Alcohol is made through the fermentation of yeast, sugars and starches. An alcoholic beverage is a drink that contains ethanol. Alcoholic beverages are split into 3 groups:

• Beers
• Wines
• Spirits

Beer is produced by brewing and fermentation of starches derived from cereal grains. These grains include malted barley, wheat, maize and rice.
Wine is produced from fruit (in most cases grapes), this involves a lengthy process of fermentation which can result in years before ready.
Spirits are produced by distilling the fermented base product. Distilling concentrates the alcohol by removing water, esters, and other alcohols and collecting the alcoholic rich vapours released.