Everclear is a brand name of rectified spirit (also known as grain alcohol) produced by the American company Luxco. With an alcohol content of 95% ABV (190 proof), Everclear packs quite a punch and is one of the most potent spirits available for purchase by the public. This extremely high alcohol concentration gives Everclear a very clean, sharp taste that lends itself well to mixing with other ingredients to make cocktails, punches, and even some food recipes. But what should you mix with Everclear to balance out the alcohol taste and create delicious and drinkable concoctions? Here are some of the most popular and recommended mixers for Everclear.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are one of the best mixers to use with Everclear. Their natural sweetness helps mask the harsh burn of the alcohol, while their flavors complement and enhance the overall drink. Some great fruit juice options include:
Citrus Juices
Citrus juices like orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime work especially well with Everclear. The tart, bright flavors help cut through the alcohol taste. Try an Everclear punch mixed with orange and pineapple juices.
Berry Juices
The sweetness of berry juices balances beautifully with Everclear. Cranberry and pomegranate juices are refreshing options. For a tropical twist, use mango, passionfruit, or guava juice.
Apple Juice
Apple juice or cider adds warming fall flavors when mixed with Everclear. It’s great for autumnal punches. Ginger ale can also be added to apple cider and Everclear for a tasty apple-ginger cocktail.
Other Fruit Mixers
Besides juice, other forms of fruit make excellent Everclear mixers, including:
Fruit Purees
Smooth fruit purees integrate seamlessly into Everclear cocktails. Mango, strawberry, peach, and banana purees all work well.
Fruit Slices/Chunks
For punches, slices or chunks of citrus fruits, berries, peaches, pineapple, mango and other fruits can be added straight to the Everclear mixture. The fruits will infuse the drink with flavor.
Syrups
Flavored syrups are another great way to sweeten and add flavor to Everclear drinks. Try using:
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is just sugar dissolved in water, but it balances Everclear’s harshness. Add flavored variations like raspberry, honey, or maple simple syrup for extra flavor.
Grenadine
This pomegranate syrup gives drinks a tart, berry sweetness. Use in moderation, as grenadine is very sweet.
Orgeat Syrup
Almond-flavored orgeat syrup lends a wonderful nutty depth and subtle sweetness.
Sodas & Carbonated Mixers
The bubbles and sweetness of sodas and other fizzy mixers help mellow Everclear’s bite. Try mixing it with:
Ginger Ale
Spicy ginger ale stands up well to Everclear. For extra flavor, use ginger beer or ginger ale with lime.
Lemon-Lime Soda
The citrus flavors pair perfectly with the flavor profile of Everclear. Sprite, 7UP, and Sierra Mist all work.
Tonic Water
Quinine-flavored tonic water gives an intriguing bitter edge when mixed with Everclear.
Club Soda
Neutral club soda keeps drinks from getting too sweet. Combine with fruit juices and a splash of simple syrup.
Creamy Liqueurs
The creamy textures and sweet flavors of these liqueurs balance and mellow the Everclear:
Irish Cream
Bailey’s Irish cream provides a sweet touch.
Coffee Liqueur
Kahlua or other coffee liqueurs give drinks a rich, indulgent quality.
Butterscotch Schnapps
Butterscotch schnapps adds velvety caramel sweetness.
Spiced Rum
The warmth of spiced rum contrasts nicely with Everclear. Captain Morgan is a readily available brand.
Other Alcoholic Mixers
Besides liqueurs and schnapps, other types of liquor can be mixed into Everclear cocktails:
White Rum
The crispness of white rum highlights Everclear’s flavor. Light or silver rum works best.
Vodka
Neutral vodka allows the Everclear to take center stage. Use citrus or fruit flavored vodkas for an extra pop of flavor.
Tequila
Blanco or silver tequilas mix cleanly with Everclear. Reposado tequila also adds warmth.
Gin
Herbal gin makes a nice complement to Everclear in a martini-style cocktail.
Triple Sec
Orange-flavored triple sec adds sweetness and fruitiness.
Bitters
Just a dash or two of bitters can help balance out sweetness and allow Everclear’s flavors to shine:
Aromatic Bitters
Angostura and other aromatic bitters have a complex, woodsy profile.
Citrus Bitters
Grapefruit or orange bitters accentuate citrusy flavors.
Berry Bitters
For a fruit-forward drink, add raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or blackberry bitters.
Other Everclear Mixers
Some other ingredients that work well in Everclear cocktails include:
– Milk or cream – Adds richness
– Coconut water – Provides natural sweetness
– Ginger beer – Adds spicy kick
– Iced tea or lemonade – Mix with fruit juices for a punch
– Flavored sparkling waters – Enhance fruit and citrus flavors
– Honey simple syrup – Sweetens with subtle honey flavor
– Mint – Fresh herb adds cooling note
Mixers to Avoid
While most mixers complement Everclear nicely, a couple options are best avoided:
– Sour mix – Too acidic, causing the drink to taste unbalanced
– Energy drinks – Clash with the flavor of Everclear
Stick with juices, sweet liqueurs, sodas, syrups, and other alcohols to craft the tastiest Everclear cocktails.
Example Everclear Cocktail Recipes
To give you an idea of how to mix up delicious Everclear drinks, here are a few popular cocktail recipes using various mixers:
Berry Blast Punch
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Everclear | 1 1⁄2 cups |
| Cranberry juice | 3 cups |
| Orange juice | 3 cups |
| Strawberries | 1 1⁄2 cups sliced |
| Raspberries | 1 1⁄2 cups |
| Lime juice | 1⁄4 cup |
| Ginger ale | 1 liter |
– Mix juices, sliced strawberries, raspberries, and lime juice in a punch bowl
– Stir in Everclear
– Top with ginger ale just before serving
– Garnish with lime slices and fresh berries
Mango Mai Tai
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Everclear | 1 oz |
| White rum | 1 oz |
| Mango puree | 2 oz |
| Pineapple juice | 1 oz |
| Lime juice | 1⁄2 oz |
| Orgeat syrup | 1⁄2 oz |
| Mint | Garnish |
– Combine liquids and 1 cup ice in a cocktail shaker
– Shake vigorously and strain into glass filled with crushed ice
– Garnish with mint
Spiked Apple Cider
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Everclear | 2 oz |
| Apple cider | 6 oz hot |
| Cinnamon | Garnish |
– Warm up apple cider
– Add Everclear
– Garnish with cinnamon stick
Tips for Mixing with Everclear
To get the most balanced and delicious drinks when mixing cocktails with Everclear, keep these tips in mind:
– Add Everclear slowly and taste as you go to prevent drinks becoming too boozy
– Use very sweet mixers like juices and sodas to balance the alcohol
– Include acidic citrus juices to provide tartness
– Shake or stir well with ice to dilute and chill
– Use a 1:3 to 1:5 Everclear to mixer ratio for best balance
– Add mellower alcohols like white rum or vodka to round out the flavor
– Infuse fruits in the Everclear ahead of time for more flavor
– Garnish with fruits, herbs, spices, or edible flowers
Storing Your Everclear Cocktails
When storing leftover Everclear mixes and punches, keep these guidelines in mind:
– Transfer to an airtight container like a mason jar or pitcher with a lid
– Add ice to help chill and dilute the drink
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
– For longer storage up to 1 month, freeze the punch or cocktail
– When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight
– Always give a final stir, taste, and tweak flavors before serving
Safety Tips for Drinking Everclear
Everclear is an extremely potent spirit and must be consumed responsibly. Keep in mind:
– Everclear has a very high alcohol content of 95% ABV
– Drink in moderation – no more than 1-2 ounces of Everclear at a time
– Always mix with non-alcoholic beverages as well – avoid shooting straight Everclear
– Stay hydrated by drinking water between Everclear drinks
– Everclear can cause alcohol poisoning if over-consumed – know your limits
– Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming Everclear
– Store Everclear securely away from children and teens
Conclusion
Everclear’s powerful punch pairs well with a wide range of sweet, tart, creamy, and fruity mixers that help mellow out the alcohol taste. Juices, sodas, syrups, liqueurs, and other alcohols like rum, vodka, and tequila make excellent Everclear complements. Balance is key when mixing drinks with Everclear, so be sure to add it slowly to other liquids. With the right supporting ingredients and proper precautions, Everclear opens up a world of cocktail possibilities to enjoy responsibly.