Crock Pot Root Beer Moonshine: An Easy Homemade Recipe Guide

crock pot root beer moonshine

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of moonshine, where the art of distillation meets innovation and history in a charming blend of tradition and creativity. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to explore the delightful concoction of crock pot root beer moonshine. From its intriguing history to the recipes and safety considerations, get ready to uncover the mystique and charm of moonshine in its most unique form.

Answer to the Question

What exactly is crock pot root beer moonshine? It’s a delightful alcoholic beverage made with a combination of root beer, moonshine, and a few secret ingredients, resulting in a sweet and flavorful concoction that’s perfect for sipping and sharing. Throughout this article, we’ll unravel the ingredients, recipes, and essential tips for making and enjoying this unique moonshine variant.

Recipe For Crock Pot Root Beer Moonshine

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon (128 oz) of root beer (your favorite brand)

  • 2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

  • 750 ml bottle of grain alcohol (like Everclear, 190 proof)
    (or substitute with 750 ml of plain vodka if preferred)

Equipment:

  • Crock Pot (slow cooker)

  • Large spoon for stirring

  • Funnel

  • Mason jars or bottles for storage

Instructions:

  1. Set Up the Crock Pot
    Pour the entire gallon of root beer into the Crock Pot. Set it on low heat.

  2. Add the Sugars
    Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the sugar from settling at the bottom.

  3. Simmer the Mixture
    Let the mixture heat gently on low for about 2–3 hours.
    Important: Do not let it boil. You want it warm enough to dissolve everything but not hot enough to evaporate the root beer flavor.

  4. Add Vanilla
    Stir in the tablespoon of vanilla extract. Let it sit for another 15 minutes.

  5. Cool the Mixture
    Turn off the Crock Pot and allow the root beer mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
    (This is crucial so you don’t burn off the alcohol when you add it.)

  6. Add the Alcohol
    Once fully cooled, carefully pour in the grain alcohol (or vodka) and stir gently to mix.

  7. Bottle It Up
    Using a funnel, transfer the moonshine into clean mason jars or bottles. Seal tightly.

  8. Optional Aging
    For the best flavor, let the jars sit for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place.
    (It’ll be drinkable immediately, but aging smooths the flavor.)

Tips:

  • For a stronger root beer flavor: Add 1–2 teaspoons of root beer extract when adding the vanilla.

  • For a creamier twist: Mix in a splash of cream soda along with the root beer.

  • Label the jars with the date and contents — it makes great gifts!

can you make moonshine in a crockpot

How To Create The Base

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.
    5. 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.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Safety Tips for Making Crock Pot Root Beer Moonshine

When it comes to making Crock Pot Root Beer Moonshine, safety is of utmost importance. Here are some detailed safety tips to ensure a smooth and secure moonshine-making process:

  • Always work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the build-up of fumes.
  • Use high-quality, food-grade materials for all components involved in the process.
  • Keep all ingredients, especially the high-proof alcohol, out of reach of children and pets.
  • Ensure that all electrical appliances and cords are in good working condition to avoid any potential hazards.

These safety tips, when followed diligently, will contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience while making Crock Pot Root Beer Moonshine.

Legal Regulations and Restrictions

  • Understanding the legal requirements for producing and distributing alcoholic beverages is crucial.
  • It is important to be aware of federal, state, and local regulations that govern the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
  • For homemade alcohol, such as root beer moonshine, there are specific laws and restrictions that vary by location.
  • Compliance with licensing, permits, and taxation laws is essential to avoid legal repercussions.

Tips for Enjoying and Serving

Recommended Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a side of fresh, seasonal fruit for a refreshing and balanced dessert option.
  • Create a beautiful charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crackers to showcase the versatility of this dish.
  • Pair with a crisp, chilled white wine to complement the richness of the main dish.
  • Top each serving with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an added layer of flavor and texture.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods or chemicals to prevent absorption of odors.
  • Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture and air exposure.
  • For longer shelf life, consider vacuum-sealing the items before storage.
  • Check the expiration dates and rotate older items to the front for use before newer ones.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of crock pot root beer moonshine, it’s evident that this beloved concoction holds a special place in the world of moonshine traditions. From its delectable recipes to the safety considerations and serving tips, the journey to uncover its allure has been captivating. Whether you’re a connoisseur of moonshine or a curious enthusiast, the charm of root beer moonshine offers a unique blend of history and innovation that continues to delight and inspire. Cheers to the artistry of moonshine and the timeless appeal of this flavorful creation!