proof spirit

noun

: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of ethanol and water that contains 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60°F (16°C)

Examples of proof spirit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 120-proof spirit adds bright citrus and botanical aromas to drinks while incorporating nootkatone, a naturally occurring compound found in grapefruit peel. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Bars and restaurants are stocking more non-alcoholic options than ever, and knowing which zero proof spirits to ask for can turn a flat mocktail into something that actually drinks like the real thing. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026

Zero proof spirits — non-alcoholic alternatives engineered to mimic the flavor, body and ritual of the real thing — are now stocked at upscale cocktail bars, neighborhood restaurants and chain retailers alike. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

When Freezer Storage Can Affect Flavor Or Texture While freezer storage doesn't make alcohol unsafe to drink, even high-proof spirits can suffer in flavor and texture after freezing. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

proof spirit

noun

ˈprüf- 

1

: an alcoholic liquor or mixture of alcohol and water containing 50 percent ethanol by volume at 60° F (15.6°C)

2

British : liquor that weighs ¹²/₁₃ of an equal measure of distilled water or contains 57.10 percent by volume of alcohol