high-proof

high-proof

A bartender pours a high-proof spirit into a cocktail shaker.

Definition

Adjective: - Having a high concentration of alcohol: "high-proof" describes an alcoholic beverage that contains a large percentage of alcohol by volume, typically measured in proof (a scale where 100 proof equals 50% alcohol by volume). It is used to indicate strength or potency.

Usage Examples
  • (The whiskey had a strong alcohol content.)
  • (Beverages with high alcohol concentration.)
  • (Alcoholic drinks with elevated proof.)
Advanced Usage

  • "high-proof alcohol": a term used in distilling and bartending to refer to spirits with an alcohol content above 40% ABV (80 proof).

    • Many distilleries produce high-proof alcohol for aging, as it extracts more flavor from barrels. (Strong alcohol used in maturation.)

  • "to cut high-proof spirits": to dilute strong alcohol with water or other liquids to reduce its potency.

    • The mixologist carefully cut the high-proof rum with lime juice and sugar. (Reduced the strength by adding other ingredients.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Proof (n): a measure of the alcohol content of a beverage, where 100 proof equals 50% alcohol by volume.

    • The bottle is labeled 120 proof, meaning it contains 60% alcohol. (A specific measurement of strength.)

  • Low-proof (adj): having a low concentration of alcohol.

    • Low-proof beers are popular for casual drinking. (Weak alcoholic beverages.)
Synonyms
  • Strong: containing a high amount of alcohol.
    • This is a strong drink; be careful. (Potent alcoholic beverage.)
  • Potent: having great strength or effect, especially chemically.
    • The potent liquor burned his throat. (Very strong in alcohol content.)
Related Idioms
  • "Proof is in the pudding": (not directly related to alcohol) a saying meaning that the true value of something is shown by its results or performance.
    • He claimed the high-proof whiskey was smooth, but the proof is in the pudding — I got a headache after one sip. (The actual effect demonstrates the truth.)
  • "Bottled in bond": a term for high-proof spirits aged and bottled under specific U.S. regulations.
    • This bottled-in-bond bourbon is always 100 proof. (A specific category of high-proof whiskey.)