Crafting the Perfect Root Beer Moonshine: Our Recipes And Tips

root beer moonshine

Introduction

Welcome to the world of moonshine! In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing realm of root beer moonshine. From its historical roots to the art of crafting this beloved concoction, we’ll explore the rich heritage and processes that make root beer moonshine a fascinating topic to uncover.

What Is Root Beer Moonshine

Root beer moonshine is a homemade alcoholic beverage that combines the flavors of root beer with the potency of moonshine, an unaged, clear whiskey often made illicitly or crafted as a DIY project. Root beer flavoring typically comes from ingredients like sassafras, wintergreen, vanilla, and spices, which give it that sweet, slightly spicy taste. When these flavors are mixed with moonshine, the result is a drink that has the nostalgic, soda-like taste of root beer, but with the kick of a strong spirit.

To make root beer moonshine, most recipes start with grain alcohol or a clear, high-proof spirit as the base. Then, ingredients such as root beer extract, sugar, and sometimes vanilla or other flavorings are added to achieve the desired taste. Some recipes also include a mix of spices to enhance the flavor. Once blended, the mixture is allowed to sit and infuse, which helps marry the alcohol with the root beer flavors, resulting in a smoother, more balanced drink.

The final product can be consumed on its own as a shot, mixed into cocktails, or even enjoyed over ice with soda. Root beer moonshine is popular at parties and as a unique craft beverage, giving people a fun and tasty way to experience the distinctive flavors of root beer combined with the strength of moonshine. However, since it can be very potent, it’s essential to enjoy it responsibly.

History of Root Beer Moonshine

Origin of Root Beer Moonshine

The history of root beer moonshine likely stems from the blending of two long-standing American traditions: root beer and moonshine. Root beer itself has been around since the 19th century, originally made by Native Americans from roots like sassafras and used for medicinal purposes. The drink became popular in the late 1800s when commercial root beer was introduced, often as a non-alcoholic alternative to beer during the temperance movement. Meanwhile, moonshine, an illegal or homemade whiskey, has roots that trace back to the colonial era and became especially prominent during Prohibition in the early 20th century when the production and sale of alcohol were banned.

Root beer moonshine likely emerged as a creative twist on traditional moonshine recipes, with people infusing moonshine with flavors to make the harsh liquor more palatable. The combination of root beer’s sweet, herbal flavors with the strong bite of moonshine created a unique and enjoyable drink. This blend may have originated in Southern or Appalachian regions of the U.S., where moonshine culture has deep roots and where experimenting with flavors in homemade alcohol has been common. Today, root beer moonshine is part of the larger trend of flavored moonshines, appealing to both nostalgic and adventurous drinkers.

How to Make Root Beer Moonshine

Making root beer moonshine is a delightful process that brings together the art of distillation and the creativity of crafting flavorful beverages. The recipe typically involves infusing moonshine with root beer extract, creating a smooth and aromatic libation. The method often includes carefully blending the ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and potency, resulting in a delightful beverage that captures the essence of both moonshine and root beer.

Start by selecting high-quality moonshine as the base for the root beer infusion. The choice of moonshine greatly influences the final taste of the root beer moonshine. We have also provided a tried and true base moonshine recipe that you can use.

Moonshine Base 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 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.

Root Beer Flavored Moonshine Recipes

Recipe 1: “Sassafras Thunder” Root Beer Moonshine

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Stir in the root beer extract, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick if using.
  4. In a large jar or container, combine the flavored syrup with your moonshine or Everclear.
  5. Seal the container and let it sit for 1-2 days to allow the flavors to fully blend.
  6. Serve chilled or over ice, and enjoy responsibly!

Recipe 2: “Rooted in Rebellion” Spiced Root Beer Moonshine

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart of moonshine or Everclear (190-proof recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons root beer extract
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup brown sugar (for a richer, molasses-like sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water, brown sugar, and honey to a simmer. Stir until everything is dissolved.
  2. Add in the vanilla extract, root beer extract, cloves, and nutmeg, stirring until well mixed.
  3. Let the mixture cool slightly before straining out the cloves.
  4. Pour the syrup into a large container and combine with the moonshine or Everclear.
  5. Seal and let the mixture infuse for 1-3 days, giving it time to develop a rich flavor profile.
  6. Strain if needed, then serve cold or mix with soda for an extra fizz!

 

Safety Concerns and Tips for Root Beer Moonshine Making

Best Practices for Safe Production

When engaging in the production of root beer moonshine, it’s essential to prioritize safety and adherence to distillation best practices. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, utilizing precise measurements, and following established safety guidelines for distillation and preparation. It’s important to approach the crafting process with caution and respect for the equipment and ingredients, promoting a safe and enjoyable root beer moonshine making experience.

  • Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the production area is well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of hazardous fumes and vapors. Consider using fans and exhaust systems to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Precise Measurements: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial to the quality and safety of the final product. Use calibrated instruments and follow the recipe meticulously to achieve consistent results.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain distillation equipment to identify and address any potential safety hazards. This includes checking for leaks, corrosion, and wear, as well as ensuring that all components are functioning properly.
  • Monitoring and Supervision: During the distillation process, it’s important to closely monitor the temperature, pressure, and distillation rate. By supervising the operation, you can promptly address any issues that may arise, mitigating safety risks.

While producing root beer moonshine, it’s crucial to handle ingredients with care to prevent accidents and contamination. Consider the following:

  • High-Quality Ingredients: Use only high-quality and reputable ingredients to ensure the safety and integrity of the final product. This includes selecting fresh, unadulterated raw materials from reliable sources.
  • Proper Storage: Store ingredients in designated containers and areas to prevent spoilage, contamination, and potential hazards. Use airtight containers and maintain appropriate storage conditions.
  • Labeling and Organization: Clearly label all ingredients and maintain an organized workspace to minimize the risk of errors and mix-ups during the production process.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration into the world of root beer moonshine, it’s evident that this beloved concoction holds a special place in the realm of homemade libations. Its rich history, delightful flavors, and the artistry of its creation all contribute to the allure of root beer moonshine. Whether enjoyed for its nostalgic charm or its distinct taste, root beer moonshine embodies the spirit of creative distillation and the timeless appeal of classic root beer.