Food and Beverage Service--Beverage Classification

Beverage Classification

The term Beverage is derived from the word “Bever” which means a light repast between meals or from the French word “Boire” which means something to drink.

‘Beverage’ is the term which refers to all kinds of potable drinks which have thirst-quenching, refreshing, stimulating and nourishing qualities. By refreshing, one means the replenishment of fluid loss from the body due to perspiration. Simulation results in the increase of the heartbeat and blood pressure. This is due to the intake of spirits (alcohol) or tea (tannin) and coffee (caffeine). Nourishment is provided by the nutrients in the beverages, especially fruit juices.

Most of the beverages supply energy in the form of sugar or alcohol. They also provide other nutrients like mineral salts and vitamins. For example, milk gives calcium and citrus fruits give vitamin C.

Generally, people drink for one or more of six reasons; to quench thirst, to get drunk, to enjoy a social setting (social drinking), to enjoy the taste of the beverage, to feed the addiction (alcoholism), or as part of a religious or traditional ceremony or custom (proposing toast).

A beverage is a liquid formulation specifically prepared for human consumption. The word "Beverage" has been derived from the Latin word "bever" meaning rest from work. After work, one tends to feel thirsty due to fluid loss through perspiration and one is inclined to drink water or other potable beverages to compensate for fluid loss.

Beverages are classified into 2 major categories. Alcoholic Beverages and Non-alcoholic beverages.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages 

The term non-alcoholic beverages cover drinks that are either totally free from alcohol or that have less than 0.5 per cent alcohol by volume (abv). It includes a gamut of drinks from hot to cold and from simple to exotic. Some of these drinks are made in the still room while some are made in the dispense bar. In an establishment where dispense bar is not available, the drinks may be collected from the still room. Every sector of the foodservice industry serves one or more type of non-alcoholic drinks. Establishments need not have a license to sell non-alcoholic beverages. It should be noted that water, is not covered by the term beverage.

Non-alcoholic beverages can be classified into 3 types:-

1. Stimulating Beverages: Tea, Coffee, Cocoa
2. Refreshing Beverages: Mineral water, carbonated waters
3. Nourishing Beverages: Juice, Milk, Malt based drinks, Bournvita, Horlicks, etc 

ADVANTAGES OF BEVERAGE

1. Refreshment: Non-alcoholic beverages such as plain or carbonated water, lime juice, ginger ale and other bottled beverages, fruit juices and iced tea or coffee are refreshing drinks and are used to relieve thirst.
2.  Nourishment: Pasteurized milk, buttermilk, chocolate and cocoa drinks, eggnog made with rum, fruit juices, glucose water, lemonade provide nutrients and help in nourishing the body.
3. Stimulant: Tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate beverages help in stimulating the system.
4. Soothing Agent: Warm milk and hot tea have a soothing effect and are used for this purpose.
5. Appetizers: fruit juice and alcoholic drinks in limited quantities increase an individual's appetite and thereby food consumption.