Liquors used for drinking purposes and containing alcohol as the principal intoxicating agent are called alcoholic beverages. Besides ethyl alcohol, alcoholic beverages contain large amounts of water, colouring and flavouring materials.
These are of two types.
(i) Distilled beverages: These are prepared by the fermentation of molasses, maize, barley etc. followed by distillation of the fermented liquid. These contain a higher percentage of alcohol (upto 50%).
(ii) Undistilled beverages : These are prepared by the fermentation of fruit juices or grains and are used as such, i.e. without distillation. Beverages prepared from grape and other fruit juices are known as wines. Wines contain 18-20% of ethyl alcohol and have a sweet taste. However, the original wines can be made stronger by adding rectified spirit; such wines are known as fortified wines.
Alcololic contents of some of the alcoholic beverages are given.
When ethyl alcohol goes inside the body, it is oxidised and supplies energy which in turn stimulates the human system. When taken in small amounts it causes no harm. However, its continuous use, even is small dose, causes addiction; when taken regularly it damages liver (cirrhosis).
