John Holahan
The Great Everclear Experiment: Can SimplyThick Rise to the Challenge?

On a recent quest for the perfect fall cocktail to showcase on TikTok, I embarked on an experiment with SimplyThick EasyMix's compatibility with alcohol. My ingredient of choice? Everclear - the titan of liquors, boasting a potent 190 proof or a staggering 95% ethanol content.
Â
For those unfamiliar, SimplyThick EasyMix is a wonder thickener based on liquid xanthan gum. This thickening agent is created through an industrial fermentation process. By the end, we have bacteria-producing xanthan gum. But here's where things get interesting: To extract this xanthan gum, producers turn to ethanol. High ethanol concentrations pull the xanthan gum out, resulting in white, insoluble strands. While it's a marvel of science, it's not exactly the look you want in your drink.
Â
Given this tidbit, I had my suspicions about mixing SimplyThick EasyMix with straight Everclear. As the camera rolled and anticipation built, I poured Everclear into a glass, added a dose of SimplyThick, and began stirring. Just as I'd theorized, the xanthan gum swiftly separated from the mix!
Â
But for all the Everclear enthusiasts out there, don't fret! While straight, thickened shots might be off the table, you can still relish thickened Everclear-based cocktails. Just remember to dilute and enjoy responsibly!
Watch my demo below: