Best Winter Cocktails with Moonshine
As the bleak winter season seems to drag on and on, let's find a reason to celebrate so we can enjoy the best winter cocktails with moonshine.
Winter has its fair share of hardships. Cold temperatures, constant snow shoveling and a lack of sunshine to just name a few. However, the drop in mercury does offer a great excuse to cuddle up on the couch and enjoy a drink or two. With moonshine on the menu, your cocktails will be top notch.
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine refers to spirits that are not made commercially, but rather at home by home-based brewers. While many commercial spirits try to label themselves as 'moonshine' this is actually incorrect.
The term moonshine was coined when early European settlers in North America were forced to make their spirits in secret after a 'Whiskey tax' made created spirits for personal consumption illegal.
While many may believe this move was for the safety of those who make and/or consume moonshine, this is not the case. The tax was actually created to bring in revenue for the Revolutionary War.
Today, many moonshiners have recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. While the tradition of making moonshine is closely tied with many areas in the United States, it is also gaining popularity in pop culture.
How to Make Moonshine
There are many different recipes and equipment options to make moonshine. With this in mind, making moonshine can be a simple process or it can be quite challenging.
Moonshine recipes can be quite simple or extremely intricate. As you develop more and more skills and confidence as a moonshiner, you can challenge yourself with new ingredients and processes.
The Easiest Moonshine Still You Will Ever Use
The Moonshine Cherry is a great compact option for making spirits from the comforts of home. With its plug and play technology, you can set the temperature and press start, it really couldn't be easier.
Classic Winter Cocktails
As the temperature drops and the snow is flying, there's nothing quite like sipping on a classic winter cocktail to warm you up and get you in a festive mood.
Whether it's a cozy night in by the fire or a winter gathering with friends and family, these timeless drinks are sure to be a hit.
From the warmth of a hot toddy to the sweetness of a peppermint mocha, there's a winter cocktail for every taste and occasion. So, get ready to shake, stir, and garnish your way to enjoying some of the most beloved drinks of the season.
Hot Toddy
There are several variations of the classic hot toddy, each offering a unique twist on this cozy, warm cocktail. The classic hot toddy typically consists of moonshine, honey, lemon juice, and hot water.
The apple pie moonshine hot toddy is a fun and fruity variation featuring apple pie moonshine, apple cider, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice.
The key differences in ingredients between the classic hot toddy and the apple pie moonshine version are the use of moonshine versus apple pie moonshine and the addition of apple cider in the latter.
The preparation for both variations involves heating the mixture of ingredients and serving it hot, but the apple pie moonshine version adds an extra level of sweetness and spice.
Other variations of hot toddy recipes include using different types of alcohol such as rum or brandy, adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or incorporating unique sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. Each variation offers a new and delightful take on the classic hot toddy, making it a versatile cocktail for any occasion.
Moonshine Hot Toddy Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 oz moonshine
- 6-8 oz hot water
- 4-6 Lemon slices
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
Directions:
- To make a Moonshine Hot Toddy, start by heating up some water until it is hot but not boiling. In a glass or mug, combine moonshine with hot water. Add in a few slices of fresh lemon and a cinnamon stick.
- Using a spoon, gently stir the ingredients together to ensure that the flavors are well combined. Let the mixture steep for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help to release the aromatic oils from the lemon and cinnamon.
- Before serving, garnish the Moonshine Hot Toddy with additional cinnamon sticks and lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
The warmth and depth of the moonshine mixed with the comforting aroma of the cinnamon and the zing of the lemon creates a delicious, soothing beverage that is perfect for a chilly evening.
Enjoy your Moonshine Hot Toddy as a comforting and warming drink, especially during the colder months. Cheers!
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of moonshine
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Once the milk is simmering, add the chocolate chips and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully measure out 1/4 cup of moonshine.
- Slowly pour the moonshine into the hot chocolate mixture, stirring constantly to ensure it is fully incorporated.
- Once the whiskey is mixed in, return the saucepan to the heat for a few more minutes to ensure the hot chocolate is heated through.
- Pour the spiked hot chocolate into mugs and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It is important to measure the moonshine precisely to maintain consistency in flavor and ensure the right balance of warmth. Additionally, always be mindful of the alcohol content when serving spiked hot chocolate. Enjoy responsibly!
Nutty Moonshine Hot Chocolate
For the Nutty Moonshine hot chocolate cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces of moonshine
- 1 packet of hot chocolate mix
- 8 ounces of almond milk
- Whipped cream for topping
Directions:
- To prepare the cocktail, start by heating the almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. While the milk is heating, prepare the hot chocolate mix according to the instructions on the packet.
- Once the almond milk is hot, pour it into a mug and stir in the prepared hot chocolate mix. In a separate glass, measure out 1.5 ounces of moonshine and pour it into the hot chocolate mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- To finish, top the cocktail with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if desired. Serve the Moonshine hot chocolate cocktail warm and enjoy!
This delicious cocktail combines the rich, creamy flavors of hot chocolate with the kick of moonshine for a perfect after-dinner treat. Be sure to enjoy responsibly!
Irish Coffee Moonshine
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz of moonshine
- 1 oz of irish cream
- 1 cup of sweetened coffee
- Whipped cream for garnish
Directions:
To make an Irish Coffee Moonshine cocktail, you will need sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, whipped cream, and of course, moonshine. This cozy and delicious cocktail is perfect for a cold evening or as a treat at the end of a meal.
- To make this cocktail, start by brewing a strong cup of sweetened coffee and allowing it to cool to room temperature. Once the coffee is ready, pour moonshine and Irish whiskey into a glass.
- Next, carefully pour the cooled sweetened coffee into the glass, allowing it to mix with the moonshine and whiskey.
- To finish off the cocktail, top it with a generous amount of whipped cream. This will give the drink a creamy and indulgent texture that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the coffee and whiskey. You can also garnish the cocktail with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
This Irish Coffee Moonshine cocktail is easy to make and will surely impress your guests with its warm and inviting taste. Enjoy this delightful blend of sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and moonshine, and savor the cozy vibes it brings to any occasion. Cheers!
Apple Pie Moonshine Cream Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz apple pie moonshine
- 1 oz cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions:
- In a shaker, combine the apple pie moonshine, cream, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well to combine all the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Optional: garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a slice of apple on the rim of the glass.
This Apple Pie Moonshine Cream Martini is a deliciously creamy and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for fall or anytime you're craving a sweet, dessert-inspired drink.
Enjoy the warming flavors of apple pie moonshine with the creamy richness of the cream and the aromatic hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It's a simple and delightful cocktail to mix up for a cozy night in or to impress your guests at a gathering. Cheers!
Sweet Apple Cinnamon Moonshine Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz apple pie moonshine
- 1 oz cream
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- cinnamon sugar for rim
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of apple pie moonshine, 1 ounce of cream, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake the mixture well to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
- Next, prepare the serving glass by rimming it with cinnamon sugar. To do this, simply wet the rim of the glass with water or a slice of citrus fruit, then dip it into a plate of cinnamon sugar until the rim is coated.
- Finally, fill the glass with fresh ice and pour the mixed cocktail over the ice.
The result is a delicious and festive cocktail that perfectly balances the sweet, creamy flavor of apple pie with the kick of moonshine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for an extra touch of flair.