Abstract: There is disclosed a process for making a solid alcohol fuel which comprises: (1) forming an aqueous slurry of an alcohol with a cellulosic derivative having a hydration inhibiting coating and (2) then adding an effective amount sufficient to increase the pH level above 8, of a caustic material so as to affect hydration and solidification. The preferred alcohols are ethanol and methanol, however alcohols having from one carbon to ten carbon atoms may be used. The caustic material is preferably sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The cellulosic derivative is typically a cellulose ether such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. The hydration inhibiting coating on the cellulosic derivative is an acid coating or a glyoxylated surface. The composition further contains a smoke suppressant such as aluminium oxide trihydrate.