What is the natural process called that produces beverage alcohol?

The natural process that produces beverage alcohol is called fermentation. This process involves the conversion of sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeast. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars present in various ingredients like fruits and grains, metabolizing them to produce ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide as byproducts. This is the primary method through which alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and spirits are created, making fermentation a fundamental concept in brewing and winemaking.

In contrast, distillation is a method used to concentrate or separate alcohol from a fermented mixture but does not produce alcohol itself; rather, it purifies or increases the alcohol content after fermentation has occurred. Oxidation refers to a chemical reaction where substances lose electrons, which can affect alcohol but does not contribute to its formation. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction involving the breakdown of a compound due to a reaction with water, which is unrelated to the production of alcohol.