Spirits, also known as liquor or hard alcohol, are distilled beverages that have a higher alcohol content than beer or wine. They are made through the process of distillation, which concentrates alcohol by heating a fermented liquid to separate alcohol from water and other components. Spirits can be enjoyed on their own, mixed into cocktails, or used in cooking. Here’s an overview of the most popular types of spirits, their characteristics, and how they’re typically enjoyed.