Certain alcoholic beverages have become loved as ideal pairings to BBQ dishes and steaks all around the world.
A premium, perfectly cooked steak paired with the right glass of alcohol is traditional in the USA and many other countries. When it comes to high-end high-alcohol spirits, Everclear is one of the very best options available.
Everclear is a total grain alcohol that isn’t as commonly available across all US States due to controversy concerning the alcohol content. Need to be clued in? Read on.
The scattered availability leads many alcohol lovers to look for substitutions. If you are one of them, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the ten best Everclear alternatives available coming up.
However, before we rush on to what you can use, let’s take a closer look at exactly what Everclear is.
What Is Everclear?
Everclear is an alcohol type made from grain that’s known as a rectified spirit, referring to its high concentration of ethanol obtained through rectification.
Also known as denatured alcohol, rectified spirits also go by the terms neutral spirit and grain alcohol. The extremely high concentration of alcohol has led to Everclear being prohibited in certain US states.
How Strong Is Everclear?
Luxco’s Everclear comes in four varying strengths, namely:
- 120 Proof – 60% Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
- 151 Proof – 75.5% ABV
- 189 Proof – 94.5% ABV
- 190 Proof – 95% ABV
Compare this to a good tequila like Jose Cuervo’s range, ranging between 70 and 80 proof, and it’s easy to see just how strong Everclear is.
Is Everclear Banned?
At 160 proof, it takes just one tot of a 160 proof liquor to push a 120-pound adult over the limit.
The startlingly high rate of intoxication has led to Everclear products being banned in California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Washington, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
You will find that certain states allow lower proof Everclear but ban the stronger versions, like Everclear 190, which is 95% alcohol.
10 Best Everclear Alternatives
If you run out of Everclear or can’t find it, you’ve got the unprohibited options from their range and a selection of fantastic alternatives to try instead.
1. Everclear 151 Proof
Everclear 151 contains the lowest concentration of alcohol out of any Everclear, at 75.5% alcohol by volume. Unlike Everclear 190 and the other super strong options, Everclear 151 isn’t prohibited everywhere in the USA.
It’s got a lower alcohol content, but it’s still super strong, making it the top alternative for anyone looking for the signature flavor of Everclear.
Luxco’s 120 and 151 Everclear are readily available in most areas and versatile enough to be held as a staple in the liquor cabinet of anyone who likes to drink.
2. Bacardi 151 Proof
Until recently, Bacardi 151 was a 75.5% alcohol by volume rum that was a readily available Everclear substitute. A series of injuries resulting from “flaming shots” whereby individuals lit Bacardi 151 alight led to it becoming discontinued.
However, you may still find old stock of this favorite spirit to make beloved sweet drinks like Hurricane and Caribou Lou. If you do, it’s a must-buy.
3. Absinthe 130 Proof
Absinthe comes in the region of 130 to 140 proof, delivering an intense punch that makes the jade liquor one of the best Everclear substitutes around for even casual drinkers.
Also known as the Green Fairy, Absinthe is normally not consumed neat but instead diluted with water or another mixer. The classic way of drinking Absinthe dating back to the 1800s is one part absinthe to five parts water.
However, there are tons of other cocktails to try with this legendary ingredient.
4. Mezcal 110 Proof
Mezcal is strong and similar to tequila, coming from the same cactus species that makes agave syrup and tequila. Expect to find varieties ranging between 70 and 1120 proof.
There are just over thirty varieties of agave used to make Mezcal which is produced from the core called piña. Just like tequila, Mezcal is aged in oak barrels for roughly a year or less.
There’s far more flavor than other high proof liquors, but the taste isn’t as flavorful as a well-aged tequila.
5. Southern Comfort 100 Proof
If you’re a fan of regular Southern Comfort’s vibrant caramel accents and perfect balance of flavors, then Southern Comfort 100 is a no-brainer.
Southern Comfort 100 proof is a premium whiskey with the same touch of spice but a more prominent kick.
Most people enjoy Southern Comfort as a part of classic cocktails, while the flavorful bold body goes just as nicely over dessert. Both SoCo 100 proof and 80 proof are delicious alternatives to Everclear.
6. St. Vincent Rum 169 Proof
St. Vincent Sunset Very Strong Rum is intensely strong, perhaps a little too pungent for some. However, if you’re into the richness of rum, then this 84.% ABV option is definitely for you.
It’s a 169 proof white rum that you only ever need to use a little off. Most won’t be trying this one neat, but its flavor and high strength make it a worthy alternative to any type of Everclear.
7. Stroh Rum 160 Proof
Stroh Rum 160 proof was developed as an intense spirit to be used as a core ingredient in several traditional German and Scandinavian recipes. Mix it with black tea, and you’ve got the celebration drink Jagertee which is served warm.
Alternatively, drink it shot for shot, use it to flambé, or add a tot or two to traditional Christmas fruit cake- Stroh rum is a popular 80% ABV rum that’s packed with flavor.
There’s a base reminiscent of caramel, vanilla, treacle, and spices, with a punch of flavor and smooth finish.
8. Balkan 176° Vodka 176 Proof
As one of the strongest grain vodkas ever made, Balkan 176° Vodka is a dangerous but worthy Everclear alternative. At 88% ABV, it should come as no surprise that the bottle has 13 warnings, including one in braille for the blind!
Give this triple distilled Serbian vodka a try, but we don’t recommend drinking it neat. Balkan Vodka is supremely smooth, and a little goes a long way.
Cocktails come out intensely strong, but the vodka itself has no flavor remaining tasteless thanks to the distillation.
9. Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whisky 184 Proof
Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whisky is a 184 proof Scottish whiskey. Quadruple distillation and a recipe that has been in use since 1695 rewards drinkers with what’s fondly known as a ‘perilous whiskey.’
The four stages of distillation grant unparalleled purity and immense oak flavor. Even though Bruichladdich is easily the strongest whisky you’ll get your hands on, 63.5% ABV is high-strength but balanced enough to be enjoyed neat or mixed.
10. Spirytus 190 Proof
At 190 proof, Spirytus Rektyfikowany Rectified Spirit is probably the strongest alcohol you’ll ever find.
To put just how strong this Polis spirit is, a single bottle contains thirty-eight times the amount of alcohol as your average vodka, whiskey, or tequila. That’s twice the amount of alcohol it would take to kill you.
Drinking half a bottle guarantees a lethal dose at 95% concentration, but even two shots are enough to put most people at risk of harm.
Spirytus should be considered highly concentrated ethanol, and it should be used to create liquors or added sparingly to cocktails.
This agricultural cereal alcohol may not be available everywhere due to its high proof so shop carefully. It’s typically consumed when making herbal and fruit-based liqueurs, and used in a medicinal context.
High Proof Alcohol Warning
Drinking high proof alcohol is extremely dangerous. Higher proof options like Spirytus can literally kill you.
Consuming two shots of 190 proof, 95% alcohol by volume booze like Spirytus or Everclear 190 doubles the effect of any existing alcohol present in your body.
So if you’re just a touch over your own body’s limit, you could literally die or end up in hospital with alcohol poisoning. This is not the type of booze you binge with.
Which Is The Best Everclear Alternative?
The best Everclear alternative will depend on what you’re using it for and just how strong you can tolerate your booze. Keep in mind that each of these options is immensely strong.
All of them can be dangerous when consumed irresponsibly. We advise starting with one of the lower-proof liquors and mixing it rather than consuming neat.
Once accustomed to the taste and kick of high-proof alcohol, you can always opt for something even stronger.