We know what you’re thinking. One mention of the word ‘moonshine’, and immediately the image of a backwoods distillery ran by a hillbilly wearing overalls come to mind. Moonshine started off with a bad reputation. In reality, the moonshine you find on Spec’s shelves is 100% legal and regulated. Despite its notorious reputation, moonshine is just young whiskey that hasn’t been aged in oak barrels, which is what gives whiskey its distinct amber color.
If that’s not enough to change how you look at moonshine, we have a collection of outstanding cocktail recipes that will sway your opinion. Stock up at your local Spec’s, then get your ‘shine on for National Moonshine Day.
Watermelon Sling
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Unaged Moonshine
- ½ oz Aperol
- 1 ½ oz Fresh pressed watermelon juice
- ¾ oz Lemon juice
- ¾ oz Simple syrup
- Fresh rosemary
- 1 Watermelon slice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake.
- Pour into a mason jar. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a watermelon slice.
Moonshine Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Moonshine
- 10 Mint leaves
- 2 Lime wedges
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- Club soda
Instructions:
- Muddle mint, lime and sugar in a pint glass.
- Combine with shaker full of ice and add moonshine. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds and pour into a highball glass.
- Top with club soda.
The Peppy
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Moonshine
- ¾ oz Peach Brandy
- 1 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz Simple syrup
- 3 Dashes orange bitters
- 1 Egg white
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients (except orange bitters) in a cocktail shaker and shake. Add ice and shake again. Pour into pre-chilled coupe glass and finish with 3 drops of orange bitters on top, in the shape of a triangle. Garnish with cherries.
The Salty Apple
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Apple Pie Moonshine
- 2 oz Grapefruit juice
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Build the cocktail in a salt-rimmed Old Fashioned glass over ice. Stir, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Ginger Snap
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Apple Pie Moonshine
- 4 oz Ginger ale
- Green apple slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix cocktail in a Ball jar with ice. Stir, and garnish with a slice of green apple.
