An alcoholic beverage is a drink that typically containing 3–60% ethanol, known as alcohol, Alcoholic beverages are generally divided into three general types : beers, wines, and spirits (distilled beverages). They are legally consumed in most countries around the world. More than 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption.
reference
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/13435/alcoholic-beverage