Moonshine—clear, strong, unaged liquor—is traditionally enjoyed straight, but it’s also a perfect base for flavoring. From fruity infusions to sweet dessert-style drinks, you can turn plain moonshine into something smooth, unique, and crowd-pleasing. If you’ve ever wondered how to flavor moonshine, this guide walks you through the most popular methods, best flavor ideas, and tips for storage and serving.
Quick Answer
You can flavor moonshine by infusing it with fruits, spices, or candy. Popular options include apple pie, peach, cherry, cinnamon, and sweet flavors like caramel or peppermint. Simply add your ingredients to a jar of moonshine, let it sit, and strain before drinking.
Methods for Flavoring Moonshine
1. Fruit Infusions
Fresh or dried fruits release flavor and natural sweetness into moonshine over time.
- Examples: Peaches, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, pineapple.
- How-to: Add sliced fruit to a mason jar, cover with moonshine, and let infuse for 1–4 weeks. Strain before serving.
2. Spices & Herbs
Warm spices and herbs can transform plain moonshine into a holiday-style drink.
- Examples: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla beans, star anise, fresh mint.
- How-to: Place spices in moonshine and let steep for 5–10 days, tasting occasionally.
3. Candy & Sweet Infusions
Sweets dissolve into moonshine, creating fun, dessert-like flavors.
- Examples: Peppermint candies, caramel chews, Skittles, Jolly Ranchers.
- How-to: Add candy to moonshine, shake daily until dissolved. Strain if needed.
4. Syrup or Juice Mix-Ins
You can flavor moonshine instantly by adding fruit juices or simple syrups.
- Examples: Apple cider, lemonade, cranberry juice, maple syrup, honey syrup.
- How-to: Mix moonshine with equal parts juice or add flavored syrup. Serve immediately.
Popular Moonshine Flavors
- Apple Pie Moonshine: Made with apple cider, apple juice, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Peach Moonshine: Fresh peaches or peach nectar for a sweet Southern-style drink.
- Cherry Moonshine: Tart cherries give a bold flavor and vibrant color.
- Blueberry Moonshine: Sweet and tangy, perfect for summer cocktails.
- Cinnamon Moonshine: Infuse with cinnamon sticks or Red Hots candy for a fiery kick.
- Vanilla-Caramel Moonshine: Sweet dessert-style flavor made with caramel candies and vanilla beans.
Comparison: Infusion Times
| Flavor Base | Infusion Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | 1–4 weeks | Strain well to prevent cloudiness |
| Dried Fruit | 1–2 weeks | Stronger, concentrated flavor |
| Spices | 5–10 days | Taste daily—can become overpowering |
| Candy | 2–7 days | Dissolves quickly, often very sweet |
| Juice or Syrup | Instant | Best for cocktails, shorter shelf life |
Tips for Flavoring Moonshine
- Use clean glass mason jars for infusions—plastic can absorb flavors.
- Shake jars every day for even flavor distribution.
- Strain with cheesecloth or a fine mesh filter to remove fruit pulp or spice residue.
- Label jars with the date—you’ll know when they’re ready.
- Store in a cool, dark place during infusion.
Quick Picks: Best Tools for Flavoring Moonshine
- Best Overall: Ball Wide-Mouth Mason Jars — Perfect for infusions, airtight, reusable.
- Best Budget: Fine Mesh Strainer Set — Affordable and ideal for straining pulp and spices.
- Best Premium: Cuisinart Immersion Blender — Great for blending fruit-based moonshine cocktails.
FAQ
How long does flavored moonshine last?
If stored properly, fruit- and spice-infused moonshine lasts up to 6 months in a cool, dark place. Candy-based versions may last longer since sugar preserves them.
Do you need to refrigerate flavored moonshine?
Not always. High-proof moonshine preserves itself, but if you add juice or fresh fruit, refrigeration is recommended for freshness.
Can I use store-bought flavor extracts?
Yes—vanilla extract, almond extract, and fruit extracts are quick, easy ways to flavor moonshine without waiting weeks.
Can flavored moonshine be used in cocktails?
Absolutely! Apple pie moonshine makes a great fall cocktail, while berry-infused moonshine pairs well with lemonade or soda.
Conclusion
Flavoring moonshine is simple and customizable. Whether you prefer fruity, spicy, or sweet, you can transform plain moonshine into a drink that fits your taste. Infuse with fruit for a natural sweetness, add spices for warmth, or dissolve candy for fun dessert-like flavors.
With the right jars, strainers, and patience, you can create your own signature moonshine flavors at home.
Start flavoring your moonshine today with the best jars and tools for infusions.