Substitutes For Everclear (For Homemade Extracts) 

Substitutes For Everclear (For Homemade Extracts) 

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When making homemade extracts, the alcohol used is typically high-proof and neutral-flavored, which is why Everclear is a popular choice. However, if Everclear is not available or legal in your area, you can use Bacardi 151, Absinthe 130, Mezcal 110, St Vincent rum or Stroh Rum. You can also use Grain Alcohol, Brandy, and Gin as alternatives to Everclear.

However, note that the alcohol used in homemade extracts should be high enough proof to extract the flavors.

5 Substitutes Of Everclear

When it comes to high-proof spirits, Everclear is one of the most popular options. However, there are several substitutes that can offer similar potency and flavor profiles. Here we will discuss five of the best substitutes for Everclear.

1. Bacardi 151 Proof

Bacardi 151 Proof is a highly potent rum that has been a popular choice for mixing cocktails for decades. With an ABV of 75.5%, it’s one of the closest substitutes for Everclear in terms of potency.

The rum is highly flammable and should be used with caution, but it can add a unique flavor profile to any drink. Its intense alcohol content may be too strong for some, but for those looking to pack a punch, Bacardi 151 Proof is an excellent substitute for Everclear.

2. Absinthe 130 Proof

Absinthe is a highly potent spirit that has gained notoriety for its association with artists and bohemians in the 19th century. With an ABV range of 65-75%, it’s a close substitute for Everclear in terms of potency.

Absinthe is characterized by its intense herbal flavors and aroma, which can add an interesting depth to any cocktail. It’s important to note that absinthe should be consumed in moderation due to its potency and potential health risks associated with excessive consumption.

3. Mezcal 110 Proof

Mezcal is a smoky Mexican spirit made from the agave plant, similar to tequila but with a distinct flavor profile.

With an ABV range of 40-55%, it’s not quite as potent as Everclear, but it can still provide a kick while adding its signature smokiness to any cocktail. Mezcal is a great substitute for Everclear for those looking to add a unique flavor profile to their drinks.

4. St. Vincent Rum 169 Proof

St. Vincent Rum is a highly potent rum with an ABV of 84.5%.

It’s one of the strongest substitutes for Everclear and not for the faint of heart. This rum can add an intense and unique flavor profile to any drink that calls for Everclear, making it a great substitute for those looking for a more potent kick.

It’s important to use St. Vincent Rum in moderation and with caution due to its high alcohol content.

5. Stroh Rum 160 Proof

Stroh Rum is an Austrian rum with an ABV of 80%, making it a strong substitute for Everclear. It has a unique spiciness and sweetness that can add a distinct flavor to any cocktail.

Stroh Rum is a great substitute for those looking for a strong kick while also adding a unique flavor profile to their drinks. Like other high-proof spirits, Stroh Rum should be consumed in moderation and with caution.

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What alcohol is similar to Everclear?

Everclear is a potent grain alcohol that is 95% ABV (alcohol by volume), which means it contains a very high percentage of alcohol. Due to its neutral flavor profile, it is often used in cocktails or as a base for infusions.

However, it is only sometimes readily available; some people may prefer a similar product.

Golden Grain is another high-proof neutral spirit that is comparable to Everclear. It is also distilled from grain and has a similar ABV of 95%. It is popular for mixology and infusions and is known for its clean, pure taste.

Both Everclear and Golden Grain are highly concentrated alcohols and should be used cautiously. It is essential to dilute them properly and consume them responsibly.

Additionally, it is important to note that these high-proof spirits are not intended for casual drinking and should only be used by those experienced.

Is Everclear just vodka?

No, Everclear is not just vodka. While both Everclear and vodka are distilled from grain and have a high alcohol content, there are some significant differences.

Vodka is typically distilled to a lower proof than Everclear, which results in a lower alcohol content. Vodka is also filtered several times to remove impurities and create a smooth taste. This process gives the vodka a distinct flavor profile ranging from neutral to slightly sweet.

In contrast, Everclear is distilled to a much higher proof than vodka, resulting in a much higher alcohol content. Everclear is also not typically filtered, which gives it a neutral flavor profile. It is known for its potency and is often used in cocktails and infusions due to its high alcohol content and neutral flavor.

But Everclear is unavailable in all states due to its high alcohol content. In some states, it may be sold at a lower proof, which reduces its potency.

Everclear Vs. Moonshine: What Is The Difference?

Everclear and Moonshine are both high-proof alcohols but significantly differ in their production, alcohol content, and flavor profile.

Moonshine is a traditional distilled spirit typically made in small batches by individuals without licenses. It is made from corn or other grains, and the fermentation and distillation processes are often done in homemade stills.

Moonshine gets its name from making the spirit under the moon’s light to avoid detection by the authorities.

Everclear, on the other hand, is a commercially produced neutral grain spirit distilled in a large industrial setting. It is made from a blend of corn, wheat, and barley and is known for its high alcohol content and neutral flavor profile.

In terms of alcohol content, Everclear is typically much stronger than Moonshine. Everclear is 95% ABV (alcohol by volume), while Moonshine usually ranges between 40-60% ABV.

However, it’s worth noting that the alcohol content of Moonshine can vary significantly depending on the producer and the production process.

The flavor profile of Everclear is also very different from Moonshine.

Everclear has a neutral taste, making it a popular choice for cocktails.

On the other hand, Moonshine has a distinct flavor profile that can vary depending on the grains used and the production process. Some moonshines have a smoky flavor, while others have a fruity or floral aroma.

Another significant difference between Everclear and Moonshine is their legality.

Everclear is a commercial product that is legal in most states in the United States, while Moonshine is illegal to produce and sell in many areas.

However, in recent years, some states have started to legalize the production and sale of Moonshine, which has led to a resurgence in its popularity.

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Can people drink Everclear straight?

No, people should not drink Everclear straight. Everclear is a high-proof neutral grain spirit with 95% ABV, making it one of the strongest alcoholic beverages. Drinking Everclear straight can cause severe health problems, including alcohol poisoning, respiratory failure, and death.

According to the manufacturers, it is not meant to be consumed straight without dilution. Also, it is considered an “unfinished ingredient” that should be diluted or used to make alcohol of a lower proof.

Drinking Everclear straight can be extremely dangerous due to its high alcohol content.

Some states in the United States have banned the sale of Everclear due to its high alcohol content and the danger it poses to consumers. Even in states where it is legal, Everclear is often only sold at a lower price. 

However, remember that alcohol can be dangerous if consumed in excess. Also, high-proof spirits like Everclear should always be consumed in moderation or used as an ingredient in cocktails or other drinks.

If someone does choose to consume Everclear, it should be diluted with water or mixed with other ingredients to create a safer and more enjoyable drinking experience.

Why is Everclear tasteless?

Everclear is known for its lack of taste and odor. It is made from 100% grain alcohol distilled multiple times to remove impurities and congeners like esters and tannins responsible for flavor and aroma.

The production process for Everclear involves distilling a blend of corn, wheat, and barley in a large industrial setting to create a pure. The resulting spirit is then bottled without any additional proofing water or flavorings, which is why it has such a neutral taste. 

While some people may find the lack of flavor in Everclear to be unappealing, others appreciate its versatility as an ingredient in cocktails and other drinks. Its neutral flavor profile makes it a popular choice for infusions and homemade liqueurs, as it can easily take on the flavors of the ingredients it combines.

How strong is one shot of Everclear?

One shot of Everclear can vary in strength depending on the size of the shot and the proof of the specific bottle of Everclear being consumed. However, for simplicity’s sake, let’s assume a shot is 45ml in volume.

In a 45 ml shot of 190-proof Everclear, there is approximately 42.75ml of pure alcohol. Pure alcohol has a density of 0.79g per mL, meaning that a 45 ml shot of Everclear contains 33.75 grams of alcohol.

To put this into perspective, the recommended safe limit for daily alcohol consumption is generally considered 14 grams of alcohol for women and 28 grams of alcohol for men. This means that a single shot of Everclear contains more than double the recommended daily limit for men and women combined.

Even a small amount of Everclear can cause severe health problems, including alcohol poisoning, respiratory failure, and death. Therefore, it is recommended to consume Everclear in moderation and always to dilute it with water or mix it with other ingredients to create a safer and more enjoyable drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use vodka instead of Everclear?

Vodka can be used as a substitute for Everclear in some recipes but has a lower alcohol content.

What type of alcohol is Everclear?

Everclear is a high-proof neutral grain spirit, meaning it is a distilled beverage made from grain with high alcohol content. It is typically used in producing other alcoholic beverages rather than consumed on its own.

Conclusion 

Everclear is commonly used as an ingredient in homemade extracts due to its high alcohol content. However, it may only be available in some regions or may not be legal to purchase elsewhere. In such cases, knowing the top alcohol substitutes that can be used instead of Everclear is important.

One of the most popular substitutes for Everclear is vodka, which has a similar alcohol content and can be easily found in most liquor stores. Other substitutes include high-proof rum, brandy, and gin.

It is important to note that the flavor of the substitute alcohol may affect the final flavor of the extract. So, choose a neutral-flavored option if possible.

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