啤酒，又叫麦酒，是世上历史最悠久，普及范围最广的酒精饮料之一Rudgley, Richard (1993). The Alchemy of Culture: Intoxicants in Society. London: British Museum Press;. ISBN 978-0-7141-1736-2.Arnold, John P (2005). Origin and History of Beer and Brewing: From Prehistoric Times to the Beginning of Brewing Science and Technology. Cleveland, Ohio: Reprint Edition by BeerBooks. ISBN 0-9662084-1-2. World's Best Beers: One Thousand ... ISBN 978-1-4027-6694-7. Retrieved 2010-08-07。它是主要是通过大麦麦芽（尽管小麦，玉米（淀粉）及大米也有使用）糖化及发酵酿制而成。大多数的啤酒利用加入啤酒花的手段形成独特苦味并起到防腐作用，也有啤酒添加香草或水果等改变风味。