Among the traditional drinks of different countries, one can find not only relatively low-alcohol beer and wine, but also drinks containing at least 40% alcohol. Each of these spirits differs not only in degree, but also in its specific taste, rules of use and serving.
Kokoroko
The world's strongest alcoholic beverage is produced in Bolivia. Its name is kokoroko, and the percentage of alcohol content reaches 96. This drink is prepared from sugar cane, often at home. Kokoroko is rarely drunk undiluted. The most popular way to consume this drink is to dilute it with cold tea in proportion to taste. Sometimes a few drops of lemon juice are added to the cocktail.
Everclear is close to kokoroko in both alcohol content and taste. The difference lies in the method of preparation - Everclear is made from wheat grains, like vodka. This type of alcohol is produced only in industrial conditions, since otherwise it is impossible to achieve a sufficiently high degree of purification. Everclear is also actively used to make cocktails.
Whiskey
All types of whiskey are classified as spirits. However, there are varieties that contain significantly more alcohol than others. An example is Bruichladdich whiskey, which is produced on one of the islands near Scotland. This whiskey contains over 91% alcohol. The recipe for this whiskey was invented in the 17th century, but the drink is still popular today. It is drunk undiluted or as part of various cocktails.
Although most beers are classified as low-alcohol beverages, there is also a special fortified beer that reaches 50 percent alcohol content.
Absinthe
Absinthe is one of the most famous spirits. It is prepared on the basis of wormwood extract and a number of other aromatic herbs - anise, fennel, chamomile and others. Absinthe appeared in Switzerland in the 18th century. The reputation of this drink was very controversial due to the high content of substances that are similar in effect to narcotic ones. At the beginning of the 20th century, a campaign to ban absinthe began in Europe and the United States, which was implemented in many countries - in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States, this drink was outlawed. In the nineties, however, absinthe was rehabilitated. Its production and sale became legal again, but subject to control of the content of wormwood extract in its composition. Modern absinthe does not cause the specific dependence and hallucinations that were characteristic of those who consumed absinthe in the 19th century.
A number of experts explain the ban on absinthe not only by its potential health hazard, but also by the influence of competitors - wine producers.
There are many varieties of absinthe. The most popular is natural green. There is also a red modification of absinthe with pomegranate juice. Less popular is the version of absinthe, prepared using extracts from the roots, rather than the leaves and flowers of plants.
The amount of alcohol in absinthe differs depending on the country of origin. French absinthe rarely reaches 65 degrees, while Swiss varieties can reach 75 percent or more alcohol.
Absinthe is almost never consumed undiluted. According to tradition, it is served with a special spoon in which you need to put sugar. Water is poured into absinthe, passing through a kind of sugar filter. When diluted, absinthe becomes cloudy. Also, absinthe can be a component of cocktails.
Bacardi rum
Bacardi is one of the most popular rum brands in the world. Rum appeared in the 16th century in Cuba. The modern Bacardi rum was later created there. This brand produces many types of rum, including extra-strong, the amount of alcohol in which reaches 75 percent. This rum is most often used in cocktails. Bacardi is also used in cooking for flaming - for example, this rum is poured over meat during cooking, after which it is set on fire.
