Recipe For Strawberry Moonshine: How To Create Your Own Brew

recipe for strawberry moonshine

Introduction

Welcome to the world of moonshine! In this article, we’ll delve into a timeless tradition of creating a classic homemade concoction – strawberry moonshine. Whether you’re a seasoned distiller or a curious enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore the artistry, history, safety considerations, and the step-by-step process of making this delightful beverage.

What is Strawberry Moonshine?

Strawberry moonshine, a delightful variation of traditional moonshine, is a flavorful concoction infused with the essence of ripe strawberries. It embodies the rich heritage of moonshine production while adding a refreshing and fruity twist. The combination of strawberries and moonshine creates a unique and delectable beverage, perfect for special occasions and gatherings with friends.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Moonshine

Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Moonshine

To create a delightful batch of homemade strawberry moonshine, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Steps to Make Homemade Strawberry Moonshine

The process of crafting homemade strawberry moonshine involves several key steps:

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly washing the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. After washing, hull the strawberries, which involves removing the green leafy top and any white core with a knife or a strawberry huller. This ensures that only the flavorful, ripe parts of the fruit are used in your moonshine.
  2. Macerate the Strawberries: In a large, clean container, combine the hulled strawberries with granulated sugar. The sugar will draw out the natural juices of the strawberries through a process called maceration, enhancing the strawberry flavor in your moonshine. Optionally, you can add a small amount of water to help dissolve the sugar and create a syrup-like base for the fermentation.
  3. Initiate Fermentation: Add a specific type of yeast suitable for alcohol fermentation, such as champagne yeast or another high-tolerance yeast. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the strawberry and sugar mixture, and gently stir to combine. The yeast will consume the sugars in the mixture, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide, a process that is the foundation of all alcoholic beverages.
  4. Ferment the Mixture: Cover the container with a cloth or a fermentation lock to allow gases to escape while keeping contaminants out. Store the container in a cool, dark place to ferment. The length of fermentation depends on the desired strength and flavor profile but typically ranges from a few days to a week. During this time, the mixture should be monitored and stirred occasionally to ensure even fermentation and to prevent mold growth.

Distilling and Storing

  1. Distillation and Fortification: Once fermentation is complete, the strawberry wine must be distilled to increase its alcohol content and purify the flavor. This step is typically done using a still. After distillation, combine the distilled strawberry alcohol with moonshine or another high-proof alcohol to fortify it. This step enhances the alcohol content and stabilizes the flavor.
  2. Filter and Store: Filter the combined moonshine using cheesecloth or a fine mesh to remove any solid particles and clarify the liquid. This ensures a smooth, clean final product. Finally, transfer the strawberry moonshine into airtight containers, such as glass bottles or jars. Seal them tightly to prevent oxidation and store in a cool, dark place. The moonshine can be consumed immediately, but like many spirits, it may benefit from some aging to further meld and mature the flavors.
  3. Enjoy Responsibly: Once your strawberry moonshine has aged to your liking, it’s ready to be enjoyed. Serve it chilled or incorporate it into cocktails for a unique, fruity twist. Always enjoy responsibly and be aware of the potent alcohol content.

Moonshine 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:
    1. Heat the Water: Bring 4 gallons (15 liters) of water to a boil in a large pot.
    2. 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.
    3. Add Sugar: Slowly add 5 lbs of sugar to the mash while stirring continuously. This boosts the potential alcohol content.
    4. 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.
    5. Add Yeast: Once the mash has cooled, add the yeast. Stir well to distribute the yeast evenly.
    6. 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.

Recipe 1: Simple Strawberry Moonshine

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 quart of moonshine (plain, unflavored)
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Place the strawberries in a large jar.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries. Add the split vanilla bean for extra flavor if using.
  3. Pour in Moonshine: Pour the moonshine over the strawberries, ensuring they are completely covered.
  4. Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly then store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will become.
  5. Strain and Serve: After the infusion period, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. Bottle the strained moonshine and refrigerate. Serve chilled.

 

Recipe 2: Strawberry Moonshine with Citrus

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1 quart of moonshine
  • 2 cups of granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Strawberries and Citrus: In a large jar, combine the strawberries, orange zest, and lemon zest.
  2. Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Add the sugar and cinnamon sticks to the jar.
  3. Pour in Moonshine: Pour the moonshine over the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.
  4. Seal and Store: Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 3 weeks. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Strain and Serve: Strain the moonshine through cheesecloth or a fine mesh. Bottle the liquid and store it in the refrigerator. Serve your strawberry citrus moonshine chilled for a refreshing drink.

Tips for Making Moonshine:

  • Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
  • Storage Time: The longer you allow the moonshine to infuse, the deeper and more complex the flavors will be.
  • Safety First: Always ensure that the base moonshine is sourced from a safe, reliable producer to avoid any health risks associated with improperly distilled spirits.

Safety Considerations

Ensuring safety throughout the process of crafting moonshine is paramount. From the selection of ingredients to the fermentation and storage, it’s essential to prioritize safety measures. This includes maintaining cleanliness, using suitable equipment, and adhering to recommended procedures. Additionally, understanding the alcoholic content and handling moonshine responsibly is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

How to Store Strawberry Moonshine

  • Proper Storage: To maintain the quality and flavor of homemade strawberry moonshine, proper storage is key.
  • Airtight Containers: Store the moonshine in airtight containers to prevent oxidation and maintain its potency.
  • Away from Sunlight and Heat: Keep the containers away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve the flavors.
  • Ideal Conditions: A cool, dark area is ideal for preserving the exquisite taste of the strawberry-infused moonshine.
  • Optimal Storage: By ensuring optimal storage conditions, you can savor the delightful flavors of homemade moonshine for an extended period.
  • Extended Shelf Life: Proper storage extends the shelf life of the moonshine, allowing you to enjoy it for a longer duration.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey into the world of moonshine, the allure of crafting homemade strawberry moonshine becomes evident. It’s a delightful blend of tradition, innovation, and the art of flavor infusion. Above all, the world of moonshine unveils a captivating tapestry of culture as well as craftsmanship. Embrace the rich heritage, safety considerations, and the gratifying process of crafting your unique batch of strawberry moonshine.