The billion-dollar beverage industry has a rich variety of beverage concepts. Consumers have countless choices, even innovative drinks and plant-based drinks. If you are still stunned by the diverse world of drinks, take a look at Nawon Beverage‘s classification below to get an overview of the types of drinks.
What is beverage
A beverage is a liquid that is specifically prepared for human consumption. Common examples include water, tea, coffee, juice, milk, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Beverages can serve various purposes, such as quenching thirst, providing nutrients, or being enjoyed for their taste. The term “beverage” is broad and encompasses a wide types of drinks that people consume in various cultures and contexts. However, they are all divided into 2 types:
- Alcoholic drink
- Non-alcoholic drink
Here is the detailed beverage classification:
1. Alcoholic drink
An alcoholic drink is a beverage containing ethanol, a type of alcohol produced by the fermentation of grains, fruits, or other sources of sugar, commonly-known as alcohol. Ethanol, which we commonly refer to as alcohol, is in a class of psychoactive drugs known as depressants.
Throughout the ages, humanity has consumed alcohol, weaving it seamlessly into the fabric of our existence. From ancient times to the present, individuals globally have incorporated alcohol into their daily lives—for nutritional needs, hygiene, medicinal purposes, relaxation, euphoria, recreation, artistic stimulation, and even as aphrodisiacs. This diverse spectrum of reasons attests to the multifaceted role alcohol has played in our cultures.
However, the captivating allure of alcoholic beverages also comes with a cautionary note. Alcoholic drinks can be addictive and the state of addiction to ethanol is known as alcoholism.
Alcoholic beverages can be classified as
- Fermented
- Distilled
Fermented alcoholic drink
During fermentation, certain types of yeast break down sugars in raw materials in the absence of oxygen to form alcohol and carbon dioxide; a method of producing ethanol, wine, and beer. Low-alcohol beverages are produced by fermenting products containing sugar or starch, while high-alcohol drinks are produced by distilling these low-alcohol products.
Examples of fermented beverages are:
- alcohol
- beer
- cider
- pear
- wine bottle
Distilled alcoholic drinks (Spirits)
These are unsweetened, distilled, alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of at least 20% ABV. ABV is the abbreviation for the phrase Alcohol by volume, called alcohol level. ABV is the international standard, calculated by the number of ml of alcohol in 100ml of liquid at 20 degrees Celsius. It is the percentage listed on the packaging. Drinkers often use the words heavy or light beer to refer to this level of alcohol. That means if the wine says 10 degrees of alcohol, it means 100ml of wine contains 10ml of alcohol.
Distillation of the fermented base product produces strong alcohol. The distillation process concentrates the alcohol and removes some congeners.
Mental examples are:
- Rum,
- Brandy,
- Whiskey
- Gin
- Vodka
2. Non-alcoholic drink
A non-alcoholic drink is a beverage that contains little to no alcohol. These drinks are specifically crafted to be free from alcoholic content, catering to individuals who either choose to abstain from alcohol or are unable to consume it for various reasons. Non-alcoholic drinks come in a wide variety and can include:
Stimulating
- Tea: Both hot and iced tea, with or without flavorings.
- Coffee: Regular coffee or decaffeinated coffee.
- Herbal Infusions: Beverages made by steeping herbs, flowers, or other plant-based ingredients in hot water.
Refreshing
- Water: The most basic and essential non-alcoholic drink.
- Mocktails: Non-alcoholic versions of cocktails, often made with juices, sodas, and various flavorings.
- Soft Drinks: Carbonated beverages like sodas, colas, and fruit-flavored drinks.
- Sodas and Sparkling Water: Flavored or plain carbonated water.
Nourishing
- Milk and Dairy Alternatives: Various forms of milk (cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.) and milk-based beverages.
- Juices: Fruit juices, vegetable juices, smoothie and blends of different fruits and vegetables
- Chocolate drinks
Non-alcoholic drinks provide a wide range of options for individuals who want to enjoy diverse and refreshing beverages without the presence of alcohol. They are popular in social settings, and the market for non-alcoholic alternatives has grown to accommodate a broader customer.
See more: Top 10 world’s most consumed beverage