Foods from Which Spirits Are Distilled

The different types of liquors and spirits get their distinctive flavors and aromas from the foods used in the distillation process. Here are some of the foods used to distill common spirits:

• Grains

  • Barley, corn, oats, rye wheat: whiskeys

  • Wheat: vodka

• Fruit/Vegetables

  • Agave: Tequila

  • Apples, grapes, and other fruits: brandies

  • Potatoes: vodka

• Sweeteners

  • Sugar cane, molasses, honey: rum, cachaça, cordials/liqueurs