When it comes to the strongest alcoholic drinks in the world, only one thing matters — the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. This represents its potency and how quickly it will get you intoxicated. These thirteen liquors are the strongest in the world, and all warning labels should be taken seriously if you intend to try them.
13. King of Spirits Gold Absinthe (70%)
Our first strongest alcoholic drink is King of Spirits Gold Absinthe, which has a 70% ABV. The brand King of Spirits follows a recipe created more than 200 years ago in Switzerland, combining herbs like wormwood to create a distinct taste. Those flavors are best brought out when the drink is served with icy water.
12. Stroh Rum (80%)
Some of the strongest alcoholic drinks can be used for more than just drinking in a cocktail. Stroh 160 Rum is not only drinkable but can be used in cooking or baking. Originating in Austria, Stroh rum is a prime ingredient for cakes, flans, and other traditional Austrian desserts.
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11. Devil Springs Vodka (80%)
Devil’s Springs Vodka is known for its extremely high proof, but it is also known for creating unique flavored vodkas. Letting lavender, citrus rind, herbal teas, chili peppers, or other additions can add a unique depth to the vodka that can increase your drinking experience. Devil’s Springs does recommend diluting the vodka one to one with water though, as it is such a high proof.
10. Sunset Rum (84.5%)
Sunset Rum is one of the most popular and robust rums in the world, and one of the strongest liquors in the world with 84.5% ABV. It is an over-proof white rum distilled from fermented molasses. It is usually drunk straight and chased with a glass of water or soda.
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9. Good ol’ Sailor Vodka (85%)
Good ol’ Sailor Vodka is the most loved vodka in Sweden but it’s hardly known in the rest of the world. With 85% of pure alcohol, Good ol’ Sailor Vodka has a fruity smell and a spicy aftertaste. It is the first Swedish vodka to come in an environmentally friendly PET bottle that is designed and inspired by tattoos and fashion.
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8. Sklar’s Balkan 176 Vodka (88%)
Sklar’s Balkan, an 88% alcohol, is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless drink that is best known for its ABV potency. Each bottle of Balkan comes with 13 different health warnings. This vodka is produced in Serbia and is distilled three times before packing, which helps reduce the alcohol’s effect.
7. Pincer Vodka (88.8%)
Pincer Vodka is 88.8% alcohol and is infused with the flavor of wild elderflower and milk thistle. It is a creamy herbal vodka that comes from the mountain waters of Scotland. Jonathan Engels, a former architect from Inverurie, Scotland, first launched the Pincer vodka in 2006. The taste of Pincer gives a hint of sweetness with a slightly syrupy texture.
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6. Absinthe Hapsburg XC (89.9%)
Absinthe Hapsburg is sixth on our list with an 89.9% ABV and comes in four different flavors: Original, Cassis, Red Summer Fruits, and Black Fruits of the Forest. The alcohol itself has a smooth and attacking taste and is the highest percentage ABV allowed in absinthes. It is ideally drunk alongside cold water after being mixed into a cocktail.
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5. River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum (90%)
Our next brand, River Antoine, is the oldest operational distillery in the Caribbean starting in 1785. They still use very traditional techniques, including a water wheel from 1840 to crush their sugar cane. Their Royale Grenadian Rum has notes of pineapple juice, banana, blackcurrant, and summer berries. It is best served diluted in a mixed drink.
4. Bruichladdich X4+1 Quadrupled Whiskey (92%)
Bruichladdich is the fourth strongest drink in the world with 92% alcohol, and when it comes to single malt whiskeys, X4+1 is the strongest in this field. While this quadrupled whiskey is distilled four times to reach 92%, it is often reduced to between 50% and 70% when bottled. This is because of its otherwise lethal potency.
3. Golden Grain (95%)
Golden Grain officially takes the number three spot on our strongest alcoholic drinks list with a 95% ABV, produced in the United States through the same company as Everclear. Golden Grain has a neutral profile, which means it is odorless, flavorless, and colorless, making it a perfect choice for extracting and infusing flavors. Some well-known drinks Golden Grain appears in include The Screaming Purple Jesus or the Instant Death.
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2. Everclear (95%)
There is a debate over whether Everclear is the strongest drink in the world since it contains 95% alcohol but is just .6% shy of taking the number one spot on this list. Everclear is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and one of the most well-known strongest spirits. American Spirit company Luxco is the main manufacturer of this drink.
1. Spirytus Rektyfikowany (95.6%)
Spriytus Reftyfikowany is a vodka from Poland that is sometimes sold at 95.6% ABV, which is only 0.6% above Everclear. This drink, like others on this list, comes with a health warning and is sometimes used as a base liqueur. Since this is the strongest alcohol in the world, you should be very careful not to drink it without a mixer.
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