[[Image:Alcoholic beverages.jpg|thumb|300px|Alcoholic beverages]]
An '''alcoholic beverage''' is a [[drink]] containing [[ethanol]], commonly known as '''alcohol''', although in [[chemistry]] the definition of an [[alcohol]] includes many other compounds.

[[Ethanol]] is a [[psychoactive drug|centrally-acting drug]] with a [[depressant]] effect, and many societies regulate or restrict its sale and consumption. Countries place various legal [[Legal drinking age|restriction]]s on the sale of alcoholic drinks to young people. The manufacture and consumption of alcohol is found to some degree in most cultures and societies around the world, from [[hunter-gatherer]] tribes to organized [[nation-state]]s. The consumption of alcohol is often important at social events in such societies and may be an important aspect of a community's [[culture]].

Ethanol is only slightly toxic compared to other alcohols, but has significant psychoactive effects at sublethal doses. A significant [[blood alcohol content]] may be considered legal [[drunkenness]] as it reduces [[attention]] and slows reaction speed. Alcoholic beverages are addictive when consumed repeatedly or in high doses and the state of [[addiction]] to ethanol is known as [[alcoholism]].

==Chemistry and toxicology==
{{main|ethanol}}
'''Ethanol''' (CH<sub>3</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH), the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, for consumption purposes is always produced by [[fermentation (food)|fermentation]]–the [[metabolism]] of [[carbohydrate]]s by certain species of [[yeast]] in the absence of [[oxygen]]. The process of culturing yeast under alcohol-producing conditions is referred to as [[brewing]]. The same process produces carbon dioxide ''in situ'', and may be used to carbonate the drink in home brewing. However, this method leaves yeast residues and on the industrial scale, carbonation is done separately.

Drinks with a concentration of more than 50% ethanol by volume (100 US proof) are [[flammable]] liquids and easily ignited. Some exotic ones gain their distinctive flavors through intentional ignition of the drink, such as the [[Flaming Dr. Pepper]]. Spirits with a higher proof (ABV in UK is roughly half of proof number) can be ignited with ease by heating slightly, e.g. adding the spirit to a warmed shot glass.

In [[chemistry]], '''[[alcohol]]''' is a general term for any [[organic compound]] in which a [[hydroxyl]] [[Functional group|group]] (-[[oxygen|O]][[hydrogen|H]]) is bound to a [[carbon]] atom, which in turn may be bound to other carbon atoms and further hydrogens. Other alcohols such as [[propylene glycol]] and the [[sugar alcohol]]s may appear in food or beverages regularly, but these alcohols do not make them "alcoholic". [[Methanol]] (one carbon), the [[propanol]]s (three carbons giving two isomers), and the [[butanol]]s (four carbons, four isomers) are all commonly found alcohols, and none of these three should ever be consumed in any form. Alcohols are [[Toxication|toxicated]] into the corresponding [[aldehyde]]s and then into the corresponding [[carboxylic acid]]s. These metabolic products cause a poisoning and [[acidosis]]. In the case of other alcohols than ethanol, the aldehydes and carboxylic acids are poisonous and the acidosis can be lethal. In contrast, fatalities from ethanol are mainly found in extreme doses and related to induction of unconsciousness or chronic addiction (alcoholism).

When compared to other [[alcohol]]s, ethanol is only slightly toxic, with a lowest known lethal dose in humans of 1400 mg/kg, and a [[LD50|LD<sub>50</sub>]] of 9000 mg/kg (oral, rat). Nevertheless, accidental overdosing of alcoholic drinks, especially those of concentrated variety, is a risk for women, lightweight persons and children. These people have a smaller quantity of water in their body, so that alcohol is diluted less. A [[blood alcohol concentration]] of 50 to 100 mg/dL may be considered legal [[drunkenness]] (laws vary by jusrisdiction). The threshold of effects is at 22 mg/dL<ref>http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/reprint/28/4/570.pdf</ref>.

Alcohol affects the [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA) receptors, to produce a depressant effect. Other psychoactives affecting the GABA receptor include [[gamma-hydroxybutyric acid]], [[barbiturate]]s and [[benzodiazepine]]s; for a list, see the article on GABA.

Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to a toxication-induced delayed poisoning called [[hangover]] (in [[Latin language|Latin]], ''crapula'' refers to intoxication and hangover). Various factors contribute, including the toxication of ethanol itself to [[acetaldehyde]], the direct toxic effects and toxication of impurities called [[congener]]s<ref>[http://www.jrussellshealth.com/alchead.html#hangovers June Russells Health Facts]</ref>, and [[dehydration]]. Hangover starts after the euphoric effects of alcohol itself have subsided, typically in the night and morning after alcoholic drinks were consumed. However, the blood alcohol concentration may still be substantial and above the limits imposed for drivers and operators of other dangerous equipment. Hangover subsides during the day. Various treatments, many of them pseudoscientific, are presented to "cure hangover". However, activities such as driving are still dangerous.

==Alcoholic content==
The [[concentration]] of alcohol in a drink may be specified in percent [[alcohol by volume]] (ABV), in percentage by weight (sometimes abbreviated '''w/w''' for ''weight for weight''), or in [[alcoholic proof|proof]]. In the USA, the 'proof' measurement is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 80 proof = 40% ABV). ''Degrees proof'' were formerly used in the UK where 100 degrees proof was 57.1% ABV (historically, the most dilute spirit which would sustain the combustion of [[gunpowder]]). Common [[distillation]] cannot exceed 191.2 proof (USA) because at that point ethanol is an [[azeotrope]] with water. Alcohols of this purity are commonly referred to as [[grain alcohol]] and are not meant for human consumption, with the notable exception of [[neutral grain spirit]]s.

Most yeasts cannot grow when the concentration of alcohol is higher than about 18% by volume, so that is a practical limit for the strength of fermented beverages such as [[wine]], [[beer]], and [[sake]]. Strains of yeast have been developed that can survive in solutions of up to 25% alcohol by volume, but these were bred for ethanol fuel production, not beverage production. Spirits are produced by [[distillation]] of a fermented product, concentrating the alcohol and eliminating some of the by-products. [[Fortified wines]] are produced by adding brandy or other distilled spirits to achieve higher ABV than is easily reached using fermentation alone.

Unsweetened alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with a percentage of alcohol greater than perhaps 30% are referred to as ''spirits''. Sweet beverages with high alcohol content are usually called ''[[liqueurs]]''. Spirits are sometimes added to wines ([[port wine|port]], [[sherry]]), creating ''[[fortified wine]]s''.

==Flavorings==
Ethanol is a moderately good [[solvent]] for many fatty substances and essential oils, and thus facilitates the inclusion of several colouring, flavoring and/or aromatic compounds to alcoholic beverages, especially to distilled ones. These flavoring ingredients may be naturally present in the starting material, or may be added before fermentation, before distillation, during distillation (gin) or before bottling the distilled product. Sometimes the flavor is obtained by allowing the beverage to stand for months or years in oak barrels, normally American or French oak, sometimes charred (bourbon), sometimes already used for aging a different spirit, wine or fortified wine. Occasionally, in the bottle herbs or fruits have been inserted to flavor the final product.

==History==
{{main|History of alcohol}}

Alcohol has been widely consumed [http://e85.whipnet.net/ethanol.history/index.html since prehistoric times] by people around the world, as a component of the standard diet, for hygienic or medical reasons, for its [[intoxication|relaxant and euphoric effects]], for [[recreational drug use|recreational purposes]], for artistic inspiration, as [[aphrodisiac]]s, and for other reasons. Some drinks have been invested with symbolic or religious significance suggesting the mystical use of alcohol, e.g. by [[Greek religion|Greco-Roman religion]] in the [[ecstasy (emotion)|ecstatic]] rituals of [[Dionysus]] (also called Bacchus), god of wine and revelry; in the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Eucharist]]; and on the [[Judaism|Jewish]] [[Shabbat]] and festivals (particularly [[Passover]]).

===Fermented beverages===
Chemical analysis of traces absorbed and preserved in pottery jars from the Neolithic village of [[Jiahu]], in Henan province, Northern [[China]], have revealed that a mixed fermented beverage of rice, honey, and fruit was being produced as early as 9,000 years ago. This is approximately the same time that barley beer and grape wine were beginning to be made in the Middle East. Recipes have been found on clay tablets and art in [[Mesopotamia]] that show individuals using straws to drink [[beer]] from large vats and pots.

The [[Hindu]] [[Ayurveda|Ayurvedic]] texts describe both the beneficent uses of alcoholic beverages and the consequences of intoxication and alcoholic diseases. Most of the peoples in [[India]] and China, have continued, throughout, to ferment a portion of their crops and nourish themselves with the alcoholic product. However, devout adherents of [[Buddhism]], which arose in India in the 5th and 6th centuries BC and spread over southern and eastern Asia, abstain to this day, as do devout [[Hindus]] and [[Sikhs]]. In Mesopotamia and Egypt, the birthplace of beer and wine, [[Islam]] is now the predominant religion, and it also prohibits the drinking and even the handling of alcoholic beverages.

Wine was consumed in [[Classical Greece]] at breakfast or at [[symposium|symposia]], and in the [[1st century BC]] it was part of the diet of most [[Roman Empire|Roman]] citizens. However, both Greeks and Romans generally consumed diluted wine (with strengths varying from 1 part wine and 1 part water to 1 part wine and 4 parts water). The transformation of water into wine at the [[wedding at Cana]] is the first of the miracles attributed to [[Jesus]] in the [[New Testament]], and his use of wine in the [[Last Supper]] led to it becoming an essential part of the [[Eucharist]] rite in most [[Christian]] traditions (see [[Christianity and alcohol]]).

In [[Europe]] during the [[Middle Ages]], beer was consumed by the whole family, thanks to a triple fermentation process &mdash; the men had the strongest, then women, then children. A document of the times mentions [[nun]]s having an allowance of six pints of ale a day. [[Cider]] and [[pomace wine]] were also widely available, while grape wine was the prerogative of the higher classes.

By the time the Europeans reached the [[Americas]] in the [[15th century]], several [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|native]] civilizations had developed alcoholic beverages. According to a post-Conquest [[Aztec]] document, consumption of the local "wine" (''[[pulque]]'') was generally restricted to religious ceremonies, but freely allowed to those over 70 years old. The natives of [[South America]] manufactured a beer-like product from [[cassava]] or [[maize]] (''[[cauim]]'', ''[[chicha]]''), which had to be chewed before fermentation in order to turn the [[starch]] into sugars. This chewing technique was also used in ancient [[Japan]] to make ''[[sake]]'' from [[rice]] and other starchy crops.

The medicinal use of alcohol was mentioned in Sumerian and Egyptian texts dated from [[2100 BC]] or earlier. The [[Hebrew Bible]] recommends giving alcoholic drinks to those who are dying or depressed, so that they can forget their misery ([[Book of Proverbs|Proverbs]] 31:6-7). <!--to be expanded-->

===Distilled beverages===
{{main|Distilled beverages}}

The distillation of alcohol can be traced back to [[China]], [[Central Asia]] and the [[Middle East]]. In particular, [[Alchemy (Islam)|Muslim chemists]] were the first to produce fully purified distilled alcohol.<ref>[[Ahmad Y Hassan]], [http://www.history-science-technology.com/Articles/articles%2072.htm Technology Transfer in the Chemical Industries]</ref> It later spread to Europe in the mid-12th century, and by the early [[14th century]] it had spread throughout the continent. It also spread eastward, mainly due to the [[Mongol]]s, and began in [[China]] no later than the 14th century. However, recent archaeological evidence suggests that in China the practice of distillation may date back to [[5000 BC]]. [[Paracelsus]] gave alcohol its modern name, taking it from the Arabic word which means "finely divided", a reference to distillation.

==Uses==
In many countries, alcoholic beverages are commonly consumed at the major daily meals (lunch and dinner).

In places and eras with poor public sanitation, such as [[Middle Ages|Medieval]] [[Europe]], consumption of alcoholic drinks (particularly weak or "small" [[beer]]) was one method of avoiding water-borne diseases such as [[cholera]]. Though alcohol kills bacteria, the low concentration in beer or even wine will have only a limited effect. Probably the [[boiling]] of water, which is required for the brewing of beer, and the growth of yeast, which would tend to crowd out other micro-organisms, were more important than the alcohol itself. Additionally, the ethanol (and possibly other ingredients) of alcoholic beverages allows them to be stored for months or years in simple wood or clay containers without spoiling; for this reason they were commonly utilized onboard sailing vessels as a key (or even the sole) source of hydration for the crew, especially during the long voyages of the [[Colonial Era]].

In colder climates, strong alcoholic beverages such as [[vodka]] are popularly seen as a way to "warm up" the body, possibly because ethanol is a quickly absorbed source of [[food energy]] and because it dilates peripheral blood vessels (Peripherovascular dilation) — a dangerous misconception, as the perception of warmth is actually caused by the transfer of heat from the body's core to its extremities where it is quickly lost to the environment.

In many cultures, both contemporary and historical, alcoholic beverages &mdash; mostly because of their [[intoxication|neurological effects]] &mdash; have also played an important role in various kinds of social interaction, providing a form of "liquid courage" (those who consume it typically gain confidence and lose discretion). While other psychoactive drugs (such as [[opium]], [[coca]], [[khat]], [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], [[kava-kava]], etc.) also have millennial traditions of social use, only [[coffee]], [[tea]], [[betel]], and [[tobacco]] are currently as universally used and accepted as ethanol.

==Alcohol consumption and health==
{{main|Alcohol consumption and health|Effects of alcohol on the body|Alcohol and cancer|Alcohol and cardiovascular disease|Recommended maximum intake of alcoholic beverages}}

In moderation, alcohol consumption has significant health benefits. These include a lower risk of heart attack <ref>[http://www.aheartylife.com/2007/05/26/moderate-alchohol-consumption-lowers-womens-risk-of-heart-attack/ www.aheartylife.com]</ref>, lower risk of diabetes <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15161790&dopt=Abstract www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]</ref>, lower risk of Alzheimer's disease <ref>[http://serials.cib.unibo.it/cgi-ser/start/it/spogli/df-s.tcl?prog_art=2814671&language=ITALIANO&view=articoli www.serials.cib.unibo.it]</ref>, reduced risk of stroke <ref>[http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/strokeaha;24/10/1473 www.stroke.ahajournals.org]</ref>, and an increase in overall longevity <ref>[http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/34/1/199 www.ije.oxfordjournals.org].</ref> One study found that a person fifty-five or older who consumed 1-3 drinks daily was half as likely to develop dementia linked to poor oxygen to the brain as a person who did not. Additionally, because alcohol increases 'good' cholesterol and decreases the 'bad' cholesterol, there are indications that frequent doses in moderation reduces the risk of blood clots and stroke. These benefits are all counteracted by excessive consumption.<ref name="psychopharm" />

In excess the negative effects can be severe, even lethal. A blood-alcohol content of .45% represents the [[LD50]], or the amount which would prove fatal to 50% of human subjects. This is only about six times the level of intoxication (0.08%), but vomiting and/or unconsciousness are triggered much sooner in people with a low tolerance, among whom such high levels are rarely reached unless a large amount of alcohol is consumed very quickly<ref name="psychopharm">Meyer, Jerold S. and Linda F. Quenzer. Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior. Sinauer Associates, Inc: Sunderland, Massachusettes. 2005. Page 228.</ref> However, chronic heavy drinkers' high tolerance may allow some of them to remain conscious at levels above .4%, despite the serious health dangers.

A 2001 report estimates that medium and high consumption of alcohol led to 75,754 deaths in the USA. Low consumption has some beneficial effects so a net 59,180 deaths were attributed to alcohol.
<ref>
[http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ardi/Report.aspx?T=AAM&P=9d3057a6-5cda-416d-ba10-41e7b8ebd521&R=c22869f8-a1d3-48a8-8095-9142c6de5baf&M=1d04dc84-f775-4032-9ab3-75bc10221b2b&L=&F=AAMCauseGenderNew&D=A Alcohol-Attributable Deaths Report, United States 2001]
</ref>
Also, some forms of cancer have been linked to excessive consumption of alcohol. "3.6% of all cancer cases worldwide are related to alcohol drinking, resulting in 3.5% of all cancer deaths" (see [[Alcohol and cancer]] for details).
<ref>
[http://www.oncolink.com/resources/article.cfm?c=3&s=8&ss=23&id=13383&month=08&year=2006 Burden of alcohol-related cancer substantial]
</ref>
Alcohol is also a potentially addictive substance.

Alcohol addiction can also lead to malnutrition because it can alter digestion and metabolism of most nutrients. Severe thiamine deficiency is common due to deficiency of folate, riboflavin, vitamin B<sub>6</sub> and selenium. Muscle cramps, nausea, appetite loss, nerve disorders and depression are some common symptoms. It can also lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures due to vitamin D deficiency (Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption). Alcohol stimulates insulin production which speeds up the glucose metabolism and can result in low blood sugar.

Alcohol affects the brain, causing slurred speech, clumsiness, and delayed reflexes. The consumption of alcohol does not kill brain cells but rather damages [[dendrite]]s, the branched ends of nerve cells that bring messages into the cell.

Alcohol dilates the channels in the cellular structure that regulate the flow of calcium, causing excess calcium to flow into the cells and stimulating increased activity. This does not kill the whole cell, but causes a loss of the end segments, leading to the loss of incoming signals and therefore a change in brain function. Most of this damage is temporary, but the recovery process changes nerve-cell structure permanently.<ref>[http://www.wonderquest.com/BrainCells.htm ''Does alcohol kill brain cells?'']</ref>

==Alcohol and religion==
{{main|Islam and alcohol|Christianity and alcohol}}
Some religions — most notably [[Islam]], [[Sikhism]], [[Jainism]], the [[Bahá'í Faith]], [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], the [[Theravada]] and most [[Mahayana]] schools of [[Buddhism]], some [[Protestant]] sects of [[Fundamentalist Christianity]] and [[Hinduism]] — forbid, discourage, or restrict the consumption of alcoholic beverages for various reasons.

In the early Islamic period drinking was considered to be one of the two offences against God, the other being illicit sex. Even now according to Islam several [[Qur'anic]] verses are commonly understood to prohibit the use of alcohol. The Qu'ran says that although there are some profits in alcohol, the sins are greater than the profit ({{quran-usc|2|219}}). Only the use of alcohol for medical purposes is allowed.

Many [[Christian]] denominations use wine in the [[Eucharist]] and permit the use of alcohol in moderation, while others use unfermented grape juice in the Eucharist and abstain from alcohol by choice or prohibit it outright.

The [[Jewish]] religion uses wine on [[Shabbat]] for [[Kiddush]] as well as in the [[Passover]] ceremony and in other religious ceremonies, including [[Purim]], and allows the moderate use of alcohol, such as [[kosher wine]].

[[Buddhist]] texts recommend refraining from drugs and alcohol, because they may inhibit mindfulness.

Many [[Pagan]] religions, however, have had a completely reverse view on alcohol and drunkenness - some have actively promote it as means of fertility cult on promoting fertility and sexual lust. Alcohol is seen to increase lust and sexual desires and to lower the threshold of approaching another person. For example, the Norse religion considered alcohol as the sap of [[Yggdrasil]], and drunkenness and intoxication by mushrooms was an important rite of fertility. Somewhat paradoxically, one [[pharmacodynamic]] effect of alcohol reduces [[sexual arousal]].

{{section stub}}

==Legal considerations==
[[Image:AlcoholConsumptionSign.jpg|thumb|right|Alcohol restriction in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]].]]

===Age restrictions===
{{main|Legal drinking age}}
Most countries have a [[legal drinking age]] prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to [[minor (law)|minors]], although the point at which such minority ends varies from country to country.

====Australia====
In [[Australia]], the age for the purchase and possession of alcohol is 18.

====Canada====
In [[Canada]] the legal drinking age is 18 in the provinces of [[Alberta]], [[Manitoba]] and [[Quebec]] only, and 19 elsewhere.

====Europe====
:''See also: [[German alcohol laws]]''
Laws covering the [[legal drinking age]] and sale of alcoholic beverages in [[Europe]] varies from country to country; the legal drinking age usually 16 to 18. For example, in the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Belgium]], and [[Austria]], a purchaser of beer or wine must be 16, and 18 for distilled alcoholic beverages. [[Denmark]] allows any type of alcohol to be purchased at age 16. Germany's law is directed toward sellers of alcoholic beverages, not toward minors themselves; German law vests control of the consumption of alcoholic beverage in the hands of parents and guardians.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bmfsfj.de/RedaktionBMFSFJ/Abteilung5/Pdf-Anlagen/juSchGenglisch,property=pdf.pdf | format = PDF | title = Protection of Young Person Act | date = [[2002-07-23]] | accessdate = 2006-07-25 }}</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]], the minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18, although minors are legally allowed to consume alcohol in the home from the age of five. Shop workers under 18 may not legally sell alcohol. In [[France]] people must be 16 to buy alcoholic beverages. In [[Iceland]] and [[Sweden]] purchasers or possessors of alcoholic beverages must be 20, although they can be drunk from 18. In Finland purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages with up to 22% ABV (i.e. beer, wine and liqueurs) is allowed from age 18, and stronger drinks from 20, although stronger drinks may be ordered in a restaurant from age 18.

====Japan====
In [[Japan]], the legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is 20.

====United States====
[[Image:Underage consumption map 2006.GIF|250px|thumb|right|Exceptions to Minimum Age of 21 for Consumption of Alcohol in the United States as of January 1, 2006]]
{{main|Alcohol laws of the United States by state}}
:''See also: [[Alcohol laws of Kansas]], [[Alcohol laws of Missouri]], [[Alcohol laws of North Carolina]], [[Alcohol laws of Oklahoma]]''
In the [[United States]], the legal age for purchase or possession (but not necessarily consumption) in every state has been 21 since shortly after the passage of the [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]] in [[1984]], which tied federal highway funds to states' maintaining a minimum drinking age of 21.

Nineteen states ([[Arkansas]], [[California]], [[Connecticut]], [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Iowa]], [[Kentucky]], [[Maryland]], [[Massachusetts]], [[Mississippi]], [[Missouri]], [[Nevada]], [[New Hampshire]], [[New Mexico]], [[New York]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Rhode Island]], [[South Carolina]], and [[Wyoming]]) and the [[District of Columbia]] only have laws against possession by minors, but do not prohibit consumption of alcohol by minors.

Fourteen states ([[Colorado]], [[Delaware]], [[Illinois]], [[Iowa]], [[Louisiana]], [[Maine]], [[Minnesota]], [[Missouri]], [[Montana]], [[Ohio]], [[Oregon]], [[Texas]], [[Washington]], and [[Wisconsin]]) specifically permit children to drink alcohol given to them by their parents or guardians.

Many states also specifically permit consumption under the age of 21 for religious or health reasons.

===Other restrictions===
====Mind alteration====
In law, sometimes the term "[[intoxication|intoxicating]] agent" is used for a category of substances which includes alcoholic beverages and some other [[recreational drug use|drugs]]. Giving any of these substances to a person to create an abnormal condition of the mind (such as [[drunkenness]]), in order to facilitate committing a crime (e.g., rape), may be an additional crime. Being under the influence of alcohol may also be considered an [[Aggravation (legal concept)|aggravating circumstance]] if a crime is committed.

====Prohibition of alcohol====
:''See also: [[Teetotalism]], [[Temperance movement]]''
A number of countries [[prohibition of alcohol|forbid]] the commerce, consumption or [[alcohol advertising|advertising of alcoholic beverages]], or restrict them in various ways. During the period known as [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]], from [[1919]] to [[1933]], the [[Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Eighteenth Amendment]] to the [[Constitution of the United States]] made it illegal to manufacture, transport, import, export, or sell alcoholic beverages in the [[United States]]. Some communities in the United States (known as [[Dry county|dry counties]]) still ban alcohol sales.

Many [[Muslim]] countries, such as [[Saudi Arabia]], prohibit alcohol for religious reasons. Drinking alcohol in public places, such as streets and parks, is against the law in most of the United States (see below) and in some European countries, but is legal in others such as [[Belgium]] and [[Germany]]. In [[The Netherlands]] it is not specifically illegal by law, but many cities and towns prohibit having a open container.

====Drunk driving====
Most countries have laws against [[drunk driving]], driving with a certain concentration of ethanol in the blood. Punishments usually include [[fine]]s, temporary loss of [[driving license]], and [[imprisonment]]. The legal threshold of [[blood alcohol content]] ranges from 0.0% to 0.08%, according to local law. Similar prohibitions exist for [[drunk sailing]], drunk bicycling, even drunk rollerblading.

====Manufacturing====
In many countries, production of alcoholic beverages requires a license, and alcohol production is taxed.

'''In the United States:'''
The sale of alcoholic beverages is controlled by the individual States, the counties or parishes within each State, and then by local jurisdictions within counties. For example: in North Carolina, beer and wine may be purchased in retail stores, but distilled spirits are only available at State ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) stores. In Maryland, distilled spirits are available in liquor stores except in Montgomery Country where the County runs the ABC stores.

In most States, individuals may freely produce wine and beer usually up to 100 gallons per adult, but no more than 200 gallons per household for personal consumption (but not for sale). However, in St. Mary's County, Maryland a 'bono fide' resident may sell beer and native wines from their home.

The production of distilled beverages is regulated and taxed.<ref>http://www.ttb.gov/faqs/genalcohol.shtml</ref> The [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives]] and the [[Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau]] (formerly one organization known as the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms]]) enforce federal laws and regulations related to alcohol.

All alcoholic product packaging must contain a [[Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act|health warning]] from the [[Surgeon General of the United States|Surgeon General]].

In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] the [[Customs and Excise department]] issues distilling licenses.

In [[New Zealand]] it is legal to produce any form of alcohol for personal use, including spirits. This has made the sale and use of home distillation equipment popular. The same is true of many U.S. states, including [[Missouri]].

====Sale and possession restrictions====
=====Denmark=====
In [[Denmark]], people can buy all kinds of alcoholic beverages from grocery stores. The Legal age of purchasing alcohol is 16 in shops, and 18 in bars and restaurants. Until 1998 there was no age limit to buy alcohol in shops. It is generally legal to drink alcoholic beverages in the street, however, you have to be at least 18 years old, but restrictions are sometimes applied by local authorities in problem areas. In trains, buses etc. it is generally allowed to drink alcohol, but not to act heavily intoxicated, a rule enforced less strictly than in neighbouring Scandinavian countries.

Home production of wine and beer is not regulated. Home distillation of spirits is legal, however not common since it is subject to the same taxation as spirits sold commercially. Bootlegging is rarely heard of, in contrast to rural Sweden and Norway. Danish alcohol taxes are significantly lower than in Sweden and Norway, but higher than in most other European countries.

=====Nordic countries=====
In each of the [[Nordic countries]] except [[Denmark]], there is a government monopoly on the selling of hard alcohol in stores. In Sweden, beers with a lower alcohol content, called ''folköl'' (more than 2.25% and up to 3.5% alcohol), can be sold in regular stores to anyone older than 18, but drinks with a high content of alcohol can only be sold in the official government-run vendors by people older than 20, or in licenced facilities such as restaurants and bars, where the age limit is 18. The law states that alcoholic drinks bought at these licensed facilities must be consumed on the premises, and it is not allowed to consume alcoholic drinks bought elsewhere. For non-alcoholic drinks there is no such legal requirement, but individual facilities may still set their own restrictions.

The state-run vendor is called [[Systembolaget]] in Sweden, [[Vinmonopolet]] in Norway, [[Alko]] in Finland, and [[Vínbúð]] in Iceland. The governments claim that the purpose of this system is to cut down on the consumption of alcohol in these countries where binge drinking is an ancient tradition. The first such monopoly was in Falun in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, Sweden had a brief prohibition of strong alcoholic drinks, followed by strict rationing, and then more lax regulation, including being open on Saturdays. These measures have had success in the past, but since joining the European Union it has been harder to curb importation, legal or illegal, from other EU countries, making these measures less effective. There is an ongoing debate over whether or not to maintain the state-run alcohol monopolies.

=====United States=====
[[Image:Open container map 2006.gif|thumb|right|250px|Map of open container laws in the United States by state, as of September 2007.]]
{{main|Alcohol laws of the United States by state}}
:''See also: [[Alcohol laws of Kansas]], [[Alcohol laws of Missouri]], [[Alcohol laws of North Carolina]], [[Alcohol laws of Oklahoma]]''

In the United States, the places where alcohol may be sold and/or possessed, like all other alcohol restrictions, varies from state to state. Some states, like [[Nevada]], [[Louisiana]], [[Missouri]], and [[Connecticut]], have very permissive and [[laissez-faire]] alcohol laws, whereas other states, like [[Kansas]] and [[Oklahoma]], have very strict alcohol laws.

Many U.S. states require that distilled liquor be sold only in dedicated [[liquor store]]s. In eighteen [[alcoholic beverage control state]]s ([[Alabama]], [[Idaho]], [[Iowa]], [[Maine]], [[Michigan]], [[Mississippi]], [[Montana]], [[New Hampshire]], [[North Carolina]], [[Ohio]], [[Oregon]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[Utah]], [[Vermont]], [[Virginia]], [[Washington]], [[West Virginia]], and [[Wyoming]]), liquor stores are run by the state itself, ostensibly to prevent young cashiers from allowing sales to underage friends while pretending to verify their age. In [[Nevada]] and [[Missouri]], however, state law does not specifically enumerate the precise locations where alcohol may be sold, allowing even [[gas station]]s to sell any alcoholic beverage as if they were liquor stores. In some states, liquor sales are prohibited on [[Sunday]] by a [[blue law]].

Most U.S. states follow a [[three-tier (alcohol distribution)]] system where producers cannot sell directly to retailers, but must instead sell to distributors, who in turn sell to retailers. Exceptions often exist for brewpubs (pubs which brew their own beer) and wineries, which are allowed to sell their products directly to consumers.
[[Image:Michigan liquor license suspended.jpg|thumb|left|200px|In the U.S., the control and licensing of alcohol distribution is performed at the state level. This convenience store in [[Michigan]] has temporarily had its retail license suspended for [[Underage drinking in the United States|sale of alcohol to minors]].]]
Although all U.S. states have laws against drunk driving (usually defined as driving with at or above 0.08% [[blood alcohol content]]), most U.S. states also do not allow ''open containers'' of alcohol inside of moving vehicles. The federal [[United States open container laws|Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of 1999]] mandates that if a state does not prohibit open containers of alcohol inside of all moving vehicles, a percentage of its federal highway funds will be transferred instead to alcohol education programs each year. As of November, 2007, only one state ([[Mississippi]]) allows drivers to consume alcohol while driving (below the 0.08% limit), and only seven states ([[Arkansas]], [[Connecticut]], [[Delaware]], [[Mississippi]], [[Missouri]], [[Virginia]], and [[West Virginia]]) allow passengers to consume alcohol while the vehicle is in motion.

Five U.S. states limit alcohol sales in [[grocery store]]s and [[gas station]]s to [[low-point beer|beer at or below 3.2% alcohol]]: [[Colorado]], [[Kansas]], [[Minnesota]], [[Oklahoma]], and [[Utah]]. In these states, stronger beverages are restricted to liquor stores. In [[Oklahoma]], liquor stores may not refrigerate any beverage containing more than 3.2% alcohol. [[Missouri]] also has provisions for 3.2% beer, but its [[alcohol laws of Missouri|extremely permissive alcohol laws]] (when compared to other states) makes 3.2% beer a rarity.

Most states ban drinking alcoholic beverages in public (i.e. in the street). Moreover, even where a state, like [[Nevada]], [[Louisiana]], or [[Missouri]], has no laws against drinking alcoholic beverages in public, the vast majority of cities and counties therewithin do ban drinking alcoholic beverages in public. Still, in the [[French Quarter]] of [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], and the [[Power & Light District]] of [[Kansas City, Missouri]], state law specifically allow persons over the age of 21 to possess alcoholic beverages in plastic cups on the street.

Often, bars serving distilled liquor are exempted from [[smoking ban]]s where they exist in the United States (''see'' [[list of smoking bans in the United States]].

==Types of alcoholic beverages==
{{main|List of alcoholic beverages}}
Low-alcohol-content drinks are produced by fermentation of [[sugar]]- or [[starch]]-containing products, and high-alcohol ones are produced by [[distillation]] of these. Sometimes, the alcohol content is increased by adding distilled products, particularly in the case of wines. Such [[fortified wine]]s include [[Port wine|Port]] and [[Sherry]].

The process involved (as well as the resulting alcohol content) defines the finished product. [[Beer]] involves a relatively short (incomplete) fermentation process and an equally short aging process (a week or two) resulting in an alcohol content generally between 3-8%, as well as natural carbonation. [[Wine]] involves a longer (complete) fermentation process, and a relatively long aging process (months or years -- sometimes decades) resulting in an alcohol content between 7-18%. [[Sparkling wine]] is generally made by adding a small amount of sugar before bottling, which causes a secondary fermentation to continue in the bottle. Distilled products are generally not made from a beer that would normally be palatable as fermentation is normally completed, but no aging is involved until after distillation. Most are 30% or greater alcohol by volume. [[Liqueur]]s are characterized by the way in which their flavors are infused and typically have high sugar content. Spirits typically contain 37.5% alcohol or greater and are not infused with flavors during the distilling process, however some modern spirits are infused with flavors after distilling (the Swedish vodka [[Absolut Vodka|Absolut]], for instance or polish infused cranberry vodka Sobieski).

Standard alcoholic drinks in the United States all contain the same amount of alcohol, about 0.6 fl. oz. (American) each (17.75ml). A U.S. standard drink is a 12 ounce can or bottle of beer, a five ounce glass of dinner wine, or a 1.5 ounce drink of 40% distilled spirits (either straight or in a mixed drink).

In the UK, alcohol content is measured in units. One unit equates to 10ml of pure ethanol (approx. 1/3 fl. oz. American). A typical large glass or pint of beer contains approximately 2 units. A shot (25ml) of 40% spirit contains exactly 1 unit.

The names of some beverages are determined by the source of the material fermented:

'''Grains'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Source
! Name of fermented beverage
! Name of distilled beverage
|-
| [[barley]] || [[beer]], [[ale]], [[barley wine]]
| [[Scotch whisky]], [[Irish whiskey]], [[shōchū|shōchū (mugijōchū)]] (Japan)
|-
| [[rye]] || [[rye beer]]. [[kvass]]
| [[rye whiskey]], roggenkorn (type of Korn, from Germany)
|-
| [[maize|corn]] || [[chicha]], [[chicha|corn beer]]
| [[bourbon whiskey]], [[vodka]] (only a few, like Tito's from Texas)
|-
| [[sorghum]] || [[burukutu]] (Nigeria), [[pito]] (Ghana), [[merisa]] (southern Sudan), [[bilibili]] (Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon)
| [[maotai]], [[gaoliang]], certain other types of [[baijiu]] (China).
|-
| [[wheat]] || [[wheat beer]]
| wheat [[whisky]], weizenkorn (type of Korn, from Germany)
|-
| [[rice]] || [[huangjiu]], [[choujiu]] (China), [[sake]] (Japan), [[sonti]] (India), [[makgeolli]] (Korea), [[tuak]] (Borneo Island), [[thwon]] (Nepal)
| [[rice baijiu]] (China), [[shōchū|shōchū (komejōchū)]] and [[awamori]] (Japan), [[soju]] (Korea),
|-
| [[millet]] || [[millet beer]] (sub-saharan Africa), [[tongba]] (Tibet)
|-
| [[buckwheat]] ||
| [[shōchū|shōchū (sobajōchū)]] (Japan)
|-
|}

'''Juice of Fruits'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Source
! Name of fermented beverage
! Name of distilled beverage
|-
| [[juice]] of [[grape]]s, || [[wine]]
| [[brandy]], [[Cognac (drink)|Cognac]] (France), [[Vermouth]], [[Armagnac (drink)|Armagnac]] (France), Branntwein (Germany), [[pisco]] (Chile & Perú), Rakia also Rakiya, Rakija, Rakı (The Balkans, Turkey), [[singani]] (Bolivia), [[pálinka]] (Hungary)
|-
| juice of [[Apple (fruit)|apples]] || hard [[cider]], [[apfelwein]]
| [[applejack (beverage)|applejack]] (or apple brandy), [[calvados (spirit)|calvados]], cider, lambic
|-
| juice of [[pear]]s || [[perry]], or pear cider; [[poire]] (France)
| pear brandy, [[Eau-de-Vie]] (France)
|-
| juice of [[sugarcane]], or [[molasses]]
| [[basi]], [[betsa-betsa]] (regional) || [[rum]] (Caribbean), [[pinga]] or [[cachaça]] (Brasil), [[aguardiente]], [[guaro]]
|-
| juice of [[agave]] || [[pulque]] || [[tequila]], [[mezcal]]
|-
| juice of [[plum]]s || [[plum wine]] || [[slivovitz]], [[tzuica]], [[palinca]], [[umeshu]]
|-
| juice of [[pineapple]]s || [[tepache]] (Mexico) ||
|-
| [[banana]]s or [[plantain]]s || [[urgwagwa]] (Uganda, Rwanda), [[mbege]] (with millet malt; Tanzania), [[kasikisi]] (with sorghum malt; Democratic Republic of the Congo)
|-
| [[gouqi]] || [[gouqi jiu]] (China) || [[gouqi jiu]] (China)
|-
| [[Myrica rubra]] || [[yangmei jiu]] (China) || [[yangmei jiu]] (China)
|}

'''Vegetables'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Source
! Name of fermented beverage
! Name of distilled beverage
|-
| juice of [[ginger]] root || ginger beer (Botswana) ||
|-
| [[potato]] and/or [[cereal|grain]] || potato beer || [[vodka]]: potato mostly used in [[Poland]] and [[Germany]], otherwise grain or potato. A strong drink called [[aquavit]] or brännvin in Sweden, akvavit in Denmark and akevitt in Norway, and [[brennivín]] in ([[Iceland]]) is made from potato or grain. Actually, vodka is Russian for "little water" and can be done out of almost anything. - In [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], [[Poitín]] (or poteen) is a recently legalised drink made from potatoes.
|-
| [[sweet potato]] ||
| [[shōchū|shōchū (imojōchū)]] (Japan)
|-
| beets ||
| pink vodka / woman's vodka / girlie vodka (Russia)
|-
| [[cassava]]/manioc/yuca || [[nihamanchi]] (South America), [[kasiri]] (sub-saharan Africa), [[chicha]] (Ecuador) Can be fermented from 3 to 10 days for strength)
|-
|}

'''Other'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Source
! Name of fermented beverage
! Name of distilled beverage
|-
| sap of [[Arecaceae|palm]] || [[coyol wine]] (Central America), [[tembo]] (sub-saharan Africa) ||
|-
| [[honey]] || [[mead]], [[teg]] (Ethiopia) || distilled mead (mead brandy or honey brandy)
|-
| [[pomace]] || [[pomace wine]]
| [[Raki]] (Turkey) [[tsipouro]], [[tsikoudia]] (Greece), [[grappa]] (Italy), [[Trester]] (Germany), [[marc (wine)|marc]] (France), [[zivania]] (Cyprus), [[aguardente]] (Portugal), [[tescovină]] (Romania)
|-
| [[milk]] || [[kumis]], [[kefir]], [[blaand]] || Araka
|-
| [[sugar]] || [[kilju]] (Finland)
| [[shōchū|shōchū (kokutō shōchū)]]: made from brown sugar (Japan)
|}

Note that in common speech, ''wine'' or ''brandy'' is made from grapes unless the fruit is specified: plum wine or cherry brandy for example, although in some cases grape-derived alcohol is added.

In the USA and Canada, ''cider'' often means ''unfermented'' apple juice (see the article on [[cider]]), while fermented cider is called ''hard'' cider. Unfermented cider is sometimes called ''sweet'' cider. Also, [[applejack (beverage)|applejack]] was originally made by a freezing process described in the article on cider which was equivalent to distillation but more easily done in the cold climate of [[New England]]. In the UK, ''cider'' refers to the alcoholic drink; in Australia the term is ambiguous.

''Beer'' is generally made from barley, but can sometimes contain a mix of other grains. ''Whisky'' (or whiskey) is sometimes made from a blend of different grains, especially [[Irish whiskey]] which may contain several different grains. The style of whisk(e)y (Scotch, Rye, Bourbon, corn) generally determines the primary grain used, with additional grains usually added to the blend (most often barley, and sometimes [[oat]]s). As far as American whiskey is concerned, Bourbon (corn), rye whiskey, must be at least 51% of respective constituent at fermentation, while corn whiskey (as opposed to bourbon) must be at least 81% - all by American law similar to the French A.O.P ([[Appellation d'Origine Controllée]]).

Two common distilled beverages are [[vodka]] and [[gin]]. Vodka can be distilled from any source of agricultural origin ([[Cereal|grain]] and [[potato]]es being the most common) but the main characteristic of vodka is that it is so thoroughly distilled as to exhibit less of the flavors derived from its source material. Distillers and experts however will disagree, potato vodkas display a creamy mouthfeel, whilst rye vodkas will have heavy nuances of rye. Other vodkas display citrus notes. Gin is a similar distillate which has been flavored by contact with herbs and other plant products, especially [[juniper berries]] but also including angel root, licorice, cardamom, grains of paradise, Bulgarian rose petals, and many others. The name comes from the Dutch or French word for Juniper, jenever or genever.

{{listdev}}

==See also==
* [[List of cocktails]]
* [[Alcohol equivalence]]
* [[Breathalyzer]]
* [[Drug abuse]]
* [[Effects of alcohol on the body]]
**[[Drunkenness]]
**[[Blackout (alcohol related amnaesia)|Blackout (Alcohol Related Amnesia)]]
* [[History of alcohol]]
* [[Legal drinking age]]
* [[Teetotalism]]
** [[Alcoholics Anonymous]]
** [[Straight Edge]]
* [[Alcopop]]
==References==
<!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref(erences/)> tags-->
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Cookbook|Alcoholic Drink}}
{{commonscat|Alcoholic beverages}}
* [http://www.benbest.com/health/alcohol.html Alcohol -- Health Benefit or Hazard?]
* [http://www.ceri.com/alcohol.htm Reducing the negative effects of alcohol by taking cysteine and vitamin C]
* [http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_status_report_2004_overview.pdf Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004] by the [[World Health Organization|WHO]].
**[http://www.who.int/whosis/database/core/core_select_process.cfm?strISO3_select=ALL&strIndicator_select=AlcoholConsumption&intYear_select=latest&language=english Alcohol consumption per country]
*[http://historyofalcoholanddrugs.typepad.com/alcohol_and_drugs_history/alcohol_general/index.html Alcohol (general)] - [[Alcohol and Drugs History Society]] (ADHS)

{{Alcoholic beverages}}

[[Category:Alcoholic beverages| ]]
[[Category:alcohol|Beverage]]
[[Category:Alcohol law]]
[[Category:Drug culture]]

[[ar:مشروبات كحولية]]
[[zh-min-nan:Chiú]]
[[ca:Beguda alcohòlica]]
[[cs:Alkoholický nápoj]]
[[da:Alkoholiske drikkevarer]]
[[de:Getränk#Alkoholische_Getr.C3.A4nke]]
[[es:Bebida alcohólica]]
[[eo:Alkoholaĵo]]
[[eu:Alkoholdun edari]]
[[fa:نوشیدنی‌های الکلی]]
[[fr:Boisson alcoolisée]]
[[fur:Alcul]]
[[ko:술]]
[[id:Minuman beralkohol]]
[[iu:ᐊᖓᔮᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ/angajaarnaqtuq]]
[[is:Áfengi]]
[[it:Bevanda alcolica]]
[[he:משקה חריף]]
[[ka:ალკოჰოლური სასმელი]]
[[lv:Alkoholiskie dzērieni]]
[[lt:Alkoholinis gėrimas]]
[[mk:Алкохолен пијалок]]
[[ms:Arak]]
[[nl:Alcoholische drank]]
[[ja:酒]]
[[no:Alkoholholdige drikker]]
[[nn:Alkoholhaldig drykk]]
[[pl:Napój alkoholowy]]
[[pt:Bebida alcoólica]]
[[ro:Băutură alcoolică]]
[[ru:Алкогольные напитки]]
[[sq:Pije alkoolike]]
[[sk:Alkoholický nápoj]]
[[sl:Alkoholna pijača]]
[[sr:Алкохолна пића]]
[[fi:Alkoholijuoma]]
[[sv:Alkoholdryck]]
[[th:สุรา]]
[[vi:Đồ uống có cồn]]
[[uk:Спиртні напої]]
[[yi:אלקאהאלישע געטראנקען]]
[[zh-yue:酒]]
[[bat-smg:Alkuogolinis gierals]]
[[zh:酒]]