Beer

Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, produced by fermenting malt, hops, water, and yeast. In the kitchen, it is used as an ingredient in frying batters, soups, braised meats, and marinades. It adds a characteristic bitterness, depth of flavor, and helps tenderize meat. Pale lagers are the most common variety, but dark, wheat, or unpasteurized beers also work well in recipes. In Czech cuisine, beer is a traditional ingredient in goulash, beer soup, and batter for fried cheese. During cooking, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a distinctive malty aroma.