Spiritus

Description

Spiritus is a colorless, transparent liquid with an intense, sharp smell and a burning, spicy taste, typically available in very high alcohol concentrations. It resembles water in appearance, but the strong ethanol odor and warming effect on the tongue are immediately noticeable. Nutritionally, spiritus does not provide vitamins or minerals and is highly caloric (about 7 kcal per gram of alcohol); it is not a source of nutritional value, and health benefits are limited to its occasional antiseptic action and its role as a traditional preservative in tinctures. Abuse is associated with serious health risks. In the kitchen, it is used sparingly for extracting flavors, preparing tinctures, liqueurs, and homemade vanilla extracts, as well as for flambéing and preserving. Store in a tightly sealed, labeled container, away from heat sources and children, in a dry, cool, and dark place, keeping in mind its flammable properties.