While many of us are familiar with popular spirits like vodka and whiskey, the world of alcohol is much richer and more diverse. Let’s explore 11 Most Popular Alcohol in the World.
Learn about their origins, how they’re made, their key ingredients, and what you might pay for a bottle.
1. Pisco – Peru
Origin
First on the list of the 11 Most Popular Alcohol in the World. is Pisco. Pisco has been a beloved Peruvian spirit since the 16th century. Named after the town of Pisco, this grape-based liquor has a deep connection to Peruvian culture.
Preparation
To make Pisco, grapes are first fermented and then distilled in pot stills. The process preserves the fruity flavors of the grapes, resulting in a clear, aromatic spirit.
Ingredients
Pisco is made from specific grape varieties like Quebranta or Muscat. The choice of grape impacts the flavor significantly.
Price
A standard bottle of Pisco typically costs between $30 and $60, with premium options reaching up to $100.
2. Sake – Japan
Origin
Sake, often referred to as “rice wine,” has been brewed in Japan for over a thousand years. It’s an integral part of Japanese traditions and ceremonies.
Preparation
Sake is brewed through the fermentation of polished rice. First, the rice is steamed, then koji mold is added to convert starches into sugars. Yeast ferments these sugars into alcohol, and the sake is then filtered and pasteurized.
Ingredients
The main ingredients are rice, water, koji mold, and yeast. The quality of these ingredients can greatly influence the final product.
Price
Bottles of sake range from $20 to $50, with premium varieties like Daiginjo and Ginjo costing between $50 and $150.
3. Tequila – Mexico
Origin
One of the mosy widely celebrated amongst 11 most popular alcohol in the world is tequila. Tequila hails from the town of Tequila in Mexico and has been produced since the 16th century. It’s made from the blue agave plant, which thrives in Mexico’s volcanic soil.
Preparation
Tequila is made by cooking the agave hearts, extracting the juice, fermenting it, and then distilling it. Some tequilas are aged in oak barrels to enhance their flavors.
Ingredients
The primary ingredient is blue agave, and the aging process can impact the tequila’s taste.
Price
A bottle of standard tequila generally costs around $25, while aged varieties like Reposado and Añejo can range from $50 to $100.
4. Rakija – Serbia
Origin
Rakija is a traditional fruit brandy from Serbia and other Balkan countries, dating back to the 16th century. It’s a popular drink for celebrations and gatherings.
Preparation
Rakija is made by distilling fermented fruit, usually plums or grapes. The distillation process is often carried out in traditional copper stills.
Ingredients
The primary ingredient is fruit, with plums being the most traditional choice. Some versions are also flavored with additional ingredients.
Price: Rakija is quite affordable, usually priced between $20 and $50 per bottle.
5. Ouzo – Greece
Origin
Ouzo is a classic Greek spirit that emerged in the early 19th century. Known for its distinctive anise flavor, it’s often enjoyed as an aperitif in Greece.
Preparation
Ouzo is distilled from grape pomace with anise and a mix of herbs and spices. It’s usually diluted with water before serving and sometimes aged.
Ingredients
Anise is the key ingredient, with additional herbs like fennel and coriander used for flavor.
Price
A bottle of Ouzo typically costs between $25 and $45.
6. Baijiu – China
Origin
Baijiu, a traditional Chinese spirit, has been enjoyed for over 5,000 years. It plays a significant role in Chinese culture and is often used in ceremonial settings.
Preparation
Made from sorghum or other grains, Baijiu is distilled using a special fermentation starter called “qu.” The fermentation process can be quite complex.
Ingredients
Sorghum is the main grain used, and the “qu” starter is essential for fermentation.
Price
Baijiu can range in price from around $30 to over $200, depending on the brand and quality.
7. Aguardiente – Colombia
Origin
Aguardiente, which translates to “firewater,” is a popular spirit in Colombia, with a history dating back to the 18th century. It’s commonly enjoyed at social events and celebrations.
Preparation
Aguardiente is made by distilling fermented sugarcane juice. Traditional copper stills are often used to give the spirit its distinctive flavor.
Ingredients
Sugarcane is the primary ingredient, and some varieties are flavored with anise.
Price
Aguardiente is reasonably priced, generally between $20 and $35 per bottle.
8. Cachaça – Brazil
Origin
Another in the list of 11 most popular alcohol in the world is Cachaca. Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit that has been enjoyed since the 16th century. It’s an essential ingredient in the Caipirinha cocktail and holds a special place in Brazilian culture.
Preparation
Made from fermented sugarcane juice, Cachaça is often aged in barrels, though unaged versions are also available.
Ingredients
The main ingredient is sugarcane juice, and aging can add complexity to the flavor.
Price
Cachaça bottles typically cost between $20 and $40, with artisanal and aged varieties being more expensive.
9. Mastiha – Greece
Origin
Mastiha, also known as Mastika, is a Greek liqueur flavored with mastic resin from the island of Chios. It has been made since ancient times and is a cherished part of Greek heritage.
Preparation
Mastiha is created by infusing alcohol with mastic resin. The mixture is then distilled to produce a clear, aromatic liqueur.
Ingredients
Mastic resin is the primary flavoring ingredient, with added sweeteners to balance the taste.
Price
Mastiha usually costs between $30 and $60 per bottle.
10. Palenka – Hungary
Origin
Palenka, or pálinka, is a Hungarian fruit brandy with a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s a cherished spirit in Hungarian culture and is protected by Hungarian law.
Preparation
Made from distilled fermented fruit, such as plums or pears, Palenka is often aged in barrels to develop its flavor.
Ingredients
The main ingredients are fruit, with common varieties including plums, pears, and apricots.
Price
Palenka typically ranges from $40 to $70 per bottle.
11. Kumis – Mongolia
Origin
Lastly on the list of 11 most popular alcohol in the world is Kumis. Kumis is a traditional Mongolian drink made from fermented mare’s milk. It’s been a staple of Mongolian nomadic culture for centuries.
Preparation
Kumis is produced by fermenting mare’s milk with natural lactobacillus bacteria. The fermentation process takes several days, resulting in a mildly alcoholic, tangy beverage.
Ingredients
Mare’s milk is the main ingredient, with fermentation occurring naturally or with added starter cultures.
Price
Kumis is relatively rare outside Mongolia, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 when available.
Exploring these unique spirits offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse drinking cultures around the world. Each alcohol has its own story, revealing a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious, these 11 most popular alcohol in the world and other lesser-known beverages are worth discovering.
