Everclear

For the band called Everclear, see Everclear (band).

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Everclear bottles

Everclear is a brand of grain alcohol (ethanol), available at concentrations of 95% alcohol (190 proof ) and 75.5% (151 proof). Everclear is manufactured by Luxco (formerly David Sherman Corporation).

It is illegal to purchase the 190 proof version in many U.S. states such as Pennsylvania, Washington, California, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Virginia and West Virginia (as of November 2005). By contrast, hard liquors such as rum and vodka generally contain 40% alcohol (80 proof). Due to Everclear's lack of sugar and impurities (congeners), it may make drinkers less vulnerable to hangovers. However, the lack of a strong flavor tends to promote overconsumption. Everclear is usually mixed into an alcoholic beverage; straight consumption of Everclear is not recommended since lethal overconsumption is a greater possibility than with lesser proof liquors. Everclear is highly flammable.

Uses

There are legitimate uses for highly pure alcohols, beyond simple fortification. Everclear, like other highly refined alcohols, can be used in the manufacture of home liqueurs, and medicinal tinctures. By steeping lemon rind in pure alcohol for several days, straining and mixing with 2-3 parts syrup solution one can produce Limoncello. A similar method can be used with mint leaves to produce Crème de menthe. Various other herbs can be used to produce other pleasing liqueurs and medicinal tinctures. Similarly, by using fruit purees one can produce fruit liqueurs, such as crème de cassis, banana liqueur, melon liqueurs and strawberry liqueurs. The Sardinian Mirta is produced by steeping Myrtle bark in highly pure alcohol.

Mixing Everclear

Due to its intensity (it should not be consumed straight) and lack of flavor, Everclear is commonly added to a variety of soft drinks, such as soda, juice, Gatorade or iced tea. Everclear is sometimes drunk at college parties mixed with fruit juice or Kool-Aid and mixed fruit in a large tub and called variously Hunch Punch, Hairy Buffalo, Purple Jesus or jungle juice. The fruit in this drink absorbs lots of the alcohol, as in sangria. Everclear is sometimes consumed alone by eating similarly saturated fruit. Like vodka, it can be used in making jello shots (yet due to the potency of the drink, a larger ratio of water is recommended). Another drink of choice is mixing Mountain Dew Code Red with Everclear.

Recommendations for Wise Everclear Usage

• Do not drink shots of Everclear.
• Mix Everclear with a non-alcoholic beverage to dilute its power.

See also

• Corn liquor
• Rectified spirit
• Jello shots