The invention relates to alcoholic compositions which include a) one or more 1- or 2- (C1- to C24-alkyl)-glycerol ethers, b) one or more bispyridiniumalkanes and c) one or more aliphatic alcohols, and to the use of the compositions for the disinfection of animate and inanimate surfaces, in particular for surgical and hygienic hand disinfection and disinfectant handwashing.