everclear®
Everclear contains 95% or 75.5% ethanol by volume (depending on proof) with negligible carbohydrates, sugars, or other nutrients; it is calorie-dense due to ethanol content (7 calories per gram) but nutritionally inert.
About
Everclear® is a brand of neutral grain spirit produced by the American company Luxco (formerly Everclear Inc.), characterized by extremely high alcohol content, typically 151 or 190 proof (75.5% or 95% ABV). Unlike traditional whiskeys or vodkas, Everclear contains minimal to no flavoring compounds, water, or impurities—the result of multiple distillations that strip away congeners. The spirit is distilled from grain (corn or other cereals) and has an austere, harsh flavor profile with a pronounced alcohol burn. Legally classified as a neutral spirit or "grain alcohol," Everclear is one of the highest-proof spirits commercially available in the United States, making it primarily a tool ingredient rather than a sipping spirit.
The 190-proof variant (Everclear 151 proof is also common) presents significant handling challenges due to its flammability and potential for concentrating alcohol in mixed beverages. The spirit is clear and colorless with minimal aroma beyond ethanol vapor.
Culinary Uses
Everclear is used in culinary applications primarily for infusions, tinctures, and liqueurs rather than as a drinking spirit. Its high alcohol content and neutral flavor allow it to extract and preserve botanical compounds, essential oils, and fruit essences without imparting flavor of its own. It serves as a base for homemade extracts (vanilla, citrus, herbs) and infused spirits. In professional kitchens, it is occasionally used for flambéing and creating alcohol-reduction sauces, though its extreme proof requires careful handling. Some molecular gastronomy applications employ it for creating alcohol-based foams or gels. Everclear is also used in the production of herbal remedies and medicinal tinctures outside formal culinary contexts.