If you'd like to try Everclear, it's best not to use it straight in cocktails. Instead, make cocktails from liqueurs that you've made from Everclear, which is your best and safest bet.
How to Drink Everclear Safely
Everclear is a high-test distilled grain alcohol spirit that has very high alcohol content compared to other distilled spirits. Typical distilled spirits are about 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume, but Everclear (which is a brand name) is can range from 120 proof (60% alcohol) to 190 proof (95 percent alcohol). It is the most potent grain alcohol commercially available.
- The most important rule for drinking Everclear is this: never drink it straight or even with a mixer.
- Everclear is not produced and meant for cocktails; rather, it's intended to be used to create lower proof alcohols, such as in making liqueurs or limoncello.
- Avoid using straight Everclear in cocktail recipes; it's simply too strong and unsafe; the potential for alcohol poisoning from misuse is high. Instead, use it as it is intended by creating a lower poof liqueur with it, and then using that liqueur in the cocktails.
- Everclear is not the same as vodka. While it is relatively odorless and flavorless like vodka, you cannot use it to substitute for vodka in cocktails because it is more than double the strength of vodka.
The recipes below allow you to make lower proof liqueurs with Everclear, and then offer cocktails you can make with those liqueurs.
Cherry Pie Liqueur
This simmered recipe makes about three gallons. Store it in mason jars in a cool, dark location for up to a year.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 gallon cherry juice
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 3½ cups sugar
- 3 ½ cups cherry rum
- 1½ cups Everclear
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the apple cider, cherry juice, cinnamon sticks, and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Boil for five minutes.
- Allow to cool completely and remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Stir in the rum and the Everclear.
- Store in clean, dry jars in a cool, dark location.
Cherry Pie Sunrise
Orange juice and grenadine add sweetness to this fruity drink.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 8 ounces orange juice
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- 1½ ounces Cherry Pie liqueur (above)
- 1 orange slice
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake.
- Strain into a highball glass. Garnish with the orange slice.
Apple Pie Liqueur
If you're looking for a drink that tastes a lot like apple pie, then this Everclear apple pie mix is the recipe for you. Once again, the recipe makes about three gallons, and you can store it in a cool, dark location for up to one year.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 gallon apple juice
- 3 cups sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 750 mL Everclear
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Boil for five minutes, stirring frequently.
- Cool completely. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Stir in the Everclear.
- Store in clean jars or bottles in a cool, dark location.
Apple Pie à la Mode Cocktail
This cocktail uses the Apple Pie recipe above to create a sweet, apple and vanilla flavored cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Apple Pie liqueur
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- Ice
- 4 ounces ginger ale
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Apple pie, vanilla vodka, and ice. Shake.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top off with the ginger ale. Stir.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce limoncello
- 1 ounce whipped cream vodka
- 1 egg white
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a cocktail glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, limoncello, whipped cream vodka, and egg white. Close and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to allow the egg whites to foam.
- Add the ice to the cocktail shaker. Shake briefly to chill.
- Strain into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Use Everclear the Way It Is Intended
Everclear is a versatile, high-test grain spirit you can use to make liqueurs. Once you've made those liqueurs, it's safe to use them in cocktails. Always remember to drink responsibly and moderately.
