Guide · drinks
Twelve drinks, each explained
The same structure on every page: what it is, how strong, which styles exist, at what temperature and from which glass, what to mix it with and what to eat alongside. No marketing copy and no price list.
All drinks
Spirits first, lighter drinks after.
Strength at a glance
The typical range on the bottle. The exact figure is always on the label as «% vol».
- Vodka
- 37.5–40% vol
- Whisky
- 40–46% vol
- Cognac and brandy
- 40% vol
- Rum
- 37.5–40% vol, overproof up to 75%
- Gin
- 37.5–47% vol
- Tequila
- 38–40% vol
- Liqueur
- 15–30% vol, some up to 40%
- Vermouth
- 14.5–22% vol
- Wine
- 11–14.5% vol
- Sparkling wine
- 11–12.5% vol
- Cider
- 4.5–6% vol
- Beer
- 4–6% vol, special styles 2.5–9%
In the European Union vodka must be at least 37.5% vol and whisky at least 40% vol — anything below cannot legally carry the name.
How to use this guide
Looking for a gift? Start with the whisky, cognac or liqueur page: they explain what the age markings mean and what to choose when you do not know the taste of the person receiving it.
Looking for something for the table? Start with wine and beer, and open the serving page alongside — temperature changes flavour more than price does.
Looking for a cocktail? The cocktails page has eight classics with exact ratios, plus the things that actually matter: ice, glass, fresh citrus.