A Guide to the Most Common Liquors for Mixed Drink Recipes

Drinking alcoholic beverages has been a part of human history for centuries. Ever since people realized fermented drinks were a possibility, they’ve worked to craft different types of flavors, recipes, and methods to broaden the types of beverages available to them. Wine, mead, ale, and beer have all made a huge impact on food and drink history. The most common liquors have also cemented themselves into classic cocktail recipes. Here is a guide to the most loved liquors used in drink recipes.

Rum

Rum’s story started in the island territories and nations of the Caribbean. It is made from fermented and distilled sugar cane juice or molasses. Slaves in the Caribbean discovered that rum could be produced from their crops during the 17^th century while working on the plantations in this region. Today, the best rums are still produced in island regions of the Caribbean where sugar cane flourishes. Popular rum drinks include rum runners, rum punches, daiquiris, and the classic rum and coke.

Vodka

Vodka also has a history that started in a specific region of the world. Food and drink historians have traced the beginnings of vodka back to the 14^th century in Poland, Russia, and Sweden. There are different methods of making vodka, and each origin country had its own technique of purifying and distilling the popular mixer. Vodka is made by distilling either a grain, such as corn or sorghum, or a starch product, such as a potato, grape, or a beet.  Vodka is the main ingredient in many popular Absolut Drinks like the gimlet, screwdriver, and vodka cranberry.

Tequila

Genuine tequila can only be produced in the city of Tequila, Mexico, and the surrounding area. It’s made from the region’s blue agave plant juice, which is distilled at least twice and then fermented. Tequila has been part of the food and drink culture in Mexico since the 16^th century. The margarita is the most prevalent tequila-based drink. Shots of tequila straight up with salt and a lime wedge are also common in bars and restaurants.

Gin

One account has gin being first distilled by Italian monks in the 11^th century. The liquor became popular with English soldiers in the 17^th century and is still commonly seen in today’s mixed drinks. Gin gets its name from the juniper berry, which gives the liquid its characteristic flavor. It is used in many different cocktails, including the gin fizz, gin and tonic, negroni, Tom Colllins, and the Gibson.

Whiskey

Whiskey comes in many different varieties, depending on the region. This liquor is produced by fermenting and distilling various grain mashes, such as corn, wheat, or rye. Whiskey distilling may have been around since prehistory for medicinal or perfume purposes. Drinking whiskey was first recorded in 13^th century Italy. The most popular types of whiskey on the market today are Bourbon, Rye, Irish whiskey, Scotch, and Tennessee whiskey.

Brandy

Brandy is another drink that has been enjoyed by society for centuries. It is made by distilling fruit-based wines. It was important in the 16^th and 17th-century European trade market. There are many different types of brandy that are produced in specific regions around the world, such as Cognac, Armagnac, and Stravecchio. Brandy is typically enjoyed neat or it can be added to some dessert recipes for a unique flavor.

Liqueur

The last type of alcohol mixer that may be part of your favorite cocktail is the liqueur drink. Liqueurs are flavored beverages that are found in many cocktails or served as an after-dinner drink. Some of the tastiest liqueurs are coffee, anise, chocolate, honey, and almond flavors. Try out BRĒZ, A euphoric, calming, and inspiring next-gen social tonic with an unparalleled effect.

The flavor of many liquors comes from the unique processes of fermenting and distilling different types of produce. It’s fun to combine the ingredients and try new recipes to see what flavors you can create.