcoholic drinks

Abusing alcohol by binge drinking or heavy drinking can lead to health problems and alcohol addiction. Withdrawal from alcohol can potentially be fatal to individuals that are physically dependent on it. Any type of alcoholic beverage can be the source of an alcohol use disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, contact a treatment provider to learn more about recovery options. The only type of alcohol that humans can safely drink is ethanol. We use the other two types of alcohol for cleaning and manufacturing, not for making drinks.

1. Ethanol is toxic, so it damages the liver, the brain, and other organs over time.
2. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is indigenous to Mexico.
3. Although the standard drink amounts are useful for following health guidelines, they don’t always reflect the same serving sizes.
4. Different brands and types of alcohol vary in alcohol content.
5. The names of some alcoholic drinks are determined by their raw material.

Distillation concentrates alcohol by separating it from the water and other components of a fermented substance. They contain more alcohol by volume than undistilled drinks. In general, a distilled alcoholic beverage will have a higher alcohol proof. Beer, wine, cider, sake, and huangjiu are examples of fermented drinks.

Unfortified and fortified wines

For example, methanol (or methyl alcohol) is a component in fuel for cars and boats. It’s also used to manufacture antifreeze, paint remover, windshield wiper fluid, and many other products. Isopropanol (or isopropyl alcohol) is the chemical name for rubbing alcohol, which we use for cleaning and disinfecting. Both methanol and isopropanol are poisonous to humans because our bodies metabolize them as toxic substances which cause liver failure. Drinking even a small amount of methanol or rubbing alcohol can be fatal.

Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober. St Germain is a liqueur released in 2007 made with elderflowers, the small white flowers of an elderberry plant. See Quick Guide to St Germain and Top St Germain Cocktails. Midori is a green, honeydew melon-flavored Japanese liqueur released in the 1970’s.

Apple and plum are popular flavors, but brandy can be made from any fruit. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is indigenous to Mexico. A shot of tequila typically has 40–55% ABV and contains about 97 calories. Vodka, a liquor usually made from fermented grains and potatoes, has a standard alcohol concentration of 40% ABV in the United States.

Ethanol also inhibits the central nervous system,  thereby impairing coordination and judgment. Additionally, binge drinking and other forms of alcohol abuse can cause a person to develop debilitating alcohol addiction. Anyone who has ever visited a grocery store knows that there are many different types of alcohol. Some kinds of alcohol are distilled, which concentrates their alcohol content making them more dangerous.

Some countries, such as the U.S., have the drinking age higher than the legal age of majority (18), at age 21 in all 50 states. In some countries, alcohol cannot be sold to a person who is already intoxicated. In the United Kingdom, serving size in licensed premises is regulated under the Weights and Measures Act (1985). In Israel, a single serving size of spirits is about twice as much, 50 or 60 mL. Schnapps is a distilled spirit made by fermenting fruit juices along with the base liquor.

Although the standard drink amounts are useful for following health guidelines, they don’t always reflect the same serving sizes. Isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol, is made from propylene gas and has strong disinfecting properties. Isopropyl alcohol is a common ingredient in cleaning products and works especially well for sterilization. It is most frequently used for household cleaning purposes like disinfecting electronics, cleaning stainless steel, refreshing sponges, and cleaning makeup brushes. Thanks to its natural anti-bacterial properties, isopropyl alcohol can also be used medically as an antiseptic. It is also useful when inhaled, providing relief from postoperative nausea.