Peach Moonshine
INGREDIENTS
- 12 cups peach juice
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 12 peaches, peeled and quartered
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks (optional)
- 4 cloves (optional)
- 1 vanilla bean
- 750 ml Everclear (190 proof grain alcohol)
- 750 ml peach schnapps
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Peach Base: In a large stockpot, combine the peach juice, brown sugar, quartered peaches, cinnamon sticks, and cloves (if using). Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the peaches are soft and the liquid has thickened slightly. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down on the peaches to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and transfer the peach liquid to a clean container.
Infuse with Spirits: Stir in the Everclear and peach schnapps until well combined. The addition of these spirits not only enhances the flavor but also acts as a preservative.
Bottle and Age: Pour the peach moonshine into clean, sterilised jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids. Seal the jars or bottles and store them in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks to allow the flavors to meld together and mellow.
VIDEO HOW-TO
NOTES
After ageing, your peach moonshine is ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled over ice for a refreshing sip or get creative and use it in cocktails to elevate your mixology game.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Peach Moonshine chilled over ice in mason jars or cocktail glasses for a refreshing and delightful experience.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh peach or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.
- Use Peach Moonshine as a base for cocktails such as Peach Moonshine Lemonade, Peach Moonshine Sangria, or Peach Moonshine Bellini.
- Enjoy Peach Moonshine as a standalone sipper or pair it with your favorite Southern dishes for a true taste of the South.
Tips:
- Experiment with different varieties of peaches to find the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity for your Peach Moonshine.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add more for a sweeter moonshine or reduce it for a less sweet flavor.
- For a smoother finish, consider straining the peach mixture multiple times through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids.
- Store Peach Moonshine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its flavor and potency. It can be stored for several months to allow the flavors to develop further.
