When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on how we conduct reviews, click here.
The drinks we often pass out are anything no more than 40%. It is rare to find anything higher than 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) at bars—except if they are on-demand because the higher the ABV, the greater the risk of being knocked out.
The effects of liquor and other spirits vary depending on how you consume them. For example, some liquors are easy to handle, while others can be deadly if consumed the wrong way!
But for those who are brave enough to test their strength when it comes to liquors and spirits, here are the top 15 world's strongest spirits.
1. Moonshine
40% - 80% ABV, 80 - 160 Proof
Moonshine is a high-proof distilled liquor that is made with sugar and corn. People describe it as clear and unaged whiskey. Moonshine is known for its high alcohol content, corn base, and associated peril with drinking it.
People who drink Moonshine are typically in places where consuming this alcohol was either illegal or prohibitively pricey. The danger of drinking has resulted in people dying from drinking this due to alcohol poisoning.
2.Everclear
60% ABV, 120 Proof
Everclear is a distilled grain alcohol spirit with no color, odor, or taste, which is insanely strong and unsafe. It is just alcohol with a tad bit of water.
The product became iconic in pop culture because of its crazily high alcohol content. People create lower-proof alcohols, like making homemade liqueurs such as limoncello and bitters like Angostura bitters.
Moreover, some people use it as an antibacterial solution, kill molds, and make room sprays with essential oils.
You cannot use Everclear as a substitute for vodka in cocktails as they are not the same because it is more than double the strength of vodka.
3.Pernod Absinthe Supérieure
68% ABV, 136 Proof
People referred to Absinthe as the Green Fairy because of its emerald green color. This is best known to induce hallucinating effects and is the most readily available most potent alcoholic drink made with wormwood bark.
Absinthe tastes like black licorice mixed with an aroma of herbal and botanicals, from lemon balm and coriander to dried flowers and spearmint. Although it contains twinges of anise and fennel that are similar in flavor to licorice but more subtle, it has a very mild bitterness.
Absinthe is best in taste if mixed and diluted. It is too potent to glean any flavor nuance of enjoyment.
4. River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum
69% ABV, 138 Proof
This Grenada drink is prepared the old-fashioned way using the method of pot distillation, which is a prolonged distillation process. Created from sugarcane juice that gives it a fresh and fruity smell, it shows notes of pineapple juice, banana, blackcurrant, and summer berries, followed by a hint of sour milk and tart gooseberry.
River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rumi's best served directly from the water chaser, as it is for the locals in Grenada.
5. Bacardi 151
75.5% ABV, 151 Proof
The bottle of Bacardi 151 comes with a stainless steel flame trap vouching for its power. Aged for at least a year and distilled from molasses, Bacardi's main ingredient is sugarcane enriched with various fruit ingredients and other signature stuff.
For rum-based cocktails like Cuba Libre, it is usually used in minimal amounts and not advised to down as shots.
6. Devil Springs Vodka
80% ABV, 160 Proof
Devil Springs is, without a doubt, one of the world's most potent vodkas. Bartenders and mixologists have experimented on this drink by infusing other mixers or herbs like lavender, herbal teas, citrus rinds, horseradish, chili peppers, dried fruits, and so much more.
This super-potent vodka is perfect for making homemade infused vodkas in modest amounts in drinks that include ginger ale juices and creating burning shots. However, it is best not to drink it directly from the bottle.
7. Stroh 160 Rum
80% ABV, 160 Proof
This flavorful spiced rum has taken hold of the European nation and is called The Spirit of Austria. Stroh has a complex aroma, unique taste, and the ultimate super-shooter.
People splash this rum into baked goods or even a cup of tea. You can also swig it neat, although Austrians often use it in making warm cocktails during the winter months.
8. Sunset Rum
84.5% ABV, 160 Proof
Sunset is one of the world's most potent rums that may knock you out if you overindulge in it.
Despite its jet fuel potency, Sunset is popular among rum aficionados, who top rum cocktails with a float of the overproof spirit or mix it with tropical fruit flavors to give drinks some backbone.
Bartenders and mixologists do not recommend consuming this alcohol alone because it can sever your neck. Moreover, drinking it with a mixer is an excellent choice as it can induce sensation in the throat and might even cause significant burns if you consume it in excess.
9. Good ol' Sailor Vodka
85% ABV, 170 Proof
With proof of 170 and an ABV of 85%, this will be tough on your liver. It is created with organic grains and Lake Vattern waters.
This premium vodka has a peppery flavor and fresh, clean texture. It can be used in tiny amounts for cocktails or mixed with other drinks to enhance their taste!
10. Balkan176 Vodka
88% ABV, 176 Proof
The most potent Scandinavian drink ever. It is a powerful substance that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The vodka is handcrafted in small batches, and the quality is an achievement at this strength.
There are many types of vodka out there that are smooth, crisp, and readily drinkable on their own, but Balkan Vodka is not one of those. The bottle has 13 different label warnings on it, which means that no one must consume it neat, but with fruit juices and tonic water.
Ensure not to consume Balkan excessively as there have also been reports of people dying from alcohol poisoning after consuming this drink in a short period.
11. Pincer Shanghai Strength
A bottle of Pincer Shanghai Strength vodka - Image by thirteensteps
88.8% ABV, 177 Proof
Pincer is Scotland's most potent vodka.
Most people consider this healthy as it contains milk, thistle, and elderflower that they believe to be excellent for the liver. Still, even to the most experienced palate, the primary tasting note is "oh my god, my tongue is on fire."
Additionally, it may quickly get you high. If you want to drink this, you should avoid overconsuming at all costs, leading to significant health issues.
12. Hapsburg Gold Label Premium Reserve Absinthe
89.9% ABV, 179 Proof
Hapsburg is one of the strongest absinthe brands on the market and has several shipping restrictions.
It is high-strength alcohol that is best diluted down to a more palatable strength. Absinthe can make you hallucinate when you overindulge. That is why it is best to have this drink with a mixer, preferably with iced cold water and a bit of sugar to taste.
13. Bruichladdich X4+1 Quadrupled Whisky
92% ABV, 184 Proof
Bruichladdich is the world's most alcoholic single malt whiskey. It is extraordinarily pure and robust because of the ultra-precise distillation process, and its texture has incredible lubricity. It is aged and kept in new oak casks to increase flavor that it can power a sports car at speeds of over 100 mph.
The smell of Bruichladdich is intoxicating. It may smell like sweet barley cereal sugar aromas first, supported by a floral overtone of primula, iris, mint, Leiden, and gorse joined later by Muscat grapes with a twist of lychee. The oak then starts to emerge splashed bourbon with hints of hazelnut.
Unlike Spirytus and Everclear, you can drink Bruichladdich neat or add extra still spring water to release the alcohol's natural aromas and reduce the strength to whatever you prefer. However, it is best not to drink excessive amounts.
14. Diesel 190
95% ABV, 190 Proof
Clear but lethal, this neutral grain spirit contains a high alcoholic percentage that ranges between 75.5% to 95%. It is distilled from 100% grain and is intentionally mixed in cocktails.
Some people use Diesel 190 in concocting punches and in making homemade bitter. The Diesel 190 is not recommended for shots or consumed neat.
15. Spirytus Rektyfikowany
95% ABV, 192 Proof
This Polish vodka has a gentle smell and taste. This vodka will make you question whether the human body can digest such a potent substance since it’s created using grain-based and quality ethyl alcohol. People often use it to prepare fruits and herb tinctures, cook, desserts, medicinal purposes, or perfume makers.
Many people who've consumed it straight from the bottle have described it as a feeling like they have been flogged in the stomach that breathing becomes impossible. Enjoy this diluted or with a mixer of your choice, and never drink this neat.
Conclusion
The world's strongest alcoholic drinks pack quite a punch! These spirits will leave you feeling burning in your mouth or other parts of the body. So, if you're looking for a drink that will really test your limits, you should try one of the 15 potent drinks listed above.Or you could check out anopen liquor store nearbyto see if they have your favorite strong liquor.
Just be careful—these beverages can easily knock you out if you're not prepared for their high alcohol content.
Are there any other potent drinks that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch the Video
FAQs
Can you drink 100 alcohol? ›
Odds are high that the individual won't only get drunk on this dangerously toxic beverage, they'll black out and possibly even die. According to Livestrong.org, "The approximate lethal dose of 90 to 100 percent isopropanol for human adults is only 250 milliliters, or about 8 ounces." Eight ounces.
How much 5 percent alcohol does it take to get drunk? ›Yes, you can get drunk off of 5 percent alcohol wine.
In fact, a person can reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of . 08, the legal limit for intoxication in the United States, by drinking just three glasses of 5 percent ABV wine within an hour.
Spirytus. Proof: 192 (96% alcohol). Made in: PolandApproved a few years ago to be sold in New York State, the Polish-made Spirytus vodka is the strongest liquor for sale in the U.S. “It's like getting punched in the solar plexus,” one sampler told the New York Post.
Can you drink 200 proof alcohol? ›No. The consumption of this product will lead to liver failure, coma, or death. Also, you might be exposing yourself to cancer, which you don't want.
What is the strongest alcohol allowed in the US? ›High-proof alcohols can legally go up to 192 proof in the United States. The strongest liquor you'll find on a shelf in the United States is the Polish vodka, Spirytus, coming in at 192 proof or 96 percent alcohol. For reference, this is an even higher alcohol content than Everclear, which contains 95 percent alcohol.
Is 15 percent of alcohol a lot? ›This is around the typical alcohol content of wine, but it's much less than that of hard liquors like vodka or tequila.
How long does it take for 5% alcohol to kick in? ›It takes 30 minutes to feel the effects of alcohol.
It may take an hour to metabolize a drink, but it takes approximately thirty minutes before you feel alcohol's effects. This is a good gauge for pacing yourself. Drinking more than one drink every 30 minutes means you are probably drinking too much, too fast.
In the United States, one "standard" drink (or one alcoholic drink equivalent) contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in: 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol.
Can you drink Everclear? ›Just one shot of Everclear could make a person sick and endanger their health in a very short amount of time. According to the manufacturers, Everclear is not meant to be consumed straight, rather, it is considered an “unfinished ingredient” intended to be diluted or used to make alcohol of a lower proof.
How much does a bottle of Everclear cost? ›How much does Everclear cost? The Everclear price varies depending on the proofing and size of your desired bottle. In general, expect to pay roughly $20 for a 750ml bottle of 190-proof, and a similar price for the same sized bottle of 120-proof.
What alcohol makes you angry? ›
Spirits are the most likely alcohol type to illicit feelings of aggression, while red wine most likely to make people relaxed, a new study shows.
What percent alcohol is 200 proof? ›200 Proof Alcohol: Contains 100% Ethanol. (Specification is 200 Proof) All Ethanol products have a proof associated with the product description.
What is 200 proof alcohol used for? ›Decon's Pure Ethanol 200 Proof is 100% absolute (undenatured) Ethyl Alcohol that meets USP and multi-compendial specs including EP, BP, JP. Used as a cleaner, solvent, or as a reagent.
How much liquor can a human drink? ›The bottom line
American Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. However, some people, such as those with certain medical conditions and pregnant women, should avoid alcohol completely.
At 100 pounds, a man would reach a BAC of 0.12 by drinking three drinks in less than one hour or four drinks over two hours. At 150 pounds, a man would reach this level by consuming six drinks over two to three hours. At 200 pounds, a man would reach this level if he drank six drinks in less than one hour.
What happens if you drink 100% ethanol? ›At high levels it can cause inebriation. Ingesting ethanol can cause mood changes, slower reaction time, uncoordinated movements, slurred speech and nausea. Higher exposures may cause blurred vision, confusion and disorientation, movement problems, vomiting and sweating.
Is 120 proof alcohol a lot? ›While most spirits clock in at a friendly 80-proof, some brands are going above and beyond, reaching fiery pinnacles of 100- to 120-proof or even higher. Though this sounds potentially hazardous to your liver and taste buds, not all high-proof spirits taste like liquid fire (we're looking at you, Everclear).
Is Everclear stronger than moonshine? ›At 75.5 percent and 95 percent, 151 and 190 proof respectively, Everclear is the strongest proof alcohol on the market.
Is 100-proof liquor illegal? ›“No retail licensee, except a pharmacy or drug store registered with the California State Board of pharmacy, shall sell or possess on his licensed premises any undenatured alcohol of any proof or compound thereof which is an alcoholic beverage as defined in Section 23004 containing more than 60 percent of alcohol by ...
What alcohol is 100-proof? ›Question: What does proof mean when referring to alcoholic beverages? Answer: Proof is defined as twice the alcohol (ethanol) content by volume. For example, a whisky with 50% alcohol is 100-proof whiskey. Anything 120-proof would contain 60% alcohol, and 80-proof means 40% of the liquid is alcohol.
How long does 15 percent alcohol stay in your system? ›
Blood: Alcohol is eliminated from the bloodstream at about 0.015 per hour. Alcohol can show up in a blood test for up to 12 hours. Urine: Alcohol can be detected in urine for up 3 to 5 days via the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) test or 10 to 12 hours via the traditional method.
Is 15% alcohol a lot for wine? ›ABV is the global standard of measurement for alcohol content. The range of ABV for unfortified wine is about 5.5% to 16%, with an average of 11.6%. Fortified wines range from 15.5% to 25% ABV, with an average of 18%.
What is meant by 15% of alcohol? ›A 15% alcohol solution means : a 15 mL alcohol and 85 mL water.
How long do you stay drunk for? ›Generally speaking, it takes about 6 hours for the effects of being drunk to wear off. If you count the hangover/detoxification period that happens after drinking alcohol, the effects may last longer. For most people, one drink leads to a . 02 blood alcohol level.
How do drunk people feel? ›You might become emotionally unstable and get easily excited or saddened. You might lose your coordination and have trouble making judgment calls and remembering things. You might have blurry vision and lose your balance. You may also feel tired or drowsy.
Does drinking faster make you drunker? ›Drinking faster gets you drunk quicker, and also increases the amount you'll drink throughout the night. All of this can result in achieving a greater buzz faster.
Does 1 beer equal 1 shot? ›How many shots are equivalent to one beer? The general rule is that one 12-ounce (354-ml) beer with 5% ABV equals one shot of 40% ABV liquor.
Is one shot of whiskey equal to one beer? ›One 12-oz. beer has as much alcohol as a 1.5-oz. shot of whiskey or a 5-oz. glass of wine.”
Is one shot of vodka the same as one beer? ›One shot of vodka is equal to a bottle of beer. A standard serving of beer is 12 ounces, containing 5-6% alcohol by volume. It could be brown ale, draft, malt, dark beer, or domestic beer. This makes one shot of Absolut vodka stronger because it has 40-60% alcohol by volume.
What will a shot of Everclear do to you? ›Just one shot of Everclear could make a person sick and endanger their health in a very short amount of time. According to the manufacturers, Everclear is not meant to be consumed straight, rather, it is considered an “unfinished ingredient” intended to be diluted or used to make alcohol of a lower proof.
Will 1 shot of Everclear get you drunk? ›
How much Everclear will get me drunk? Most people begin to feel drunk at a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of around 0.04, for an average man that's roughly 40mls, which would ~70mls of Everclear or 2/3 standard shots (depending on where you are).
How many beers equals one shot of Everclear? ›44 ml of Everclear- a standard US shot- will contain 41.8 ml of ethanol, which is the same as 836 ml of a 5% beer, so that's not far under two pints of beer.
Why is Everclear so good? ›It's so pure, it doesn't have room for the “bad stuff.” Because it has such a high alcohol content, there's no room in Everclear for additives that plague so many of our other drinks. There isn't added sugar or caffeine.
How many states can you buy Everclear? ›Everclear 190 is 190 proof. It is legal in 36 states. It is currently illegal in 14 states. The states that have ruled this type of Everclear illegal include California, Hawaii, Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maine, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington, New York, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Nevada.
What are the 4 types of drunks? ›- Hemingways. These are people whose personalities don't change much when they drink. ...
- Mary Poppins. These are people who become especially cheerful and helpful when they drink. ...
- Nutty Professors. These are people who become most uninhibited when they drink. ...
- Mr. Hydes.
Experts believe the reason some people become aggressive when drunk is due to the way alcohol affects the brain. Binge drinking increases the likelihood of both becoming aggressive or angry and also being on the receiving end of someone else's temper.
What alcohol makes you happy? ›The people we polled said that certain forms of alcohol were more likely to give them different feelings. Men told us that wine, cocktails, and India pale ales (IPAs) made them happiest when they drank, while women said that cocktails, wine, and vodka left them with the most positive emotions.
What alcohol is 100 percent? ›Another strong alcohol, Golden Grain is a 100% neutral spirit distilled from grain. Similar to Everclear, it's colourless and odourless. It is majorly used for creating homemade liqueurs and extracts.
What alcohol is 100 proof? ›Question: What does proof mean when referring to alcoholic beverages? Answer: Proof is defined as twice the alcohol (ethanol) content by volume. For example, a whisky with 50% alcohol is 100-proof whiskey. Anything 120-proof would contain 60% alcohol, and 80-proof means 40% of the liquid is alcohol.
Which alcohol gets you drunk faster? ›Whiskey and tequila, in particular, are the quickest to get drunk. You can get drunk quickly with three or more shots of alcohol, but your tolerance to alcohol varies depending on your level of intoxication. The best alcoholic drinks are those that do not taste like alcohol, such as the spritzer.
What percent is moonshine? ›
Typically, moonshine has an ABV of 40%. However, the ABV of moonshine can be even higher, reaching levels of anywhere from 60%-80%! When it comes to alcohol levels in a spirit, the distilling process is the defining factor.
What alcohol is 200 proof? ›200 Proof Alcohol: Contains 100% Ethanol. (Specification is 200 Proof) All Ethanol products have a proof associated with the product description.
What is 200 proof alcohol called? ›Pure Ethanol 200 Proof is also referred to as pure alcohol, absolute alcohol, grain alcohol, and pure grain alcohol.
What proof is moonshine? ›It has high alcohol content, a glass or two is more than what you probably need. On average, a proof moonshine could range somewhere between 100 to 150 proof. When you convert that alcohol by volume, 150 proof is equivalent to 75% alcohol by volume.
What is the best alcohol to get drunk but not sick? ›“Vodka is known to be the best alcoholic beverage for the most minimal hangover. Gin, light rum and white wine are runner-ups—with brandy and whiskey being at the bottom of the list.
Can you get drunk anally? ›The anus also does not contain the same enzymes as the stomach and liver. These enzymes work to break down alcohol, which further slows down the process of getting drunk. Thus, consuming alcohol via the anus can result in very rapid drunkenness.
Does mixing soda with alcohol get you drunk faster? ›There are lots of myths concerning grape and grain, but does mixing up your alcohol consumption really get you more drunk? It certainly can if you're gulping down liquid with a higher average alcohol content. But mixing strong drinks with carbonated mixers can also accelerate the speed of intoxication.