The origins of brandy are inextricably linked to the development of distillation. Concentrated alcoholic beverages were known in ancient Greece and Rome and may have a history going back to ancient Babylon. Brandy, as it is known today, first began to appear in the 12th century and became generally popular in the 14th century.

A liqueur is a sweet, or sometimes bitter, alcoholic beverage, often flavored with fruits, herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, roots, plants, barks, and sometimes cream. They are not usually aged for long periods, but may have resting periods during their production to allow flavors to marry.

Gin originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century and is named after the French word for Juniper. The most common gin in the world is English Dry gin. Dutch gin, also known as jenever or genever, is a distinctly different drink from the English-style in that it is distilled with barley and sometimes aged in wood, giving it a slight resemblance to whisky.

Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses and sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. The majority of the world's rum production occurs in and around the Caribbean and in several South American countries, though there are rum producers in other tropical areas. Light rums are commonly used in cocktails. In addition to cocktails, golden and dark rums are appropriate for drinking straight, or as a brandy for cooking. Premium rums are also available that are made to be consumed neat or on the rocks.

Whisky has been produced in Scotland for hundreds of years. Legend states that distillation first reached Scotland from monks in Ireland in the fourth and fifth centuries. Malt whisky must contain no grain other than malted barley and is traditionally distilled in pot stills. Grain whisky may contain unmalted barley or other malted or unmalted grains such as wheat and corn, and is typically distilled in a continuous column still. While there are scores of malt whisky distilleries, only seven grain distilleries currently exist, most located in the Scottish Lowlands.

Fast becoming Mexico's best-known export, the finest Tequilas are made entirely from the Blue Agave plant.

Vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with aromatic herbs and spices. Some vermouth is sweetened; however, unsweetened, or dry, vermouth tends to be bitter.

Vodka today is one of the world's most popular spirits, but was hardly used outside of Europe as recently as the 1950's. While most vodkas are made from grain, there are several made from other starches, such as potato or grapes.

Not to be outdone by the Scots, many other regions of the world produce a formidable whiskey all their own. Some are sweet, others are very dry. Each has its own distinct style.