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- ''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) 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) [http://www.luxco.com/public/company/pres.html. It is illegal to purchase the 190 proof version in many U.S. states such as Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Washington, California, Michigan, Ohio, 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. 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.
Everclear is also gaining popularity as fuel for the alcohol 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, or, indeed, as a beverage mixer.
Consumption
Due to its intensity, Everclear is commonly added to a variety of soft drinks, such as soda, juice, Gatorade or iced tea. Everclear is sometimes drunk at college parties mixed with fruit juice or Kool-Aid and mixed fruit in a large tub and called variously 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. Everclear is sometimes consumed alone by eating similarly saturated fruit. Like vodka, it can be used in making Jello shots (yet due to the potency of the drink, a larger ratio of water is recommended).
See also
External links
"Everclear (alcohol)"