Choosing The Right Proof Alcohol For Tinctures

When making tinctures, it is important to consider the type of alcohol used as a solvent, as this can impact the extraction efficiency, taste, and potency of the final product. The proof of the alcohol, indicating its alcohol content, is a key factor in this selection process. For example, an 80-proof alcohol contains 40% alcohol and 60% water, while a higher proof alcohol like 190-proof grain alcohol can more easily extract essential oils and aromatics, although it may dehydrate herbs over time. The choice of alcohol depends on the specific herbs or botanicals being used and their solubility in water or alcohol. Pure 200-proof ethanol offers the highest purity and extraction efficiency, but other factors such as availability and taste preferences may also influence the choice of alcohol for tinctures.

Alcohol type: Choose pure, non-denatured ethyl alcohol (ethanol) for safety

When choosing an alcohol for your tinctures, it is important to select one that is safe for consumption and skin application. Pure, non-denatured ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the only alcohol that fits this criterion. Beverage alcohol, such as beer, wine, and spirits, contains ethanol, but it is limited by proof and container sizes, and subject to state regulations.

Isopropyl alcohol and methanol are toxic and contain denaturants. Denatured ethanol also contains bitterants and poisons, such as methanol and acetone, which pose severe health risks when used in tinctures. Unregulated additive levels can lead to unpredictable toxicity and contamination.

For the highest purity and extraction efficiency, serious herbalists choose non-denatured, food-grade ethanol. This type of alcohol is widely used in the food and beverage industry and is recommended by herbalists and botanical dietary supplement manufacturers. It is also used in the production of herbal tinctures, as it effectively extracts the naturally occurring phytochemicals from the inert structural material of the plant.

Pure ethanol is a versatile solvent, able to dissolve alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, essential oils, and vitamins. It can also be diluted to any desired strength, making it suitable for various botanical applications. When choosing ethanol for your tinctures, opt for the highest proof available, such as 200-proof food-grade ethanol, to ensure optimal extraction and ease of measuring different proof values.

Alcohol proof: Higher-proof alcohols extract more compounds, but taste stronger

Alcohol proof is a number that represents double the alcohol by volume (ABV) inside a bottle. The higher the proof, the more alcohol the beverage contains. The concept of alcohol proof originated in the 18th century when spirits were taxed differently based on their alcohol content. A pellet of gunpowder soaked in the spirit would be ignited, and if the mixture could still be ignited, it was taxed accordingly. This is where the term "proof" comes from.

When it comes to tinctures, alcohol is the solvent that extracts the compounds with medicinal properties from herbs. While you can use any type of alcohol, vodka is a popular choice due to its neutral flavor. Standard 80-proof vodka is commonly used for most fresh and dried herbs, but choosing a higher proof will help draw out more plant juices. For example, a 1:1 ratio of 80-proof vodka and 190-proof grain alcohol can be used to extract more volatile plant compounds. However, it's important to note that high-proof alcohol may result in a stronger-tasting tincture, which some may find less palatable. Additionally, it may dehydrate your herbs, affecting the quality of your tincture over time.

When selecting an alcohol for tinctures, it's crucial to consider the type of herbs or plants being used. High-proof alcohol is typically used for fresh plants or herbs that require a high amount of alcohol to extract specific compounds such as resins, volatile oils, and alkaloids. However, it can also be used for tinctures better suited for low to mid-range alcohol percentages by diluting it with distilled water. On the other hand, 80-proof alcohol is suitable for herbs with low moisture content, such as bay, dill, fennel, sage, and thyme.

It's worth mentioning that while vodka is a popular choice, other alcohols such as brandy, whiskey, and gin can also be used for tinctures. These alcohols typically have an alcohol content between 40% and 50% and are readily available. It's important to check the labels to ensure you're using the correct alcohol percentage for your desired tincture. Additionally, always prioritize food-grade ethanol, as it is the only type of alcohol safe for consumption and skin application.

Herb type: Fresh or dried herbs require different alcohol proofs for optimal extraction

The type of herb you use—fresh or dried—is an important consideration when choosing the proof of alcohol for your tincture. The proof of alcohol refers to the alcohol content, with 80-proof alcohol containing 40% alcohol and 60% water, and 100-proof alcohol containing 50% of each.

For dried herbs, an alcohol content of 40-50% (80-100 proof) is generally sufficient. At this level, alcohol can effectively extract alcohol and water-based plant constituents, while also preserving the final tincture. Common types of alcohol in this proof range include vodka, brandy, whiskey, and gin.

For fresh herbs, a higher alcohol content is often used to extract more of the plant juices. Alcohol in the range of 67.5-70% (a combination of 80-proof and 190-proof alcohol) is suitable for fresh, high-moisture herbs. For fresh herbs with a high moisture content, such as lemon balm, berries, and aromatic roots, a higher alcohol percentage will help draw out more of the plant juices.

When using fresh herbs, it is important to note that the plant material can introduce additional water, diluting the final extract. Therefore, a higher proof alcohol may be preferred to compensate for the added water. Grain alcohol at 190 proof or 95% alcohol is often recommended for fresh plants, as it can effectively dissolve gums and plant resins, while also extracting essential oils and aromatics.

Ultimately, the choice of alcohol proof depends on the specific herb being used and the desired extraction. Herbalists debate the best percentage of alcohol, and it may come down to personal preference and experimentation.

Extraction efficiency: High-proof alcohol captures more water- and alcohol-soluble compounds

When making a tincture, the type of solvent you use determines which compounds are extracted from your herbs or botanicals. Polar solvents dissolve polar compounds (like salts, sugars, acids, and most water-soluble vitamins). Non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar compounds (like oils, fats, terpenes, waxes, and some plant resins). Some solvents (like ethanol) have both polar and non-polar characteristics, making them extremely versatile.

For the highest purity and extraction efficiency, serious herbalists choose non-denatured, food-grade ethanol. High-proof alcohol is mostly used when tincturing fresh plants or when tincturing herbs that need a high amount of alcohol to extract certain plant constituents such as resins, balsams, camphors, volatile oils, alkaloids, glycosides, and several others.

Ethanol, also referred to as ethyl alcohol, is a common solvent that closely reproduces chemical ratios when used during extraction processes. Alcohol allows for the extraction of both water-soluble and oil-soluble components. Pure ethanol indicates an un-denatured product (or a product with a single component) as opposed to a mixture. It contains no additives, such as bitterants that render it undrinkable. This is also referred to as anhydrous or dehydrated alcohol, meaning it contains little or no water.

Vodka is 80 proof and is only 40% alcohol and 60% water. The extra water in your solvent will slow the extraction of alcohol-soluble compounds. If you’re tincturing fresh or juicy botanicals, those plant materials will introduce additional water, further diluting your final extract. While vodka can yield a usable tincture over a longer maceration period, 200 proof food-grade ethanol is recommended for several advantages. Starting with pure ethanol lets you dial in precisely the alcohol-to-water ratio you need for each herb—whether it prefers a higher or lower proof. You’ll know exactly how much alcohol is in the bottle from start to finish, so dosing and potency calculations become straightforward.

Taste: Consider the flavour of the alcohol and how it will combine with the herbs

When choosing a proof of alcohol for your tincture, it is important to consider the flavour of the alcohol and how it will combine with the herbs. The choice of alcohol can significantly impact the effectiveness and potency of the final product.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all alcohol is created equal. For tinctures, only pure, non-denatured ethyl alcohol (ethanol) should be used as it is the only type of alcohol that is safe for consumption and skin application. Isopropyl alcohol and methanol are toxic and contain denaturants. Beverage alcohol, such as beer, wine, and spirits, contains ethanol but is limited by proof, container sizes, and state regulations. For the highest purity and extraction efficiency, opt for non-denatured, food-grade ethanol.

The type of solvent you use will determine which compounds are extracted from your herbs or botanicals. Polar solvents dissolve polar compounds such as salts, sugars, acids, and most water-soluble vitamins, while non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar compounds such as oils, fats, terpenes, waxes, and some plant resins. High-proof alcohol, typically defined as 190-proof grain alcohol, is often used for dissolving gums and plant resins found in barks and dried plant matter. While it more easily extracts essential oils and aromatics in plants, it also makes for a stronger-tasting tincture, which some may find unpalatable. It may also dehydrate your herbs, affecting the quality of your tincture over time.

If you are looking for a more neutral-flavoured alcohol, vodka is a good option as it has a more subtle flavour compared to other alcohols. Standard 80-proof vodka is suitable for most fresh and dried herbs, but choosing a higher proof will help draw out more of the plant juices. However, keep in mind that the extra water content in 80-proof vodka may slow the extraction of alcohol-soluble compounds, especially when tincturing fresh or juicy botanicals.

For a versatile option, consider glycerin, a sweet, syrupy liquid derived from plant fats. Glycerin has a light, sweet, almost vanilla-like flavour, making it a good choice for those who prefer a milder taste. It works well for delicate extracts and mild infusions of floral or herbaceous notes, but it cannot capture robust resins or lipids. Glycerin is also a good option for children or individuals sensitive to harsh alcohol flavours.

Ultimately, the choice of alcohol depends on your personal preference and the specific herbs you are using. Experimenting with different types of alcohol and herbs can help you find the perfect combination that suits your taste and desired results.

Frequently asked questions