There’s something irresistibly charming about homemade peach moonshine — it captures the essence of summer in every sip. Whether you’re a seasoned distiller or a curious spirit enthusiast looking to craft your own unique batch, this peach moonshine recipe is sure to delight.
The natural sweetness of ripe peaches combined with the warmth of moonshine creates a perfect balance that’s both refreshing and intoxicatingly smooth. Plus, making your own moonshine allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, resulting in a beverage tailored just for your palate.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to make your very own peach moonshine, from selecting the best peaches to bottling your final product.
Ready to impress your friends at your next gathering or simply enjoy a handcrafted treat at home? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you savoring the taste of summer long after peach season ends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This peach moonshine recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh, juicy peaches that infuse the spirit with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
Unlike store-bought fruit-flavored liquors, this homemade version is free from artificial additives and preservatives, making every sip pure and authentic.
Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it straight, mix it into cocktails, or even use it in cooking to add a boozy peach twist to your dishes.
The recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal equipment and straightforward steps that yield impressive results.
Lastly, this recipe is customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, add spices like cinnamon or vanilla, or experiment with different types of moonshine or neutral grain spirits to create a signature batch that’s uniquely yours.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium peaches)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 liter high-proof moonshine (or neutral grain spirit)
- Optional spices: 1 cinnamon stick, 1 vanilla bean split, or 3-4 whole cloves
Equipment
- Large glass jar or fermentation crock (at least 2-quart capacity)
- Sharp knife for peeling and slicing peaches
- Cutting board
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Sealable glass bottles or jars for storage
- Funnel (optional, for easy bottling)
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches: Begin by washing the peaches thoroughly. Peel each peach using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, then slice them into thin wedges. Removing the peel helps prevent bitterness in the final product.
- Macerate the peaches: Place the sliced peaches into the large glass jar. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and optional spices if using. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. The lemon juice helps preserve the color and adds a subtle tang.
- Allow the mixture to sit: Seal the jar tightly and let the peaches macerate at room temperature for 24-48 hours. During this time, the sugar will draw out the juices from the peaches, creating a flavorful syrup.
- Add the moonshine: After the peaches have released their juices, pour the entire contents of the jar, including the peaches and syrup, into a mixing bowl. Add the liter of moonshine and stir gently to blend everything together.
- Infuse the flavors: Transfer the mixture back into the glass jar or a clean container with a tight lid. Seal it and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 1-2 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the flavors meld.
- Strain the moonshine: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or pitcher. Press the peaches gently to extract all the flavorful liquid but avoid forcing too much pulp.
- Bottle your peach moonshine: Using a funnel, pour the strained moonshine into clean glass bottles or jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator or a cool pantry. It’s best enjoyed within 6 months.
- Enjoy responsibly: Your homemade peach moonshine is ready to be sipped neat, served on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite cocktails!
Tips & Variations
“The quality of your peaches will directly affect the flavor of your moonshine, so choose ripe, fragrant fruit for the best results.”
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter moonshine, add more sugar during the maceration step, or dissolve extra sugar in warm water and mix it in after straining.
Spice it up: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, or cloves to add depth and complexity. Add these during the maceration step to infuse their flavors.
Use frozen peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches work well too. Just thaw and drain excess water before macerating.
Alternative spirits: If you don’t have moonshine, you can substitute with vodka or a neutral grain alcohol of similar proof.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 oz serving |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Alcohol by volume (ABV) | Approx. 40-50% |
Carbohydrates | 6-8 g (from peaches and sugar) |
Sugar | 6-7 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
Peach moonshine is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
- Neat or on the rocks: Serve chilled in a small glass to savor the pure peach flavor.
- Peach moonshine lemonade: Mix 2 oz peach moonshine with 4 oz fresh lemonade and garnish with a peach slice.
- Summer cocktail: Combine peach moonshine with iced tea and a splash of club soda for a refreshing twist.
- Cooking: Use peach moonshine in marinades, glazes for grilled meats, or drizzle over desserts like vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
Making your own peach moonshine is a rewarding and enjoyable process that brings the flavors of summer straight to your glass. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet peaches and spirited warmth that can be customized to suit your taste.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, homemade peach moonshine is a delightful addition to your beverage repertoire.
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a signature drink that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor and a smooth kick. Remember to enjoy responsibly and share the joy of your homemade creation with friends and family.
Happy distilling!
📖 Recipe Card: Peach Moonshine
Description: A sweet and fruity homemade peach moonshine perfect for summer gatherings. This recipe combines fresh peaches with sugar and corn whiskey for a smooth, flavorful drink.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 1 gallon
Ingredients
- 6 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 gallon corn whiskey
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Combine sliced peaches and sugar in a large jar.
- Pour in corn whiskey and add lemon juice.
- Stir well and seal the jar tightly.
- Let the mixture sit for 7 days, shaking daily.
- After 7 days, strain out the peaches and cinnamon stick.
- Add vanilla extract and stir.
- Bottle the moonshine and chill before serving.
- Serve over ice if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 12g
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