The history of the stupefying drink goes far into the past, but it is still not known for certain who and when made it for the first time. According to historical data, wine is considered the most ancient alcoholic "nectar". The first strongest drink, containing a high percentage of alcohol, appeared in the 11th century - it was ethanol, developed by a Persian doctor, the progenitor of vodka and alcoholic beverages.
The benefits and harms of drinking alcohol
Fermented berry and fruit juice, turned into a mash or wine, the inhabitants of ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece used as a medicine for all diseases. Drinks with a higher degree were often used for immersion in a trance, disinfecting wounds and as an anesthetic.
Numerous studies have shown that moderate intake of alcoholic beverages with a low ethanol content has a positive effect on the body. This statement applies only to wine, beer and cider, prepared purely without the addition of synthetic materials, using components of natural origin. The benefits of drinking such drinks are determined by their high content of flavonoids, which help to remove cholesterol and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
However, strong alcohol can not boast of a healing effect on human organs. Random and frequent consumption of vodka, cognac or whiskey in large quantities provokes the development of serious diseases of the liver, kidneys, stomach, blood vessels of the brain, nervous system. Strong alcohol requires compliance with certain rules when drinking, otherwise a person may get severe intoxication and dehydration the day after drinking it.
The best spirits: how to choose the right one
Good alcohol is not always the one that costs more than 1000 rubles per bottle. Often, cost does not mean quality, so when choosing wine, brandy, liquor and other wine products, you need to look at the composition of the product, the shelf life and the brand of the manufacturer.
Everclear
The strongest drink in the world. It contains from 75% to 95% ethanol, which corresponds to 151 and 190 degrees. It is used exclusively for the preparation of cocktails, due to its high strength.
Absinthe
It is rightfully one of the alcohol-containing drinks consumed both independently and as part of cocktails. Known for its high ethanol content, its strength is from 55 to 85 degrees, absinthe is most common with a strength of 70 degrees. Drink is prohibited in some countries, has varieties with the addition of hashish. It is made using wormwood, arborvitae, anise, calamus, fennel, chamomile, parsley, angelica, licorice and coriander. The poisonous extract of bitter wormwood and thuja contained in absinthe, according to the legends of the drink, can cause hallucinations.
Baccardi 151 about
Flammable strong drink used in flaming cocktails. The ethanol content is 75.5%, the strength is 151 about . The most common use of this drink in cocktail B52.
"Armageddon"
Beer, the most "vigorous" in the whole world. The Scottish brewers, due to a special fermentation method, created a drink that is not inferior in strength to vodka, whiskey and cognac. The alcohol content in one bottle of such beer is 65%.
Grappa
It is considered a wine with the highest ethanol content - 60%. It is made from pulp of grapes. The drink owes its name to the place where it was first made - the small Italian city of Bassano del Grappa, located near Mount Grappa.
Gin
World famous alcoholic drink, mainly used in combination with tonic. It contains 55% alcohol. A cocktail with him is very popular.
Whiskey
It contains 43% ethanol, is made from yeast, various cereals and water, aged in special barrels. It is considered a drink of true gentlemen.
Tequila
Mexican strong drink, akin to Russian vodka. Fortress - 43%, made from agave, mainly by hand. There are 2 types of tequila: white and dark. With lemon, only a light, unrestrained drink is used.
Cognac
A drink with a strength of 42%. Known for its stimulating effect on the heart. It is made in many countries.
Vodka
A truly Russian drink, as is believed throughout the world. Vodka has a strength of 40%, on its basis, many make strong homemade drinks - tinctures on herbs, berries, fruits, nuts. Some enterprising residents of the country use vodka to create homemade cognac.
Liquor
Sweet and aromatic drink. In a separate form it is rarely used, as it has a too sugary taste, mainly used in cocktails. It is considered the weakest alcoholic beverage among strong alcohol. The alcohol content in the liquor is 35%.
7 rules for a feast: how to reduce the negative effects of strong alcohol
1. Do not rush. The strongest drink should be taken slowly - experts advise drinking no more than 50 grams of cognac, vodka, or one glass of wine within one hour.
2. Before any feast or party, you should eat tightly - high-calorie foods will significantly reduce the rate of absorption of alcohol into the blood and minimize the consequences of its intake.
3. After each drink of a glass (glass), you should drink a glass of purified still water.
4. It is better to add ice to the strongest drink - this way it will become less concentrated, its degree will decrease.
5. Do not smoke while drinking alcohol, since acetaldehyde contained in tobacco smoke exacerbates the poisoning of the body with ethanol, that is, a hangover syndrome.
6. Do not use alcohol as an antidepressant - its effect only enhances the state of depression.
7. There is an opinion that a strong drink has a warming effect, but this is far from the case. Once in the body, alcohol provokes the release of heat, thereby causing fever, but the internal temperature of the body decreases. It is worth remembering that alcoholic drinks cool, so their use in the cold season to warm is not advisable.