Types of Alcohol for Formulation: Different Types and How to Enjoy Customers Enjoy Them

Alcohol has been part of human culture for thousands of years, used in celebrations, rituals, and simple moments of connection. But for beginners, the vast array of options can feel like stepping into a maze. Should you order a crisp lager, a smoky whisky, or a glass of bubbly? And what’s the real difference between tequila and mezcal?

This guide breaks down the different types of alcohol and why customers like to enjoy certain types.

Beer: The World’s Social Drink

Beer is often the first stop for newcomers. It’s easy to drink, widely available, and pairs well with nearly any occasion—from backyard barbecues to watching the game.

Quick Facts:

Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages, dating back to 5,000 BC in Mesopotamia.

Germany’s “Reinheitsgebot” purity law (1516) once restricted beer to only three ingredients: water, hops, and barley.

Popular Styles:

Lager:  Light, crisp, refreshing; often golden in colour.

Ale:  Fruity and full-bodied; includes pale ales and IPAs.

Stout/Porter: Dark, creamy, with coffee or chocolate notes.

Sour Beers: Tangy, tart, and growing in popularity for adventurous drinkers.

Wine: Elegance in a Glass

Wine isn’t just fermented grapes, it’s geography in liquid form. The soil, climate, and winemaker’s touch (called “terroir”) shape its taste. That’s why a French Bordeaux tastes different from a California Cabernet.

Main Varieties:

Red Wine:  Bold, tannic, sometimes earthy. Great with steak.

White Wine: Crisp, floral, and lighter. Perfect with seafood or salads.

Rosé: Refreshing, fruit-forward, and great for summer evenings.

Sparkling Wine: Champagne and Prosecco bring bubbles to celebrations.

Fun Twist: Ever heard of “orange wine”? It’s not made from oranges but from white grapes fermented with their skins, giving it an amber colour and unique flavour.

Spirits: Strong, Diverse, and Full of Character

Spirits (or liquor) are where flavour intensity really shines. Each spirit carries centuries of tradition and a unique production method.

Key Players:

Vodka: Clean and neutral, often the “blank canvas” of cocktails.

Whisky/Whiskey: Ranges from smoky Scotch to sweet Bourbon. Sip it neat, with ice, or in a classic cocktail.

Gin: Herbal and aromatic, with juniper as the star. Ideal in a refreshing G&T.

Rum: Sweet and tropical, tied to Caribbean history. Light rums are smooth; dark rums are rich and complex.

Tequila & Mezcal: Both made from agave, but mezcal is smoky while tequila is smoother.

Brandy & Cognac: Distilled from wine or fruit, often enjoyed slowly after dinner.

Fun Fact: Whisky barrels are sometimes reused for rum or tequila, giving spirits layered flavours.

Cocktails: Creativity in a Glass

Cocktails are where artistry meets flavour. They blend spirits, mixers, syrups, herbs, and fruits into endless variations.

Beginner-Friendly Classics:

Mojito: Rum, mint, lime, soda; light and refreshing.

Margarita: Tequila, lime, and triple sec; tangy with a salted rim.

Whisky Sour:  A balance of whisky, lemon, and sugar.

Cosmopolitan:  Vodka, cranberry, lime; chic and fruity.

Trendy Twists:

Low-ABV cocktails (using vermouth or aperitifs) are rising in popularity.

Zero-proof cocktails (mocktails) mimic the experience without the alcohol.

Pro Tip: Always use fresh citrus juice, not bottled. It’s the easiest way to upgrade any cocktail.

Drinking Around the World

Alcohol isn’t just about taste—it’s also about tradition and culture. Many countries have their own signature drinks that reflect their history, climate, and way of life. From fermented rice wines in Asia to herbal liqueurs in Europe and refreshing cocktails in South America, each beverage tells a story about the people who created it.

Exploring these drinks goes beyond having a glass—it’s an opportunity for your customers to experience  craftsmanship, creativity and collaboration .

Final Pour

The world of alcohol is as diverse and this article only brushes the surface and the types of alcohol we can formulate.   Whether you’re creating a crisp lager, wine to drink at dinner, or a complex and finely made cocktail, each experience opens a window into flavors and connection.

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert to make it - our team at Big Brands can help you formulate and mass produce your alcoholic beverage .  So go ahead, explore, taste, and find your favorites. The journey is half the fun.