Delicious Butterscotch Moonshine Recipes You Can Make Today!

butterscotch moonshine

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting world of moonshine, where tradition meets innovation, and history intertwines with artisanal craftsmanship. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the captivating realm of butterscotch moonshine—unraveling its origins, delving into tantalizing recipes, and discovering delightful food pairings. Let’s embark on a journey of discovery and savor the charm of butterscotch-infused spirits.

What Is Butterscotch Moonshine

Butterscotch moonshine is a homemade spirit that blends the potent kick of moonshine with the rich, sweet flavors of butterscotch. Moonshine, traditionally an unaged whiskey with a high alcohol content, serves as the base for this concoction. It’s often clear and distilled from grains or corn, giving it a neutral, fiery taste that can easily be infused with other flavors. In this case, butterscotch syrup or schnapps—made from a mix of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla—are combined with moonshine to create a smooth, caramel-like spirit with a distinct sweetness.

The process of making butterscotch moonshine typically involves mixing moonshine with butterscotch schnapps or homemade butterscotch syrup, often alongside ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or other spices to deepen the flavor profile. Some recipes might also call for infusions, allowing cinnamon sticks or orange peels to steep in the mixture for a day or two, which adds warmth or a citrusy twist to the drink. The resulting spirit has a rich, buttery taste, and despite the strong alcohol content, it’s quite smooth due to the sweetness of the butterscotch.

Butterscotch moonshine is popular for sipping on its own, served over ice, or as a dessert-style drink. Its versatility makes it a great base for mixed drinks, too—it can be added to coffee, hot chocolate, or milkshakes for a boozy, sweet kick. Though it retains the strength of traditional moonshine, the addition of butterscotch flavors makes it more approachable for those who prefer their spirits on the sweeter side, making it a hit for social gatherings or seasonal celebrations.

Moonshine Recipes

Explore an array of captivating butterscotch moonshine recipes that epitomize creativity and flavor. From classic concoctions that echo the heritage of moonshine to innovative blends that reflect the artistry of mixology, these recipes offer a delightful journey into the world of butterscotch-infused spirits.

Base Moonshine Recipe

Materials Needed:

  1. Fermenter: A food-grade container to ferment your mash.
  2. Airlock and Stopper: Allows gases to escape while preventing contaminants from entering.
  3. Stirring Spoon: Long enough to reach the bottom of the fermenter.
  4. Heating Element: For heating the mash during fermentation.
  5. Still: A distillation apparatus made up of a boiler, condenser, and collection vessel.
  6. Thermometer: To monitor temperatures throughout the distillation process.
  7. Hydrometer and Test Jar: To measure alcohol content.
  8. Glass Jars or Bottles: To collect the distilled moonshine.
  9. Charcoal Filter (optional): For additional purification of the final product.

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Ingredients:

  1. Cornmeal: The traditional base for moonshine.
  2. Sugar: Enhances fermentation and alcohol production.
  3. Yeast: To ferment the sugars into alcohol.
  4. Water: Clean, distilled water is best for the mash.

Steps to Distill Moonshine:

1. Prepare the Mash:

  • Ingredients:
  • 8.5 lbs (4 kg) of cracked corn or cornmeal
  • 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of granulated sugar
  • 5 gallons (19 liters) of high quality water
  • 2 packets of distiller’s yeast or baker’s yeast
  • Instructions:
  • Heat the Water: Bring 4 gallons (15 liters) of water to a boil in a large pot.
  • Add Cornmeal: Slowly stir in the cracked corn or cornmeal, ensuring there are no lumps. Maintain a temperature of around 190°F (87°C) and cook for about 30 minutes. This process gelatinizes the starches in the corn, making them accessible for conversion into fermentable sugars.
  • Add Sugar: Slowly add 5 lbs of sugar to the mash while stirring continuously. This boosts the potential alcohol content.
  • Cool the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to 75°F (24°C). Rapid cooling can be achieved by placing the pot in an ice bath.
  • Add Yeast: Once the mash has cooled, add the yeast. Stir well to distribute the yeast evenly.
  • Fermentation: Transfer the mixture to the fermenter, attach the airlock, and place it in a warm, dark place. Allow it to ferment for 5-10 days or until bubbling stops in the airlock. This indicates that fermentation is complete, and the sugars have been converted into alcohol.

2. Distillation Process:

  • Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Still: Ensure the still is clean and free of any contaminants. Transfer the fermented mash into the boiler of your still, avoiding any solid residue that could burn during distillation.
  2. Heat the Mash: Gradually heat the mash in the still. Monitor the temperature carefully. Ethanol (drinking alcohol) evaporates at 173°F (78°C). Maintain the temperature to allow for a slow distillation process.
  3. Discard the Foreshots: The first 5% of the distilled liquid, known as foreshots, should be discarded. It contains methanol, which is toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested.
  4. Collect the Heads, Hearts, and Tails:
  • Heads: The next portion (approximately 20-30%) contains volatile alcohols and should be discarded or reused in future distillations.
  • Hearts: This is the desirable part, containing ethanol and the best-tasting product. Continue collecting until the temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C).
  • Tails: The remaining portion after the hearts, which contains heavier alcohols and compounds, can be saved for future distillation or discarded.
  1. Repeat if Necessary: To achieve higher purity and better flavor, you may want to run the distillate through the still again. This is known as “double distilling.”

3. Final Steps:

  • Filter and Dilute: Optionally, filter the moonshine through activated charcoal to remove any impurities. If the moonshine is too strong, dilute it with distilled water to the desired proof.
  • Bottle the Moonshine: Transfer the finished product into glass jars or bottles and seal them tightly.
  • Age (Optional): For a smoother flavor, you can age the moonshine in a wooden barrel or with wood chips.

Butterscotch Moonshine Recipes

1. Golden Harvest Butterscotch Moonshine

Ingredients:

  • 1 liter moonshine using our base moonshine recipe (or substitute with Everclear if unavailable)
  • 1 cup butterscotch schnapps
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3-4 cinnamon sticks (for infusion and garnish)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Create the simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the cinnamon sticks and a pinch of sea salt. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
  2. Mix the spirits: In a large pitcher or jar, combine the moonshine and butterscotch schnapps. Stir in the cooled simple syrup, vanilla extract, and a dash of ground cinnamon for extra warmth.
  3. Infuse the flavors: Add the cinnamon sticks directly into the mixture to infuse. Seal the container tightly and let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Serve: Strain the moonshine to remove the cinnamon sticks before serving. Pour over ice or enjoy straight. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a small sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the rim.

Tasting Notes: The Golden Harvest is a sweet, rich butterscotch-flavored moonshine with warm undertones of cinnamon and vanilla. The brown sugar adds a caramel depth, and the sea salt enhances the butterscotch flavor, making each sip a decadent experience.

 

2. Butterscotch Ember Elixir

Ingredients:

  • 1 liter moonshine using our base moonshine recipe (or Everclear if necessary)
  • 1 cup butterscotch schnapps
  • 1/2 cup caramel syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Orange zest (from 1 orange)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky kick)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the base syrup: In a saucepan, gently warm the honey, caramel syrup, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest. Stir occasionally until everything is well blended and the mixture becomes aromatic (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Combine the moonshine: In a large glass jar or bottle, mix the moonshine and butterscotch schnapps. Slowly stir in the spiced caramel mixture, ensuring it fully incorporates.
  3. Add the flavors: Pour in the vanilla extract and, if you want an extra layer of intrigue, add the smoked paprika for a lightly smoky back note that enhances the richness of the butterscotch.
  4. Infuse: Let the concoction sit for at least 48 hours in a cool, dark place. Shake or stir occasionally to keep the flavors blended.
  5. Serve: Strain the elixir to remove the zest and spices, then serve straight or over a large cube of ice. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for a citrusy aroma that balances the sweetness.

Tasting Notes: The Butterscotch Ember Elixir is a layered, complex moonshine with the warmth of ginger and nutmeg, a hint of smoky paprika, and a zesty kick from the orange. The butterscotch remains the star, but the spices add an autumnal, fireside vibe perfect for cooler nights.

Enjoy crafting and sipping these unique takes on butterscotch moonshine!

Butterscotch Moonshine Food Pairings

Butterscotch moonshine pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, thanks to its rich, sweet flavor and underlying warmth. Here are four suitable food pairings that complement its unique profile:

1. Salted Caramel Brownies

The deep, fudgy richness of a salted caramel brownie is an excellent match for butterscotch moonshine. The dessert’s chewy texture and salty-sweet notes amplify the buttery, caramel-like flavors in the moonshine, creating a decadent experience. The hint of salt enhances both the dessert and the drink, making this an indulgent pairing for those who love sweet treats.

2. Pork Belly with Maple Glaze

Butterscotch moonshine pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes, particularly those with a sweet glaze. Pork belly with a maple glaze provides a balance of rich, fatty meat and sweet syrup, creating a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the moonshine. The caramelized glaze and butterscotch flavors blend together, while the moonshine’s alcohol content cuts through the richness of the pork belly.

3. Buttered Popcorn

The buttery flavor of popcorn is a simple yet perfect match for the butterscotch notes in the moonshine. The slight saltiness of the popcorn enhances the sweetness of the drink without overpowering it, and the buttery texture of both the food and the spirit create a harmonious blend. It’s an ideal pairing for a casual movie night with a sophisticated twist.

4. Baked Apples with Cinnamon

For a warm, comforting pairing, baked apples with cinnamon offer an ideal match. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apples provide balance to the butterscotch’s richness, while the cinnamon ties into the spice notes often present in the moonshine. The soft, tender texture of baked apples, combined with the smooth, caramel sweetness of the drink, makes for a cozy, autumn-inspired pairing.

These pairings highlight both the sweet and savory possibilities that butterscotch moonshine can enhance, offering a versatile range of flavors for any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting butterscotch moonshine is a rewarding and creative way to enjoy the rich, buttery flavors of butterscotch combined with the bold kick of homemade moonshine. Whether you’re following a simple recipe or experimenting with spices and infusions, the process allows for plenty of customization to suit your taste. Once your moonshine is ready, you’ll have a versatile spirit perfect for sipping, mixing, or even pairing with a variety of foods. So gather your ingredients, let the flavors meld, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of your homemade butterscotch moonshine!