There are many alcohols. They are hydrocarbon molecules. Three commonly used alcohols are also among the simplest molecularly.
Methanol, methyl alcohol, is the simplest. It is highly toxic and has little use in the sign industry, though it is inexpensive. It is commonly used as an antifreeze and as a fuel. It is also used as a "denaturant" for ethanol.
Ethanol is ethyl alcohol. It is the alcohol in whiskey and other beverages. It can be sold as a general purpose solvent by making it poisonous. This is done by adding a small percentage of a toxic substance, such as methanol, and it is then sold as "denatured alcohol."
Isopropanol, or isopropyl alcohol, is often mixed with water and sold as "rubbing alcohol." A mix of 70 parts alcohol to 30 parts purified water is common for use as an antiseptic.
All three of these alcohols are miscible in water. Methanol is miscible in both oil and water.
A Laphroaig Manhattan is made from Laphroaig scotch, sweet Vermouth and a dash of bitters. This Manhattan variation has a smokey flavor due to the peatiness of Laphroaig scotch, which comes from Islay. It is a delicious way to enjoy ethanol.
If you are ever in Lawrence, Kansas, visit John Brown's Underground and order this cocktail from Dante or Logan and tell them Brad sent you.