Herbal Infusion - Everclear (2024)

FAQs

Can I use Everclear for herbal tinctures? ›

The active ingredients in the herb, such as alkaloids, are better suited to being extracted from the herb in alcohol. Vodka, Brandy, or Grain Alcohol (190 proof, Everclear is one brand name), can be used as the alcohol base.

Combine chopped fruit with EVERCLEAR, allspice, cloves and cinnamon in a large, sealable container. Shake thoroughly. Let steep in a cool, dark place for 24 hours. Strain out all solids with a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter.

The higher the proof, the stronger the extraction power.

That's why Everclear^® is such a uniquely great base for infusions.

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 be about 50mls of Everclear or 1.5–2 standard shots (depending on where you are).

We prefer using brandy or vodka when first starting out because their ratios of alcohol to water are appropriate for many herbs, such as the nettles we have chosen to use in this article. If you are feeling creative, you can use this format with herbs from our tea bags! Nettles are a great spring green to tincture.

Dry Herb Tincture 1:5 in 40-60% alcohol

Per 1 oz (weight on a kitchen scale) of herb, add 5 ounces of alcohol/water mix. (Do NOT use whole grain alcohol unless you dilute it with distilled water.) The ideal alcohol/water ratio will vary by herb, but 40-60% (80-120 proof vodka or brandy) works for most herbs.

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.

Infusing for too long may result in an overly strong, bitter, or sweet drink, so make sure to follow our instructions and timing below!

Alcohol-based tinctures have an unlimited shelf life and do not require refrigeration if stored in a cool, dark location. Tinctures that are vegetable glycerine-based do not need to be refrigerated and can last from 3-5 years. Vinegar-based tinctures are recommended to be refrigerated, and can last up to a year.

Tinctures are the strongest infusions and are often used for medicinal purposes. Dried or fresh herbs and flowers such as mint, calendula or rosemary are infused to extract their oils and leave the plant material behind.

What is the difference between tincture and infused alcohol? ›

What distinguishes a tincture from an infusion, then? Well, boiling the herbs in water makes an infusion. On the other hand, plants are soaked in alcohol to create tinctures.

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.

Methanol is the more toxic of the two and can cause blindness. Isopropanol doesn't cause blindness, but it can still kill you. 200 proof ethanol is on par with drinking everclear in terms of its safety, assuming it's not contaminated with any other chemicals.

The US states where Everclear is illegal comprises California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Pour grain alcohol of 40 to 70 percent over the herbs to the top of your glass jar, covering them completely. Cover the jar with parchment paper and then screw on a metal lid. Let it sit for 6 to 8 weeks. Place a cheesecloth over a funnel and allow your tincture to drip through.

100 proof is ideal. There is an argument that pure grain alcohol is only acceptable for fresh herb tinctures. Dried plants have no water in them (they're dehydrated) and since pure grain alcohol has a low water content, the water-soluble parts in dried herbs will not dissolve/ be extracted by a pure alcohol solvent.

Culinary Solvent is pure, food grade ethyl alcohol. Contains zero additives, is safe for consumption and topical application on the skin. Ideal for tinctures, extractions, and so much more. Read some reviews from verified purchases.