When some people think a drink is more dangerous, then they want to try it even more!

Just the other year we had 20 Dirty Named Cocktails and with this list, I bring you 10 of the strongest alcoholic drinks on the planet. Some of these bad boys are 96% ABV or 192 Proof.

When we talk about the term ‘Alcohol proof’ we mean a measure of how much ethanol (pure alcohol) is contained in an alcoholic beverage. The term was originally used in the United Kingdom and was equal to about 1.75 times the alcohol by volume (ABV).

Although today the UK now uses the ABV standard instead of alcohol proof, in the United States, the alcohol proof is defined as twice the percentage of ABV. The term “proof” dates back to 16th century England when spirits were taxed at different rates depending on their alcohol content. From the 18th century until 1 January 1980, the UK measured alcohol content in terms of “proof spirit”, which was defined as a spirit with a gravity of ¹²⁄₁₃ that of water, or 923 kg/m³, and equivalent to 57.15% ABV.

You may think it’s hard to get hold of some of these drinks, but we have tried to source them out for you.

Let’s count down from strong to insanely strong… Bottoms up!

Strong

10. Bacardi 151

• ABV: 75.5% Alcohol Proof: 151
• Bermuda
• UK £38.72 (link removed) US $24.99 (link removed)

The original Bacardi Rum has nothing on the 151 proof version. Said to be so highly flammable that a flame arrester has to be fitted to the bottleneck. The drink is part of a selection of fiery drinks such as the Flaming Doctor Pepper, which is a flaming cocktail said to taste like the soft drink Dr Pepper, although Dr Pepper is not one of its ingredients.

9. John Crow Batty Rum

• ABV: 80% Proof: 160
• Jamaica
• £?

Apparently, John Crow gets its name because it’s stronger than the wild “John Crow” vultures stomach acid!

Proof: 160 (80% alcohol). Legend has it that John Crow Batty was so named because it’s stronger than the stomach acids of the wild “John Crow” vultures, which snack on decaying meat. If you’ll drink to that, you’ll drink to anything.

8. Balkan 176 Vodka, Bulgaria

• ABV: 88% Proof: 176
• Bulgaria
• Buy – UK £51.00 (link removed)

Bulgaria’s finest export Balkan 176 Vodka – Super strength, triple-distilled deluxe grain. Although vodka doesn’t taste of anything and by adding more proof isn’t going to change the drink taste-wise for anyone that 176 proof sure does get your attention.

7. Pincer Shanghai Strength

• ABV: 88.8% Proof: 177
• Scotland
• Buy – £27.00 (link removed)

Scotland is more famous for making Whiskey, but this Scottish vodka not only comes with a serious kick, but it also comes in a larger bottle. You can squeeze out 65 shots (instead of the normal 26) from this seriously strong Celtic drink. The drink actually contains milk thistle and wild elderflower which is apparently used in Chinese medicines for supporting the liver. Makes sense, because you will definitely need it!

Extra Strong

6. Hapsburg Gold Label Premium Reserve Absinthe

• ABV: 89.9% Proof: 179
• Czech Republic
• Buy – £35.80 (link removed)

Beautifully bottled and Van Gogh’s weapon of choice (explains a lot!) and with a slogan “There are no rules”, Hapsburg Absinthe is one hell of a drink! The UK distributor of this drink advised people not to drink this straight!

5. River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum

• ABV: 90% Proof: 180
• Grenada
• £?

A strong and clear rum which apparently is distilled by waterwheel from fermented sugarcane juice. It’s advised to drink it neat, but with a water chaser if you want to blend in and or get drunk with the locals. Your choice!

4. Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whisky

• ABV: 92% Proof: 184
• Scotland
• Buy – £54.00 (link removed)

Good old Scotland is on the list again! This time with a scotch whisky. Bruichladdich is listed as the most alcoholic single malt ever made. It’s been said that this drink can power a sports car at over 100mph, but don’t let that put you off! The drink is quadruple distilled in new oak casks which is a 17th-century tradition.

Strong Like Bull

3. Golden Grain

• ABV: 95% Proof: 190
• United States
• Buy – $31.99 (link removed)

This is kind of like legal moonshine although it is still very much illegal in most states. Golden Grain is an American from the same makers as our next contender below Everclear and is nearly identical in constitution.

2. Everclear

• ABV: 95% Alcohol Proof: 190
• USA
• Buy – $29.99 (link removed)

Everclear is the original grain alcohol – made from 100% neutral spirits distilled from grain and is 100% tasteless! This is a great spirit for punches or to make home-made liqueurs and extracts

Insanely Strong

1. Spirytus

• ABV 96% Alcohol Proof: 192 – Holy shit!
• Poland
• Buy – £28.99 (500ml)

This is number one in the world right now. This grain-based very strong spirit is made in Poland. Although it’s super strong it has a mild taste and gentle smell. This is often used as a base for liqueurs, preparing fruit, desserts, medicinal purposes and other infusions, and I highly recommend that you never drunk this neat. One sampler of this drink in New York stated “It’s like getting punched in the solar plexus.”

Please do not contact us directly to purchase any of these liquors. Thanks!

* Details are correct as of 2016. Links removed 2023.