Among many distilled spirits in the market, there are just six base liquors, being brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. Each is unique in flavor. They form the foundation for most cocktails and the flavorful liqueurs being created in the bar.

1. Brandy

Brandy is distilled from fruit. While grapes are used for traditional brandy, the liquor can be distilled from other fruits such as apples, apricots, cherries, and peaches.

*Alcohol Content: Typically 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 80 proof)

2. Gin 

Gin is distilled from neutral grains such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat and flavored with a variety of botanicals, which vary by brand.

*Alcohol Content: Typically 40 to 47 percent ABV (80 to 94 proof)

3. Rum

Rum is distilled from some form of sugar. Molasses is very common, and some rum uses pure sugar cane.

*Alcohol Content: Typically 40 percent ABV (80 proof). Overproof rums can reach 75 percent ABV (150 proof)

4. Tequila

Tequila is distilled from the fermented juices of the agave plant.

*Alcohol Content: Typically 40 to 50 percent ABV (80 to 100 proof)

5. Vodka

Vodka can be distilled from almost anything. Neutral grains (rye, corn, wheat, etc.) and potatoes are the most common, though some vodkas are distilled from beets, grapes, and other bases.

*Alcohol Content: Typically 40 to 50 ABV (80 to 100 proof)

6. Whiskey

Whiskey is distilled from malted grains. It varies by style, but corn, rye, wheat, and barley are common. Many whiskies use a combination of a few grains in the mashbill.

*Alcohol Content: Typically 40 to 50 percent ABV (80 to 100 proof) or higher