Moonshine—unaged, clear, high-proof liquor—has a long history in American culture. While some people enjoy it straight, many prefer it flavored for a smoother, more approachable taste. From fruity infusions to spiced or candy-inspired flavors, there are countless ways to customize your jar of shine. If you’re wondering how to flavor moonshine, this guide will walk you through the methods, flavoring options, and even some simple recipes to try at home.
Quick Answer
You can flavor moonshine by infusing it with fruits, spices, syrups, or candy. Fruit infusions take 1–4 weeks, spices about a week, and candy just a few days. For a quick fix, you can mix moonshine with juice or flavored syrup for instant results.
Popular Methods of Flavoring Moonshine
1. Fruit Infusions
Fresh or dried fruits are the most traditional way to flavor moonshine. They add sweetness, aroma, and color.
- Examples: Peaches, apples, cherries, blueberries, pineapple, strawberries.
- Method: Place sliced fruit into a mason jar, fill with moonshine, seal, and let infuse for 1–4 weeks. Shake daily. Strain before drinking.
2. Spice Infusions
Spices create warm, bold flavors that work especially well for holiday or winter drinks.
- Examples: Cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, cloves, star anise, nutmeg.
- Method: Add spices to moonshine, steep 5–10 days, taste daily to avoid overpowering, then strain.
3. Candy-Based Flavors
Candy dissolves quickly in alcohol, making it an easy way to create fun, sweet moonshine flavors.
- Examples: Peppermints, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Werther’s caramel candies.
- Method: Drop candy into a jar of moonshine, seal, and shake daily until dissolved (2–7 days). Strain if needed.
4. Syrups & Juices
If you don’t want to wait weeks, you can flavor moonshine instantly by adding syrups or juices.
- Examples: Maple syrup, honey syrup, apple cider, lemonade, cranberry juice.
- Method: Stir into moonshine and enjoy immediately (best consumed within a few weeks if juice is added).
Popular Moonshine Flavor Recipes
Apple Pie Moonshine
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 quart apple juice
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean (optional)
- 1 quart moonshine
Method: Simmer everything except moonshine until sugar dissolves. Cool completely, then stir in moonshine. Let sit for 1–2 weeks before serving.
Peach Moonshine
- 6–8 ripe peaches (sliced)
- 1 quart moonshine
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1 vanilla bean (optional)
Method: Combine all in a jar. Steep 2–3 weeks, shaking daily. Strain before serving.
Cherry Moonshine
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 quart moonshine
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Method: Combine all ingredients in a jar. Infuse for 2 weeks, then strain and bottle.
Blueberry Lemon Moonshine
- 2 cups blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 quart moonshine
Method: Infuse 2–3 weeks, strain, and serve chilled.
Cinnamon Candy Moonshine
- 1 bag Red Hots candies
- 1 quart moonshine
Method: Combine candies and moonshine in a jar. Shake daily until dissolved (3–5 days). No straining required.
Infusion Time Comparison
| Flavor Type | Infusion Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | 1–4 weeks | Stronger flavor if steeped longer |
| Dried Fruit | 1–2 weeks | More concentrated flavor |
| Spices | 5–10 days | Taste daily—can become overpowering |
| Candy | 2–7 days | Dissolves quickly, very sweet |
| Juices & Syrups | Instant | Shorter shelf life—refrigerate |
Tips for Flavoring Moonshine
- Always use clean glass jars for infusions—avoid plastic.
- Label jars with dates and ingredients.
- Shake daily for best infusion results.
- Strain with cheesecloth or fine mesh before bottling.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate if juice or fresh fruit is added.
Quick Picks: Best Tools for Flavoring Moonshine
- Best Overall: Ball Wide-Mouth Mason Jars — Airtight and reusable for infusions.
- Best Budget: Fine Mesh Strainer Set — Perfect for removing fruit pulp and spices.
- Best Premium: Cuisinart Immersion Blender — Great for blending fruit-based moonshine cocktails.
FAQ
How long does flavored moonshine last?
Plain infusions (fruit, spices, candy) can last up to 6 months. If you add juice, refrigerate and consume within 1–2 months.
Does flavored moonshine get stronger with time?
Yes—longer infusions mean more flavor extraction, but too much can cause bitterness (especially with spices).
Can I use extracts instead of fresh ingredients?
Yes, vanilla, almond, or fruit extracts can be added for instant flavor without infusion time.
Do I need to refrigerate fruit-flavored moonshine?
Yes, if fresh fruit or juice is added. Candy or spice infusions do not require refrigeration.
Conclusion
Flavoring moonshine is easy, fun, and fully customizable. You can create fruity, spicy, or sweet variations with just a few ingredients and some patience. Fruit and spice infusions take the longest, candy infusions are quick, and juice or extracts give instant results.
With a few jars, strainers, and creative recipes, you can turn basic moonshine into a signature drink for every season.
Shop the best mason jars and tools today and start crafting your own flavored moonshine at home.