There’s something undeniably captivating about the rich, bold flavor of coffee combined with the warming kick of moonshine. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at your next gathering or simply want to enjoy a unique homemade spirit, this coffee moonshine recipe delivers on all fronts.
Infused with the deep, roasted notes of freshly brewed coffee and the smooth heat of quality moonshine, this concoction is perfect for sipping slowly on chilly evenings or mixing into your favorite cocktails.
Making coffee moonshine at home is easier than you might think. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a potent, flavorful drink that rivals anything you’d find in a craft distillery.
Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter and an excellent gift for the adventurous spirit lover in your life. Ready to dive into the world of homemade coffee-infused moonshine?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This coffee moonshine recipe offers a delightful blend of robust coffee flavors and the invigorating warmth of moonshine, creating a drink that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or as a base for creative cocktails.
The recipe uses simple, easily accessible ingredients and requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned home distillers.
Unlike many commercial coffee liqueurs, this homemade version avoids excessive sweetness and artificial flavors, allowing the natural bitterness of coffee and the purity of moonshine to shine through. Plus, making it yourself means you can adjust the strength and flavor profile to suit your taste perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 quart (32 oz) of quality unflavored moonshine
- 1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee (preferably espresso or dark roast)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for depth and caramel notes)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon for extra warmth
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl or pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Funnel
- Glass bottles or jars with airtight lids for storage
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (if you want ultra-clear liquid)
- Brewing thermometer (optional)
Instructions
- Brew your coffee: Start by making a strong batch of coffee. Use your preferred method to brew about 1 cup of very strong coffee, such as espresso or a dark roast. Let it cool to room temperature to avoid diluting your moonshine with heat.
- Combine sugars and coffee: In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Pour the cooled coffee over the sugars and whisk vigorously until all the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Add moonshine and vanilla: Slowly pour in the quart of moonshine while stirring the coffee and sugar mixture. Add the tablespoon of vanilla extract. If you’d like to add cinnamon, include the cinnamon stick now to infuse during the resting period.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir the entire mixture well to ensure even distribution of flavors. The sugars should be completely dissolved, and all ingredients blended smoothly.
- Rest and infuse: Transfer the mixture into glass bottles or jars with airtight lids using a funnel. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for at least 3-5 days. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Shake the bottles gently once a day to keep ingredients mixed.
- Strain (optional): After infusion, remove the cinnamon stick if used. For a clearer moonshine, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to eliminate any sediment or residual spices.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the coffee moonshine before serving. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or use it to craft cocktails.
Tips & Variations
“The quality of your coffee and moonshine will make all the difference in the final flavor. Choose your favorite roasts and a smooth, clean moonshine for the best results.”
- Sweetness level: Adjust sugar quantities to taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugars by up to half.
- Flavor twists: Try adding a splash of Irish cream or amaretto for a creamy, nutty variation.
- Spice it up: Add a few whole cloves, star anise, or a pinch of nutmeg during infusion for a spiced coffee moonshine.
- Cold brew alternative: Substitute hot brewed coffee with cold brew concentrate to reduce acidity and bitterness.
- Alcohol strength: If you want a lower proof, mix moonshine with a bit of water or brewed coffee before combining with sugars.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 2 oz serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Alcohol Content | Approximately 40% ABV (varies by moonshine used) |
| Carbohydrates (Sugars) | 10-12 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Note: Nutrition facts will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee moonshine is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Neat or on the rocks: Sip slowly to savor the rich coffee and vanilla notes.
- Coffee moonshine cocktail: Mix with cold brew coffee, a splash of cream, and ice for a refreshing twist.
- Hot toddy: Add a shot to hot water or tea with a lemon wedge and honey for a cozy drink.
- Espresso martini upgrade: Use coffee moonshine instead of vodka for a bold, flavorful martini.
- Gift idea: Bottle your coffee moonshine in decorative jars and give as a personalized homemade gift.
Conclusion
Making your own coffee moonshine is a rewarding project that combines the best of both worlds—the intense, aromatic quality of coffee and the potent warmth of moonshine. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet customizable enough for seasoned enthusiasts to tweak and perfect.
Whether you’re warming up on a cool night or impressing guests with a unique homemade spirit, coffee moonshine offers a delicious and memorable experience.
Remember, the key to a great coffee moonshine lies in quality ingredients and a little patience during infusion. Feel free to experiment with different coffee roasts, spices, and sweetness levels to create your signature blend.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, be sure to check out other flavorful concoctions like our homemade vanilla liqueur, classic bourbon cocktail recipes, and easy spiced rum infusion to expand your crafting skills.
Cheers to delicious creativity!
📖 Recipe Card: Coffee Moonshine Recipe
Description: A bold and flavorful homemade coffee-infused moonshine perfect for sipping or mixing. This recipe combines strong coffee with traditional moonshine ingredients for a unique twist.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 1 liter
Ingredients
- 1 liter high-proof neutral grain spirit (moonshine or vodka)
- 4 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Combine water and sugars in a saucepan and heat until sugars dissolve.
- Add instant coffee, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean; stir well.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- Remove the vanilla bean and pour the coffee mixture into a large jar.
- Add the moonshine or vodka and stir to combine.
- Seal the jar and let it infuse for at least 24 hours in a cool, dark place.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh or coffee filter if desired.
- Serve chilled or use in cocktails.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 15g
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