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 an open liquor store nearby to 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!

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