I have read that ethanol alcohol—the kind of alcohol that makes us drunk—was the first synthesized product that humans made. Originally made from honey, fruits, berries, grains, and other plants left in the sun to ferment, alcohol and its first use documented as far back as 10,000 B.C.

Historically, fermented beverages:

Acted as a substitution for water

Fixed nutritional deficiencies

Served medicinal purposes

Alcohol also had its place in religious ceremonies and even used as currency. Supposedly, vodka was an ingredient in early European gunpowder. And of course, people drank alcohol in order to become intoxicated.

When shopping for liquor, you will find two different numbers on the bottle. One is the percentage and one is the proof. The percentage is the amount of true ethanol alcohol content, while proof is the official government designation of how much alcohol content is in the beverage. Divide the proof in half to get the actual percentage of alcohol.

As a fuel

Ethanol burns to give carbon dioxide and water and can be used as a fuel in its own right, or in mixtures with petrol (gasoline). “Gasohol” is a petrol / ethanol mixture containing about 10 – 20% ethanol.

Easy Ice Pack

Handy rubbing alcohol ice packs can be made by combining one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water in a zip lock freezer bag. Voila! The rubbing alcohol prevents the bag from freezing solid. Ready for emergencies or maybe just the morning after the big office party. Good to be prepared!

Use number six: Molotov cocktail for zombie and other hostile elimination.

The term proof comes from 18th century distillers. To prove the correct alcohol content in their distilled beverages, they added gunpowder. If it did not ignite, there was not enough alcohol. If it burned blue, they declared the alcohol 100 percent proof, or 50 percent ethanol alcohol.

Liquor has its place in a post-apocalyptic world even if you are a teetotaler. Stock up on cheap, high-alcohol content liquors and add it to your long-term food and gear storage. The best liquor for its many different purposes is Everclear. Everclear, made by Luxco, is pure grain alcohol. You can purchase Everclear in 95 percent alcohol content or 75.5 percent. The higher alcohol content is more popular and more effective for survival use. Everclear is illegal in Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and banned in Chicago (of course.) If you live in a state that restricts the sale of Everclear, you may substitute high-proof vodka. Of course, after SHTF and no laws exist you can start moonshining.

If you choose an alcohol other than vodka or Everclear, such as whiskey or gin, purchase at least 70 proof or higher. This ensures the alcohol will burn.

To store alcohol—Everclear, vodka, whiskey, brandy, gin, or rum—purchase glass bottles. These liquors will store indefinitely in the right conditions. Keep your alcohol in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottles upright and do not open them. Once opened, the liquid will evaporate and lose its flavor after six to eight months.

Here are other 45 survival uses of alcohol

Fire starter Barter and trade Alleviate boredom Calm anxiety Sleep aide Molotov cocktail Antiseptic for wounds Sterilize needles, tweezers and other instruments Disinfect questionable water Relieve poison ivy Kill odors Refresh clothing Bug repellent and killer Surface cleanser Anesthetic for tooth pain Lamp fuel Make herbal tinctures and elixirs Facial astringent and toner Topical treatment Clean skin before an injection Fuel for vehicles Stove fuel Gun cleaner Solvent Mouthwash Rust prevention Clean optic glass Clear congestion and sinuses Stop the itch of bug bites Fire accelerant Numbing agent Starter fluid for IC engines Hygienic soak for razor blades and brushes Weed killer Chemically cook food Deodorant Make perfume Clean electronics Kill mold Remove stains Dry wet clothing Break the bottle and use the glass shards as a weapons and cutting tool Cough suppressant (warmed whiskey mixed with honey and lemon works best) Help repopulate Muscle relaxer

If you can think of any more, feel free to comment below.

This article was originally published on CheaperThanDirt.com

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