Any info on puro de cana/Aguardiente?

Question

I just got back from mexico, and while i was there we were at my husband grandparents ranch we drank this liquor that was clear and called Aguardiente. it was made from sugar cane it was made by a family who live a little ways away. so when i got to town i bought some to take back home with me. but on the bottle it says "do not drink" its 96% alchoal. im not sure if i bought the right stuff. it looks and smells exactally the same though. does anyone have any info that might help me out?

Answer 1

Aguardiente just means "burning water" or "fire-water" It is used for a whole lot of Latin American distilled drinks. In Colombia it is usually flavored with a bit of Anise.  if yiou bought 96% alcohol, the "do not drink" label is pretty good advice.  If it really is nearly pure ethanol, like "Everclear" you could water it down to a more normal 80 proof, but even so, if it's not meant to be drunk, don't drink it!  96% alcohol is roughly equivalent to 192 proof.  It might be useful as fuel in a fondu pot, but even there, be careful!