What is an alcoholic beverage? The alcohol that people drink at bars or parties (ethyl alcohol, or ethanol) is created by fermentation, a process in which the yeast fungus feeds on sugars and starches in certain plants – such as barley or grapes – and excretes alcohol along with carbon dioxide (CO2).
From the cheapest beer to the most expensive wine or liqueur, all alcohol is made with the same fermentation process. The different colors, tastes, strength and flavors come from the different fruits or vegetables used, along with additives, by-products and diluting substances.