Sparkling Snowfall Moonshine Cocktail
Enjoy the best that winter has to offer with our sparkling snowfall cocktail.
Are you surrounded by snow and wishing for spring? Moonshine can help. Trust us. It will definitely help.
All kidding aside, those dreary winter days can be made a little brighter by getting together with friends for some good fun, good food and of course, good drinks.
When it comes to a delicious drink, you don’t get much tastier than a sparkling snowfall cocktail. When you make this cocktail with moonshine you really take it to the next level.
Can you Make Cocktails with Moonshine?
Hell yes you can. Making cocktails with moonshine just makes sense. Of course, when you make your moonshine with a pot still you can create a final product that is full of flavor. However, you can also create a neutral spirit with a high ABV which is perfect for mixed drinks.
Moonshine is also an ideal spirit to flavor which means its neutrality brings great versatility. When you add flavor to moonshine you open up a brand new world of potential in your cocktails.
How to Flavor Moonshine
Flavoring moonshine can be done in a few different ways. It seems when it comes to moonshine there are so many different avenues to go down. This keeps your shining interesting and fun.
Flavoring Shine with a Recipe
The flavor of your shine starts with the recipe you choose. There are countless different recipes for making moonshine, however, they fall into three main categories: grain-based, fruit based and sugar based.
If you are seeking a subtle flavor in your moonshine you can use a fruit-based recipe for your mash.
Fruit-based recipes can be pricey and are often quite a bit of work and mess. Your best bet is to make friends with a farmer and get some overripe fruit. Maybe you can kick it old school and pay them in shine!
Fortunately, there are many fruit recipes that actually use fruit juice instead of the fruit itself. This can save you a lot of work and money.
When you choose to pick a fruit-based recipe for your moonshine, you are choosing to flavor your shine at the first stage-making the mash.
Of course, it is not only fruit-based recipes that produce flavor variations. Sugar-based recipes can also produce their own signature taste. You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even honey to create different taste variations.
White sugar recipes are known as sugar shine and can be very cost effective but will not produce as high of an ABV. While white or brown sugar can be economical options, honey shine is one of the most expensive ingredients.
Flavoring Shine with a Gin Basket
A gin basket can be used to flavor your shine during distillation. A gin basket comes in many forms. Our column reflux still, The Standard, has the option to add a gin basket directly into the still. This is a great option as column stills are known for their ability to create a neutral spirit with a high ABV which is ideal for flavoring.
The Standard is a great option for those who want to take their moonshine to the next level but need an option that is straightforward to use. The Standard is an electric still which means you can set your temperature easily and don’t have to worry about using your stovetop or heat plate.
The Standard produces a great tasting shine with high ABV. With its reflux design, you can spend less time distilling and more time enjoying your moonshine.
The Standard features removable copper mesh to eliminate any sulphur from your shine. This makes a better tasting (and smelling) shine!
The Standard does double duty as both a still and a fermentor. This means less equipment for you to buy and store. It really is a great option for anyone who is serious about their shine.
What are Gin Baskets?
Gin baskets get their name from the botanicals which are used to give gin its signature flavor. Of course, you can use a gin basket in a pot still but you may need a DIY version.
Get our DIY Gin Basket guide here.
Flavoring Shine After you Distill
Flavoring shine after you distill is a great option for those who want a strong flavor (similar to a liqueur). Using this method you can also favor one run of your shine in many different ways. This is a great way to stock your home bar for a great price.
Flavoring shine after you distill is also a very simple process. For most recipes, it requires nothing more than a simple syrup and fresh ingredients. With this in mind, the options for flavors are really endless. It also lends itself well to making your favorite cocktails with moonshine.
To Flavor your moonshine after you distill simply add your simple syrup and fresh ingredients (such as fruit) to a mason jar and fill the rest of the jar with moonshine. Allow to infuse for anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on the flavor desired. Once you have reached your desired flavor simply drain the jar and dispose of the solids.
Sparkling Snow Fall Cocktail Recipe
To make a sparkling snow fall you will need vanilla moonshine. Vanilla moonshine can be made easily by infusing your moonshine after you distill. Alternatively, you can also simply add regular moonshine and a ½ oz of vanilla syrup.
The Sparkling Snow Fall is both indulgent and decadent. It is the perfect offering for a winter get together, girls night out (or in) or to treat yourself.
The Sparkling Snow Fall includes peppermint syrup. If you cannot find peppermint syrup or find it too costly, you also have the option to infuse your moonshine with mint and add vanilla extract or syrup instead of peppermint.
This recipe also calls for luster dust. This is a really cool way to add sparkle and elegance to any drink. Of course, it is completely optional.
