Everclear Alcohol: The Ultimate Guide to the World's Strongest Spirit

Most people know Everclear by reputation, the grain alcohol that's dangerously strong, highly flammable, and banned in several U.S. states. But here's what they missed: when handled responsibly and used correctly, Everclear is one of the most versatile spirits in existence. At 95% alcohol by volume, it's not meant for casual sipping; it's a precision tool for infusions, tinctures, and craft cocktails that demand a neutral, high-proof base.

This guide cuts through the sensationalism to give you exactly what you need: clarity on proof levels, practical safety protocols, use-case recommendations, and Canadian availability realities. Whether you're crafting homemade vanilla extract, batching a holiday punch, or exploring alternative neutral spirits, consider this your Trusted Expert briefing.

What Is Everclear?

Everclear is a rectified neutral grain spirit produced by Luxco and distilled from 100% selected grains. Unlike vodka, which typically sits at 40% ABV and undergoes specific filtration to achieve a smooth, drinkable character, Everclear is distilled to near-maximum purity, reaching up to 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof). The result is a spirit with virtually no flavour, no aroma, and an intense alcoholic burn that makes it unsuitable for drinking straight.

The term "Everclear" has become somewhat generic, used colloquially to describe any high-proof grain alcohol. But the branded version remains the standard-bearer: a colourless, odourless, tasteless liquid designed to extract, preserve, or amplify other flavours rather than contribute its own.

This isn't vodka. It's not even close. Think of Everclear as a blank canvas with fire in it, a tool ingredient, not a sipping spirit.

Everclear Proof Levels Explained

Understanding proof is essential before you buy or use Everclear. In North America, proof is simply twice the alcohol by volume percentage. So 190 proof equals 95% ABV, and 80 proof vodka equals 40% ABV.

Some markets also offer 120 proof (60% ABV), 151 proof (75.5% ABV) and r 189 proof (94.5% ABV), a version created to circumvent U.S. state laws that ban 190 proof specifically. Functionally, there's no meaningful difference between 189 and 190 for home use.

A Short History of Everclear

Everclear's roots trace back to the Prohibition era, when neutral grain spirits served dual roles as industrial alcohol and "medicinal" products sold legally through pharmacies. After Prohibition ended, high-proof spirits found a niche among home distillers, herbalists, and cocktail enthusiasts seeking a pure, unflavoured base.

Luxco acquired the brand and positioned Everclear as a DIY spirit; "Make It Your Own" became the tagline. The product gained mainstream notoriety in the 1990s and 2000s, often associated with college parties and dangerous drinking games. That reputation overshadowed Everclear's legitimate culinary and craft uses, leading to bans in over a dozen U.S. states.

Today, Everclear occupies a unique space: simultaneously feared as a safety hazard and valued as an essential ingredient by serious home bartenders, herbalists, and culinary enthusiasts who understand what it can, and cannot, do.

What Does Everclear Taste Like?

If you're expecting flavour, you'll be disappointed. Everclear delivers almost none. What you get instead is an overwhelming sensation of heat, sharp, astringent, and intensely alcoholic. There's no sweetness, no grain character, no finish beyond the burn.

This extreme neutrality is precisely the point. Everclear doesn't compete with other flavours; it extracts and carries them. When you steep vanilla beans in Everclear, the alcohol pulls out vanillin and other compounds without adding its own profile. When you dilute it into a punch, it raises the ABV without muddying the fruit or spice notes.

But make no mistake: consuming Everclear straight or in high concentration is dangerous, painful, and potentially fatal. This is not a spirit you sip, shoot, or dare someone to drink. It's a base ingredient that requires dilution, measurement, and respect.

Is Everclear Available in Canada?

Yes, but with important caveats. Everclear 190 proof is available at Willow Park Wines & Spirits and select retailers across Canada, though availability varies by province and individual store inventory. Alberta, for example, maintains a competitive pricing advantage and a broader selection due to its private liquor retail model, making it easier to source high-proof spirits than in government-run provinces like Ontario or British Columbia.

Common Uses for Everclear

Everclear excels in applications where high alcohol content serves a functional purpose. Used correctly, it's a workhorse ingredient. 

Drinking & Cocktails

Let's be direct: Everclear should never be consumed straight. A single shot of 190 proof contains nearly double the alcohol of two standard drinks, delivered in concentrated form that overwhelms the body's ability to metabolize safely. Rapid intoxication, alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and severe injury are real risks.

That said, Everclear has legitimate uses in batched cocktails and punches, when diluted properly and transparently. Think large-format holiday punches where a small measured amount of Everclear boosts ABV without adding flavour. The key is precision: measure carefully, taste as you go, and always disclose the alcohol content to anyone drinking.

If you're mixing cocktails at home, stick with spirits designed for consumption: vodka, gin, rum, or whisky. They're formulated for balance, flavour, and safe enjoyment. Everclear is not.

Infusions, Liqueurs, and Bitters

This is where Everclear truly shines. High-proof alcohol extracts flavour compounds, essential oils, tannins, aromatic molecules, more efficiently than lower-ABV spirits. That's why bartenders and culinary enthusiasts use it to make:

• Fruit liqueurs: Raspberry, blackberry, cherry, "Everclear" pulls vibrant colour and flavour from fresh or frozen fruit.

• Herbal bitters: Gentian root, angelica, citrus peel, and spices infuse rapidly in high-proof alcohol.

• Spice-forward liqueurs: Cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, clove, all extract beautifully in 190 proof.

Use glass containers (never plastic, which can leach chemicals), measure your ingredients precisely, and store them in a cool, dark place during infusion. After straining, many infusions benefit from dilution with simple syrup or distilled water to bring the final ABV into a drinkable range (typically 20-40%).

Tinctures & Culinary Extracts

Homemade vanilla extract is one of the most popular uses for Everclear, and for good reason. High-proof alcohol extracts vanilla from split vanilla beans quickly and completely. The same principle applies to:

• Citrus extracts: Lemon, lime, and orange zest steeped in Everclear creates potent baking extracts.

• Herbal tinctures: Echinacea, elderberry, and other botanicals for culinary or wellness use (note: Willow Park Wines & Spirits makes no health claims; consult a qualified professional for medicinal applications).

• Nut extracts: Almond, hazelnut, walnut, toasted and steeped in high-proof alcohol.

Store finished extracts in dropper bottles or small glass jars, clearly labelled with contents and date. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Safety First: Handling High-Proof Alcohol Responsibly

Everclear demands respect. Its extreme alcohol content creates risks that simply don't exist with standard spirits.

Flammability

At 95% ABV, Everclear is a Class 1B flammable liquid. It ignites easily and burns with an almost invisible flame. Never use Everclear near open flame, stovetops, candles, or any heat source. Store it in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight.

Consumption Risk

Even small amounts of undiluted Everclear can cause rapid, dangerous intoxication. A single ounce of 190 proof contains the equivalent alcohol of nearly two standard drinks. Consumed quickly, it can overwhelm the liver's processing capacity, leading to alcohol poisoning, respiratory failure, unconsciousness, or worse.

Storage & Labelling

Always store Everclear in its original bottle or a clearly labelled glass container. Keep it locked or stored out of reach of children, pets, and anyone who might mistake it for water or another beverage. If you're diluting or batching with Everclear, label every container with the final ABV and a clear warning.

Everclear Alternatives

Not everyone needs190 proof Everclear. Fortunately, excellent alternatives exist for nearly every use case.

Shop Our Curated Selection: Willow Park carries an extensive range of vodkas, neutral spirits, and high-proof rums ideal for infusions, extracts, and cocktails. Our Trusted Experts can recommend the right bottle for your project, whether you're making limoncello, batching a signature punch, or experimenting with homemade bitters.

Everclear FAQ

What is Everclear made from?
Everclear is distilled from 100% selected grains, typically corn, and undergoes multiple distillations to achieve near-maximum purity.

What proof is Everclear?
Everclear is 190 proof (95% ABV). Some markets also offer 120 proof (60% ABV), 151 proof (75.5% ABV), and 189 proof (94.5% ABV).

Can you drink Everclear straight?
No. Drinking Everclear straight or in high concentration is extremely dangerous. Always dilute Everclear significantly before consumption.

What's the best proof for infusions and tinctures?
For maximum flavour extraction, vanilla, citrus, and herbs, 190 proof works best.

Can I buy Everclear at Willow Park?
Yes. Willow Park carries Everclear 190 proof at our Alberta locations, subject to availability. For shipping inquiries or to confirm stock, connect with our team at (403) 296-1640 or info@willowpark.net

Ready to Explore Neutral Spirits and Infusion-Friendly Bases?

Willow Park offers one of the most comprehensive selections of vodkas, neutral spirits, and high-proof bases in Canada. Whether you're sourcing Everclear for a specific project or exploring alternatives that fit your needs, our Trusted Experts are here to guide you.

Shop our Vodka & Neutral Spirits collection or visit us in-store in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, or Saskatoon. Need advice on proof levels, dilution ratios, or the right spirit for your infusion? Call (403) 296-1640 or stop by, we'll help you choose smarter, not just stronger.