Cooking & Kitchen

Proof (Alcohol)

Definition

Proof is a measure of alcoholic strength; in the US system, proof equals exactly twice the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage.

Explanation

A spirit labeled 80 proof is 40% ABV—the standard for most vodkas, gins, and whiskeys. The UK historically defined 100 proof as the minimum concentration at which gunpowder soaked in spirit would still ignite (~57.15% ABV). The US simplified this in the 19th century to the 2x ABV definition. The EU and most countries now use ABV percentage exclusively.

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RELATED TERMS

Cup (Measurement)

A cooking volume unit. The US cup equals 236.588 ml; the metric cup is 250 ml.

Tablespoon

A cooking volume unit. The US tablespoon equals approximately 14.787 ml.

Teaspoon

A cooking volume unit. The US teaspoon equals approximately 4.929 ml.

Fluid Ounce

A fluid ounce is a unit of liquid volume, with the US fluid ounce equal to 29.5735 mL and the imperial (UK) fluid ounce equal to 28.4131 mL.

Dash & Pinch

A dash is an informal culinary measure of approximately 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 mL), and a pinch is approximately 1/16 teaspoon (0.3 mL).