Something to replace Everclear?

[Cinjay]

Some of us cannot get our hands on Everclear. What could I use in place of it if a recipe says to add Everclear to it? I know it does good for the throat hit, which I want, but I can't buy the real stuff. I have seen people mention Bicardi 151. Would that give a decent throat hit and will it change the taste of my recipe??

 

[champions]

Bacardi is rum. I think you want something flavorless like high test vodka.

 

[CarrieM]

Devil's Spring is pretty popular around here..

 

[MaxUT]

Bacardi would be okay in some recipes, but high-proof vodka would be be better.

 

[morganator]

Is it okay to use regular 80-proof vodka, or does it have to be high-proof?

I can never find anything besides "Absinthe" that is higher, and that stuff tastes really bad. I don't know if Canada just doesn't allow that sort of thing, or if I'm really bad at looking, but the only clear liquid I see is no more than 40% liquor.

 

[MaxUT]

You can use the weaker stuff and it might work just as well, depending on what you're trying to do.

Alcohol is added for several reasons:
To help certain flavorings such as Tobacco Absolute and mint oil mix better.
To provide more Throat Hit (it's kind of an individual experience; works for some, not so much for others).
To reduce the viscosity of thick liquids such as glycerin (most people use distilled water instead).
To add an alcohol taste to a recipe-- for example, I use real Gin in my Tom Collins recipe.

ECF member Switched is in NS and might be able to advise you on available spirits.

 

[Stosh]

Nothing can replace Everclear, mixed with a little fruit juice, kickapoo torpedo juice, YIPEE!


But I digress, I would think high proof rum would be OK if the recipie called for some sweetness.
Rum tends to have a sweet note, and would probally be good in say a "Rum & Coke" mix
or "Cinnamon Buns" otherwise a vodka would be more taste netural IMHO.

 

[Cinjay]

I did find some 100 proof vodka today. Everywhere I go they tell me they don't sell any vodka above 100 proof! Well I guess if it doesn't work out then I can always give it to the hubby since I can't drink the stuff. Vodka and I are NOT friends!!!!LOL