The Sweetest Honey Moonshine
Are you looking for a great tasting and easy to make moonshine recipe? Well we have the perfect option for you: honey moonshine.
Many of those who are new to moonshining enjoy making sugar shine because it is simple to make, low cost and a great base shine for flavoring. However, those who want a simple recipe that will yield a great tasting shine have a great option in a close relative of sugar: honey.
The Buzz Around Honey Shine
Honey moonshine, also known as ‘honeyshine’ is a moonshine with a reputation for being a hit with moonshine enthusiasts as well as those who simply enjoy a great tasting spirit. Honey shine is a close relative of sugar shine, but it has some marked differences.
While both honey moonshine and sugar shine are fairly easy to make and the mash requires no conversion (since it is all sugar) one major difference is in the price.
While sugar shine can be made for a relatively low cost, honey is one of the most expensive ingredients you can use to make a mash. In fact, the large amount of honey in this recipe (1 Gallon) can cost upwards of $50.
We suggest making friends with a local bee farmer to get the best price possible and of course to support local.
Honey Moonshine is a delightful, sip-worthy drink best enjoyed on a covered porch as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the evening. This smooth concoction captures the essence of mead, with its sweet, honeyed flavor, making it a perfect way to unwind after a long day.
To craft Honey Moonshine, start with high-quality local honey, ideally harvested in late spring to early summer when floral sources are abundant. Mixing honey with water and a touch of yeast during fermentation transforms the raw ingredients into a golden elixir. For those who prefer a sweeter sip, simply adjust the honey quantity to taste, allowing for a personalized experience.
While honey shine may be a costly endeavor, it is not one without merit. In fact, honey shine is recognized as a delicious spirit all on its own.
While sugar shine does not need to be fractionated, honey shine will need to be fractionated just like a typical grain mash. It also should be aged for about two weeks using oak chips. Taking these few extra steps are important to make sure that the investment you made in your honey will result in a delicious tasting moonshine.
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine is a homemade liquor that people used to make secretly, especially during Prohibition when the government said no alcohol. It was a way for folks, especially those in tough times, to make some money. Think of it as a survival gig gone wild!
Over time, moonshine became more than just a way to pay the bills. It was like a big "middle finger" to the government and a proud symbol of American ingenuity. People got really good at making it, experimenting with different flavors, and turning it into a kind of craft. It's like a piece of American history, you know?
Things changed when Prohibition ended and legal distilleries popped up. But guess what? Moonshine didn't disappear. A bunch of craft distillers started making legal moonshine, keeping the old traditions alive but with a modern twist. It's pretty cool how something that started as an illegal thing is now celebrated as part of our country's story.
The Right Still Makes all the Difference
Investing in a quality still is also an important ‘ingredient’ in making a great tasting moonshine. After all, you can’t make a great honeyshine if your still is too difficult or complicated to use. In addition to finding a still that is easy to operate, it is also important to have a still that uses quality parts.
We love The Standard. Superior build, materials and its even electric! That means you can set and control your temperature easily. Making quality shine has never been easier.
In addition to its smart design, this still also does double duty as both a fermentor and a still saving you both money and space in the kitchen.
The Standard has everything you need to get started on your first run including a rigid multi-purpose barrel, a distillation tower, cheesecloth, a water pump, and a hydrometer!
Which Yeast is Best?
While good things come to those who wait, when it comes to honey shine it may just test your patience.
Honey shine is known for taking its sweet time to ferment. This means that it can take about two weeks for your mash to ferment with ‘regular’ yeast. However, there is always an option to use ‘Turbo Yeast’. Turbo yeast is basically a combination of yeast and nutrients that is designed to accelerate the fermentation process.
While the choice to use turbo yeast or not is ultimately up to the individual distiller, many believe the age-old comment of ‘it can be fast or good, but not both.’
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Many seasoned distillers will develop their own nutrient mix that they add to their yeast. There are many different versions of ‘DIY turbo yeast.’
How Honey Enhances the Flavor Profile
Honey plays a pivotal role in enhancing the flavor profile of cocktails and moonshine, providing a natural sweetness that balances bold flavors. In classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, honey can be used in place of sugar, lending a rich, floral note that complements the whiskey's complexity. Its smooth texture and nuanced flavors elevate the drink, creating a harmonious blend.
In recipes like Hot Pepper Honey Moonshine, honey serves as an exquisite sweetening agent that not only enriches the spirit's natural sweetness but also beautifully balances the heat from the peppers.
The versatility of honey allows it to harmonize with a variety of ingredients, making it a staple in both cocktails and mead. Its unique characteristics ensure that each sip is a delightful experience, whether you're savoring the warmth of spice or the depth of whiskey.
Popular Mixers for Honey Moonshine
When crafting cocktails with Honey Moonshine, a range of mixers can enhance its sweet and citrusy flavors, drawing on both traditional and contemporary choices
Lemonade is a classic option that complements the honey notes beautifully, creating a refreshing drink reminiscent of pre-Prohibition saloons. The sweet and tart balance enhances the flavor profile, making it an ideal summer sip.Ginger ale adds a sparkling spice that plays well with Honey Moonshine, providing effervescence and complexity. This combination is often found in modern craft cocktails, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Iced tea, particularly sweetened varieties, offers a southern charm, harking back to the days when homemade brews were shared among friends. It brings a smoothness that tempers the spirit's strength.
For a contemporary twist, sparkling water or club soda lightens the drink and allows the honey flavor to shine, perfect for those seeking a low-calorie option.
Each mixer selected not only complements Honey Moonshine but also enhances the overall drinking experience, showcasing how cocktails can bridge history and innovation through flavor.
