What are the main materials from which alcoholic drinks can be made?

1. Grains: Grains such as barley, wheat, rye, and corn are commonly used to make beer, whiskey, and vodka. Grains contain starch, which can be converted into sugar through a process called malting. The sugar is then fermented by yeast to produce alcohol.

2. Sugar: Sugar, in the form of cane sugar or beet sugar, can be fermented to produce a variety of alcoholic beverages, including rum, cachaça, and some liqueurs. Molasses, a byproduct of the sugar refining process, can also be used to make rum.

3. Fruits: Fruits, such as grapes, apples, pears, and berries, can be fermented to produce wine, cider, and fruit liqueurs. Fruits contain natural sugars, which can be fermented by yeast to produce alcohol.

4. Vegetables: Vegetables, such as potatoes and cassava, can be used to make vodka and other spirits. Vegetables contain starch, which can be converted into sugar through a process called hydrolysis. The sugar is then fermented by yeast to produce alcohol.

5. Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can be fermented to produce mead, a traditional alcoholic beverage. Honey contains fermentable sugars, such as glucose and fructose, which can be converted into alcohol by yeast.

In addition to these main materials, a variety of other ingredients can be used to flavor and enhance the taste of alcoholic beverages, such as herbs, spices, fruits, and extracts.