Grapes
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are used primarily in wine production. Grape wine is one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Grapes are an excellent raw material for wine production because they contain ideal proportions of sugars, acids and tannins.
Grape wines include red, white and rosé wines. In the case of red wines, made from red or black grapes, fermentation takes place with the skins, which gives the wines a deep color and rich flavor. White wines, produced from white grapes or red grapes without their skins, are characterized by a lighter flavor and color. Rosé wines are made through shorter fermentation with the skins of red grapes, which gives them a delicate pink color and a slightly fruity flavor.
Stronger alcoholic beverages, known as brandy, are obtained through the distillation of grape wine (in Polish tradition, they are called winiaki or wypalanki), including French cognac and armagnac. In turn, the distillation of fermented waste from the wine production process (grape pomace and seeds) produces, among others, Italian grappa and Georgian chacha.
Apples
Apples (Malus domestica) are among the most popular fruits used in the production of alcoholic beverages, especially cider and calvados. Cider, also known as apple cider, is a light alcoholic beverage, most often sparkling, obtained through the fermentation of apple juice. It is most popular in the United Kingdom, France and Spain. The flavor of cider depends on the apple variety used in its production. Calvados comes from Normandy, a region in northern France. It is an alcoholic beverage made by distilling cider and aging it in oak barrels. It is characterized by a dry fruity flavor and rich aroma.
Plums
Plums (Prunus domestica) are a popular raw material for producing alcoholic beverages, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Plum wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage characterized by a rich flavor and aroma. In Asia, especially in Japan and China, sweet wine made from ume fruit, which resembles plums, is popular. This wine has a delicate, fruity flavor with a slight hint of acidity. However, plums are most often used to produce slivovitz. Slivovitz is a strong alcoholic beverage (with an alcohol content of up to 70 percent or more), most often obtained by distilling a mash made from crushed plums. It is characterized by an intense plum aroma and distinctive flavor. Slivovitz is produced mainly in countries such as Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Sour Cherries and Sweet Cherries
Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) and sweet cherries (Prunus avium) are often used to produce liqueurs and traditional fruit wines. Wiśniówka, a traditional Polish sour cherry infusion, is a sweet and relatively strong alcoholic beverage (most often with an alcohol content of approx. 30-35 percent) with a distinct fruity flavor. In German-speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), kirsch (German: Kirsch or Kirschwasser) has been produced since the 19th century. It is a high-proof alcoholic beverage (with an alcohol content of approx. 40-50 percent), colorless and with an intense fruity flavor. It is obtained by fermenting ripe sour cherries or, less frequently, sweet cherries, followed by single or double distillation. Kirsch is used as an ingredient in many dishes, especially cakes and desserts. Cherry liqueurs, or liqueurs made from cherries combined with other fruits and spices, have a dark red color and rich flavor.
Raspberries
Thanks to their intense sweetness and acidity, raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are widely used in the production of alcoholic beverages. Raspberry wines and liqueurs are very popular, especially among those who enjoy sweeter beverages. Raspberry-based wine has an intense color and rich flavor. It is sweeter than traditional grape wines, which is why it is often served with desserts. Raspberry liqueurs, extremely popular in Central Europe, have a distinctive flavor and are widely used in cocktails and desserts. Raspberries (in the form of fruit must or juice) are often added to beers, particularly in Belgium, where lambic-style fruit beers are produced. Beer with raspberries has a refreshing flavor with a slight hint of acidity.
Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) are fruits with an intense, tart flavor that are often used to produce liqueurs and fruit wines. Thanks to their high vitamin C content, blackcurrants are characterized not only by a rich flavor but also by numerous health benefits. Crème de cassis, a French sweet blackcurrant liqueur, is a popular cocktail ingredient, especially in kir royal, which consists of crème de cassis liqueur and champagne (or sparkling crémant de Bourgogne wine). Blackcurrant wine has an intense dark color and distinctive flavor. It is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries and Poland. Blackcurrant infusion, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from blackcurrants, sugar and rectified spirit, is very popular in Central Europe.
Strawberries
Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are sweet fruits used to produce sweet wines, liqueurs and cocktails. Due to their intense aroma, strawberries are particularly valued in the production of dessert alcohols. Strawberry wine has a fruity flavor and delicate color. It is light, which is why it is often served on summer days. Sweet and refreshing strawberry liqueur is a popular ingredient in many cocktails and desserts. Strawberries are also used to flavor fruit beers and ciders. They give them a delicate, sweet aftertaste.
Pears
Pears (Pyrus communis), fruits with sweet and juicy flesh, are used primarily to produce perry, also known as pear cider, a light alcoholic beverage similar to cider. Perry has a delicate fruity flavor with a hint of sweetness. It may not be as well known as cider, but it also has a long tradition, particularly in the United Kingdom and France. Pear wine, somewhat less popular than other fruit wines, is usually characterized by a subtle, slightly sweet flavor.
Bilberries (Blueberries)
The European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), commonly known as a bilberry, blueberry or black blueberry, is a valued raw material for producing alcoholic beverages due to its intense dark color and tart flavor. It is used primarily to produce fruit wines and liqueurs. Bilberry wine is characterized by a dark color and deep flavor, with a slight hint of acidity. Bilberry liqueur is particularly popular in Northern Europe. It has an intense sweet-and-sour flavor.
Many different fruits are used in the production of alcoholic beverages. They give beverages not only unique flavor but also distinctive aromatic properties. Traditional fruit-based wines, ciders, liqueurs and spirits continue to enjoy enduring popularity around the world.