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Cinnamon Moonshine: Spiced Recipes For Warm and Bold Flavor!

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting world of moonshine, where tradition, innovation, and taste converge to create an experience like no other. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the intriguing realm of cinnamon moonshine, exploring its rich history, unique characteristics, and the art of crafting this beloved spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned moonshine enthusiast or a newcomer to the craft, prepare to indulge in the allure and allure of cinnamon moonshine.

What Is Cinnamon Moonshine

Cinnamon moonshine, also known as ‘apple pie moonshine,’ is a delightful and aromatic variation of traditional moonshine infused with cinnamon flavor. It blends the warmth of cinnamon with the smooth, potent essence of moonshine, resulting in a captivatingly bold and flavorful concoction. This spirited elixir has a rich cultural heritage and has become a cherished favorite among moonshine aficionados. Let’s unravel the essence of cinnamon moonshine and delve into what makes it a standout in the world of distilled spirits.

  • Cinnamon moonshine is steeped in historical significance, originating in the era of Prohibition in the United States.
  • The infusion of cinnamon imparts a fragrant, spicy character to the moonshine, elevating its taste and appeal.
  • Its versatility extends beyond being sipped neat; it can be used as a base in numerous cocktails and culinary creations.

Base Recipe For Cinnamon Moonshine

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 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.

Safety Precautions:

  1. Ventilation: Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. The fumes can be toxic.
  2. Flammability: Ethanol is highly flammable. Keep it away from open flames, sparks, or heat sources.
  3. Methanol Warning: Properly discard the foreshots to avoid methanol poisoning.
  4. Legal Compliance: Always ensure you are in compliance with local laws and regulations before attempting to distill alcohol.

Legal Considerations:

  • In the United States, it is illegal to distill alcohol at home for personal consumption without the proper permits. Check local and federal laws regarding home distillation.
  • Violations of these laws can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Distilling moonshine can be a rewarding hobby, but it is crucial to prioritize safety and legality throughout the process.

Best Cinnamon Moonshine Recipes

When it comes to crafting the best cinnamon moonshine recipes, creativity and experimentation play a key role in achieving exceptional flavor profiles. From classic apple pie moonshine variations to innovative twists incorporating seasonal ingredients and complementary flavors, the possibilities are endless. Whether enjoyed neat, mixed into cocktails, or used in culinary creations, cinnamon moonshine offers a versatile canvas for crafting delightful libations that captivate the senses and elevate the moonshine experience.

Recipe 1: “Fiery Cinnamon Blaze Moonshine”

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of Moonshine Base
  • 1/2 cup ground cinnamon
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. Make the Cinnamon Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, honey, and ground cinnamon. Heat gently, stirring until everything is dissolved. Add the cinnamon sticks and simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool.
  2. Combine with Moonshine Base: Mix the cooled cinnamon syrup with the Moonshine Base in a large jar. Add the vanilla extract and stir well.
  3. Infuse the Flavors: Seal the jar and let it sit for 2–3 days, shaking occasionally to distribute the flavors.
  4. Strain and Bottle: Remove the cinnamon sticks and strain the moonshine into sterilized bottles.
  5. Enjoy: Serve neat, over ice, or mixed with apple cider for a fiery kick.

Recipe 2: “Sweet Ember Cinnamon Moonshine”

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of Moonshine Base
  • 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon clove powder
  • 1 orange (zested)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, sugar, nutmeg, clove powder, and orange zest. Add a splash of water and heat until the sugar dissolves. Let cool.
  2. Infuse the Base: Mix the syrup with the Moonshine Base in a large container. Add the cinnamon sticks and stir thoroughly.
  3. Rest for Flavor: Seal the container and let it sit for 3–4 days, shaking daily to blend the flavors.
  4. Strain and Store: Remove the cinnamon sticks and orange zest, then bottle the moonshine in sterilized jars.
  5. Serve: Enjoy this sweet, spiced moonshine neat, as a cocktail base, or warmed for a cozy drink.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of cinnamon moonshine, we invite you to embrace the allure and charm of this timeless spirit. Whether sipped leisurely, shared among friends, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, cinnamon moonshine embodies the artistry and tradition of moonshine crafting. From its rich cultural roots to its modern-day interpretations, cinnamon moonshine continues to captivate and delight enthusiasts around the world, showcasing the enduring legacy and appeal of this beloved libation.

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