Using Moonshine in Cocktails?

How to mix a drink with moonshine

Moonshine may be an unusual mixer but that just adds a layer of mystery to a creative cocktail. And who doesn’t want to be served something mysterious, like cocktails with moonshine? With it’s exciting, somewhat dangerous history, moonshine makes an intriguing addition to a drink.

Yet you might be surprised to learn that using moonshine in cocktails is really no different than blending with any other spirit.

RELATED: What is Absinthe? (It was the moonshine of its time)

What is moonshine?

You may be wondering what exactly moonshine is, other than some bootleg spirit bought in backrooms during prohibition. Moonshine is essentially un-aged whiskey. It’s a clear spirit, usually with an exceedingly high proof. And although it’s true that this drink was once a black market item, today’s distilleries are making some exciting versions of legal moonshine.

When you’re ready for your moonshine experience, look for distilleries including Buffalo Trace, Midnight Moon and Ole Smoky. (Here’s our review of Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine.)

If these brands aren’t readily available to you, just start by looking at your local retailer. You might be surprised by what you find. Even big retailers like Total Wine and More now carry moonshine.

Buy moonshine with Drizly and get it delivered to your door

Some pointers for using moonshine in cocktails

Moonshine authority Kyle Rutten recently gave us some pointers on moonshine drink recipes and even gave us a couple of recipes. He says that in addition to experimenting with using it like any other spirit, “Distilling suppliers now offer flavor infusions to really take moonshine cocktails to the next level.”

Make exciting moonshine cocktails

Kyle adds, “For example, I frequently work with Mile Hi Distilling. They offer essences in such aphrodisiac infusions as apricot, coconut rum, chocolate, almond and coffee.”

To make moonshine cocktails exciting. Rutten likes to use these essences to layer flavors and add complexity to his drinks. On the recipe card below, you’ll find one of his examples of a cocktail using moonshine with a bit of spice, a Spicy-shine-tini flavored with pineapple and Thai chile. (Moonshine seems to love being paired with citrus and tropical fruit juices like grapefruit soda, pineapple juice and lime.)

But don’t stop here! Rutten has many more ideas on what you can do with moonshine. Here’s a link to our post featuring Rutten’s Moonshine Mule recipe.

RELATED: Check out all of our cocktail recipes

Spicy-shine-tini Moonshine Cocktail

Print Recipe

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This spicy moonshine martini will bring some serious heat to your evening. 

Course aperitif, cocktails

Cuisine American

Dish Type Cocktail

Cooking Style Cocktail

Seasonal autumn, Valentine's Day, winter

Ingredient Moonshine

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Servings 1 cocktail

Author Kyle Rutten

Ingredients

• 1 Thai chile
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz moonshine
• 2 oz pineapple juice

Instructions

• For this one, deseed a Thai chili and place it in a shaker.
• Muddle the chili with 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
• Next add ice, the moonshine and the pineapple juice. Shake and pour. (A martini glass is a must for this drink.)

Notes

Note: If you can handle more spice, feel free to change the type or number of peppers that you muddle. Capsaicin (the spicy compound in chilies) is an effective aphrodisiac, especially in high doses. So the more the merrier!

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Amy Reiley

An award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks with an MA in Gastronomy, Amy Reiley has spent the past 18 years studying the history and science behind aphrodisiac foods. She speaks on aphrodisiacs globally and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health writer and wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine. Most importantly, Amy is a mother to 2 human children and 1 standard poodle.

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