Everclear (Spirituose)
- For the band called Everclear, see Everclear (band).
In the United States, Everclear is a brand of grain alcohol (ethanol), available at concentrations of 95% alcohol (190 proof) and 75.5% (151 proof) [1]. By contrast, hard liquors such as rum and vodka generally contain 40% alcohol (80 proof). Everclear is manufactured by Luxco (formerly the David Sherman Corporation) [2].
It is illegal to purchase the 190 proof version in many U.S. states such as Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Washington, California, Michigan, Florida, Virginia and West Virginia (as of November 2005). 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, and is highly flammable.
Uses
There are legitimate uses for highly pure alcohols, beyond simple fortification. Fortification is the practice of increasing a liquor or wine's potency by mixing in a high-proof alcohol. 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 Mirto is produced by steeping Myrtle bark in highly pure alcohol.
It is also used for flambé at many resturants.
Everclear is also gaining popularity as fuel for the alcohol stoves and Beverage-can stoves often used by ultralight backpackers. It is expensive compared to denatured alcohol, but many backpackers greatly value it because unlike most other fuels it is non-toxic (accidental introduction will not ruin the food being prepared) and can be used as a hand cleanser, disinfectant, panic suppressant, painkiller, or as a beverage mixer.
Consumption
Due to its intensity, it is emphasized that it not be drank straight. If drank straight, it will undoubtedly lead to uncontrolable vomiting, and you will likely crap all in your pants and on the floor of your friends bathroom. Everclear is commonly added to a variety of other drinks, such as soft drinks, juice, Gatorade or iced tea. Everclear is often consumed at college parties mixed with fruit juice or Kool-Aid and mixed fruit in a large tub and called variously RAT Poison, Hunch Punch, Cowboy Kool-Aid, Hairy Buffalo, Purple Jesus, Jungle Juice, Jesus Juice, Stupid Juice, Death Mix, Sex Mix, or Wap in reference to a popular drink made by mixing Everclear with Sprite and Hawaiian Punch. The fruit in this drink absorbs lots of the alcohol, as in sangria. The name "Pink Lightning" or Gozer is used to describe a drink that is one part Everclear and three parts pink lemonade. A Three Mile Island refers to two shots Everclear mixed with a can of Brisk. A Macho Jamaican refers to Everclear or 151 rum mixed with Jolt Cola. "Everbeer" refers to Everclear mixed in a bottle of Coors Light. A Stealth Bomber refers to Everclear mixed with a can of Natural Light. A drink invented by the infamous John Newsom is called a drunk ninja, and is a mixture of Everclear and Kahlua. Everclear is sometimes consumed alone by eating saturated fruit. One technique occasionally found is to use a hypodermic needle to inject oranges with Everclear so they can be consumed in public without drawing the attention of police. Like vodka, it can be used in making Jello shots, yet unlike vodka, water must be used with it, or the Everclear will destroy the gelatin.[3] One version of Romulan Ale, a drink from Star Trek, calls for one part Everclear to one part each of blue curacao and bacardi 151. Due to its relatively low price and high alcohol content, Everclear is often consumed by lower income groups.