Sugar Shine Recipe

sugar shine

Interested in making moonshine but need an easy start? Check out our sugar shine recipe! 

 

There are many different options for mash recipes when making moonshine. While most hard core shiners like to use grain-based or fruit based recipes, there is another, much simpler, alternative. This option is called sugar shine. 

This type of wash is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort to come up with good results. It is actually a sugar based wash so it means that is a mixture of plain water and raw, brown or white sugar. Hence, this wash contains sugars that are ready for fermentation without the need for additional processes such as mating and mashing.

This type of method is widely used by most home brewers due because it is easy to prepare and takes less time and effort.

 

The Best Type of Sugar for Making Sugar Shine

 

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Since sugar wash is widely used in distilling moonshine, you have to know the major fermentable sugars that can be used in brewing your own beverage at home.

These sugars are glucose, maltose, sucrose and fructose that are accessible and can be fermented readily.

The main kinds of sugars that are being used in the process are raw sugar, white sugar, castor sugar, and brown sugar.

Corn sugar, also known as dextrose, is commonly used in moonshine production for its various benefits.

Unlike other sugars, corn sugar can add natural carbonation to moonshine without adding sweetness, making it perfect for those who prefer a drier and more refined finish.

 

Additionally, corn sugar has the ability to raise the alcohol level of the moonshine, resulting in a higher proof product without compromising its taste.

 

Furthermore, using corn sugar can also help reduce the body of the moonshine, giving it a lighter and smoother texture.

In the fermentation process, corn sugar can be used as a sugar wash due to its neutral flavor. This means that it will not affect the overall taste of the moonshine, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. This makes it an ideal option for those looking to create a clean and pure distillation.

 

Overall, the use of corn sugar in moonshine production offers a myriad of benefits, from natural carbonation and increased alcohol level to its neutral flavor and ability to aid fermentation.

 

This makes it a popular choice for distillers looking to create high-quality moonshine with a smooth and refined finish.

 

Why Use Corn Sugar for Moonshine?

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Moonshiners often use corn sugar as a key ingredient in their recipes for making moonshine. Corn sugar, also known as dextrose, is a popular choice due to its ability to efficiently ferment, resulting in a higher alcohol yield.

 

Dextrose for Moonshine 

 

This type of sugar is also readily available and affordable, making it a practical option for home distillers.

 

Corn sugar is known for producing a smoother and cleaner tasting moonshine compared to other types of sugar, making it a preferred choice for those who want a better quality product.

 

Beyond its practical benefits, corn sugar is also favored for its ability to create a more refined and palatable final product, making it a go-to ingredient for moonshiners looking for a high-quality end result.

Cost-effective option

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Sugar brews are considered a cost-effective option compared to malt bases in the fermenting process due to their simplicity and reduced labor intensity. When it comes to producing alcohol, sugar fermenting requires less complexity and time than using malt bases.

 

Sugar fermenting involves a straightforward process of dissolving sugar in water and adding yeast, whereas malt bases require mashing, sparging, and boiling the grains, which can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming.

 

The reduced labor intensity in sugar fermenting results in lower production costs as it requires fewer man-hours and reduces the overall energy consumption during the process. This simplicity also means that less equipment is needed for sugar brews, further decreasing production costs.

Overall, the less complex and labor-intensive nature of sugar fermenting makes it a more cost-effective option for alcohol production. It not only reduces the time and effort needed for the fermenting process but also leads to lower production costs, making sugar brews a favorable choice for those looking to maximize cost-efficiency in their alcohol production.

 

Corn Sugar is More Affordable Compared to Other Types of Sugars

 

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Corn sugar, also known as corn syrup, is a widely used sweetener in the food and beverage industry due to its affordability. Compared to other types of sugars such as cane sugar or honey, corn sugar is more cost-effective, making it a popular choice for manufacturers looking to keep production costs down.

Its versatility and relatively lower price make it a favored ingredient in a wide range of products, from soda and candy to baked goods and processed foods.

 

High Fermentable Sugar Content

 

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High fermentable sugar content in brewing refers to the presence of sugars that can be easily fermented by yeast to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Examples of high fermentable sugars commonly used in brewing include sucrose, glucose, and fructose. These sugars contribute to the brewing process by providing a ready source of fermentable material for yeast to convert into alcohol during fermentation.

The impact of high fermentable sugars on fermentation includes a higher alcohol content in the final brew, as well as a drier finish. This can also affect the taste and mouthfeel of the brew, with a crisper and lighter body.

On the other hand, high fermentable sugars can potentially result in a thinner and less complex mouthfeel, as well as a sharper and more alcoholic taste.

The benefits of using high fermentable sugars in brewing include increased alcohol content and a drier finish, which can be desirable in certain styles of beer. However, there are potential drawbacks such as a lack of complexity and body in the brew, as well as a harsher alcoholic taste.

Overall, the use of high fermentable sugars in fermentation can significantly impact the taste, mouthfeel, and overall characteristics of the final brew.

Molasses Can Also Be Used To Make Sugar Shine

 

molasses to make moonshine

 

Other types of ingredients that can be used as a substitute for sugar are molasses. Molasses are a derivative of processing grapes, sugar beets or sugar cane into table sugar.

This is the main ingredient that is used in making rum, but it is usually mixed with raw sugar even though it can be used alone in the fermentation process.

 

The rationale behind this is that molasses have a very strong flavor so mixing it with raw sugar can make it suitable for use with essences. This type of wash must be distilled to pure alcohol to eliminate some of its strong flavors.

 

However, molasses is recommended in rum making and this can be purchased in many suppliers in rural areas in amounts of 20kg buckets.

 

Dextrose Can Also Be Used To Make Sugar Shine

Another key ingredient in making sugar wash is dextrose. It is an excellent kind of fermentable sugar that has become so popular over the years. It is widely available and can be bought at home brewing suppliers in your locality.

The only downside with this ingredient is that it is more expensive compared to other types of sugar such as white and raw sugar. But then, the cost is all worth it because many distillers tell that it is more ideal to use with spirit essences considering its taste and odor after fermentation and distillation.

Fruits and Vegetables Can Also Contain Lots Of Sugar

Surprisingly, even fruits and vegetables can be used to come up with a distilled alcoholic beverage. Example of natural food products that can be used are plums, apples, pears, berries, potatoes and many others. This is most perfect if they are in season because you will never have a hard time finding these. These food products contain sugar that is readily fermentable so it is very convenient to use.

 

Check out the Top 5 Fruit Mash Recipes

 

 

Choosing the Right Yeast For Your Sugar Shine

It must be noted that good quality turbo or distillers yeast must be used because these types have high alcohol tolerance compared to ordinary varieties.

 

Using excellent yeast variety will let you ferment your sugar wash and come up with the best outcomes such as alcohol strength of about 20%.

 

If you cannot find these kinds of yeasts in the market, what you can do is to modify your mixture into 4 liters of water to 1 kg of sugar.

Also, you can make use of Lalvin or EC-1118 which is a type of winemaking yeast in the absence of turbo yeast. One variety you should avoid is baker’s yeast because it has the weakest alcohol tolerance.

How to Make Your Own Sugar Shine

 

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In general, there are two ways on how you can prepare for a sugar shine.

The first method is by using processed sugar for making a true sugar wash and the other one involves the use of natural products such as fruits and vegetables.

To make your sugar shine, you will need a fermentation  vessel.  Fermentation barrels are easier to use than other devices because they are specially designed with a one-way-valve, they can be sealed tight with ease and many have a false bottom that keeps your foods from making contact with the barrel’s base

 

The Easiest Moonshine Still You Will Ever Use 

 

The Moonshine Cherry is a compact still that is easy to assemble and operate. Its plug and play design means all you need to do is set your temperature and start distilling. Its internal cooling fan means there is no need for an external water source.

This makes it the ideal option for your boat, cottage, trailer or for any option where there is little access to water.  Making moonshine has never been easier. 

 

 

The Moonshine Cherry Duo is ideal for making sugar shine because of its combination of a simple to use fermenter and distiller. It is a great option for those looking for a simple option for making quality moonshine from the comfort of home.  

 

    How to Make Your Own Sugar Wash Using Fruits or Vegetables

     

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    One way to come up with a sugar wash is to use natural products such as vegetables and fruits.

    In this method, you will need to use juice extractor; a blender or a cider press to extract the juice that has the sugar content.

    Packed juices can be used as long as it has no preservatives as they may destroy the yeast. If you are buying fruit juice, you have to make sure that you buy fruit juice and not fruit drink.

    The alcohol strength that you can obtain from these wash depends on the type of ingredient that you use. If you use apples, it is possible to obtain 5-7% alcohol strength. For better results, you can also add sugars such as white and raw sugar.

     

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