Why are alcoholic drinks called spirits?

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

A photo of a variety of liquor bottles, including whiskey, rum, and gin, displayed on shelves in a pub in Bucharest, Romania.

Illustration of a flame overlaid on a vintage distillery, with drawings of wheat, sugar, and bubbles around it.

Why are alcoholic drinks called spirits?: Media

Videos

Illustration of a flame overlaid on a vintage distillery, with drawings of wheat, sugar, and bubbles around it.

The Science of Distillation: How is Liquor Made?

How do we get from wheat, water, and sugar to happy hour?

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Images

A photo of a variety of liquor bottles, including whiskey, rum, and gin, displayed on shelves in a pub in Bucharest, Romania.

Why distilled alcoholic drinks are called spirits

Distillation is proof that spirits exist.

© Alexandru Nika/Shutterstock.com