This article is only about the chemistry of the alcohols.
The alcohol used in drinks is ethanol; more information can be found at alcoholic drink and alcoholism.

In chemistry, alcohol is a general term which refers to many organic compounds used in industry and science as reagents, solvents, and fuels. Alcohols are carbohydrates which are made of an alkyl group with one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups bound to its carbon atoms. Alcohol is colorless, and also transparent.