How to Make Honey Moonshine

Honey moonshine is a delightful blend of sweet, floral notes combined with the warmth of moonshine, creating a drink that’s both smooth and richly flavored.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a new addition to your home bar, or a special drink to enjoy on a cozy evening, honey moonshine is a perfect choice.

This recipe is simple to follow and results in a delicious, homemade spirit that captures the natural sweetness of honey. Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

• High-proof alcohol (Everclear or vodka): The base of your moonshine.
• Raw honey: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and rich, floral notes.
• Water: To create a honey syrup and dilute the alcohol slightly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Cinnamon sticks (optional): For a subtle spice that complements the honey.
• Lemon zest (optional): Adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness.

Necessary Equipment

Got your ingredients? Great! Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Large saucepan: For making the honey syrup and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend everything smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key!
• Mason jars or glass bottles: For storing your moonshine.
• Funnel: To make pouring into jars easier.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Creating the Honey Syrup

Start by combining the honey and water in a large saucepan. Use a ratio of 1 cup of honey to 1 cup of water to create a balanced syrup.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the honey is fully dissolved in the water. This syrup will be the sweet, flavorful base of your honey moonshine.

Step 2: Adding Flavor Elements

Once your honey syrup is ready, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for added warmth and depth.

If you’re looking to add a bit of spice, drop in a cinnamon stick and allow it to steep in the syrup for about 10 minutes.

For a hint of citrusy brightness, you can also add some lemon zest. These flavors will complement the honey and create a more complex, well-rounded moonshine.

Step 3: Incorporating the Alcohol

Allow the honey mixture to cool to room temperature before adding the alcohol.

Slowly pour in the high-proof alcohol, whisking continuously to ensure it blends smoothly with the sweet, flavored base. The alcohol will meld with the honey, creating a rich and smooth moonshine.

Bottling and Storing

Step 4: Bottling Your Moonshine

Now that your Honey Moonshine is ready, it’s time to bottle it up. Using a funnel, carefully pour the mixture into mason jars or glass bottles.

Be sure to leave a little space at the top of each jar to allow for any expansion during storage. This is your bottled sunshine, ready to brighten up any occasion!

Step 5: Storing and Letting It Sit

Seal your jars or bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. For best results, let your moonshine sit for at least 24 hours before serving.

This allows the flavors to meld together into a smooth, harmonious blend. The longer it sits, the richer and more flavorful it will become.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoying Straight or on the Rocks

Your Honey Moonshine is ready to enjoy! You can sip it straight from the jar, or serve it over ice for a refreshing twist.

The sweet, floral flavor combined with the warmth of the alcohol makes it a perfect drink for any occasion.

Creative Cocktail Ideas

If you’re in the mood to get creative, here are a few cocktail ideas:

• Honey Mule: Mix your honey moonshine with ginger beer and a splash of lime juice for a sweet and spicy twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
• Honey Lemonade: Blend your moonshine with fresh lemonade and a sprig of mint for a refreshing summer drink.
• Honey Hot Toddy: Warm up your moonshine and mix it with hot water, a squeeze of lemon, and a cinnamon stick for a cozy winter warmer.

Presentation Tips

When serving your Honey Moonshine, presentation is key. Consider garnishing your drinks with a lemon twist, a cinnamon stick, or a drizzle of honey for a bit of extra flair.

If you’re gifting your moonshine, tie a ribbon around the jar and add a personalized label for a thoughtful touch.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Honey Moonshine! This recipe is a delightful way to capture the sweetness of honey in a boozy, homemade drink.

Whether you’re sipping it straight, mixing it into cocktails, or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Remember to always enjoy responsibly and store your moonshine in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh.

Cheers to your sweet and smooth creation!