Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sanitize every piece of equipment that will touch the mash using hot water or a commercial sanitizer before starting.
- Chop or crush 5 to 6 pounds of fresh fruit into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces, discarding any damaged parts.
- Heat 1 gallon of filtered water to 170°F (77°C) in a large pot, then remove from heat and add the prepared fruit.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature (70°F/21°C), then stir in 3 to 4 pounds of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient, 1/2 teaspoon acid blend, and 1/2 teaspoon pectic enzyme.
- Measure the specific gravity of the cooled mixture with a hydrometer and record the starting gravity.
- Rehydrate the yeast in warm water at around 70°F (21°C) for 15 minutes, then pitch it into the mash.
- Transfer the mash to the sanitized carboy, leaving 2 to 3 inches of headspace, install the airlock half-filled with water, and let ferment.
- Allow primary fermentation at 65–75°F (18–24°C) for 3 to 4 weeks, monitoring airlock activity until bubbling stops.
- Once fermentation is complete, use sanitized tubing to rack clear liquid off sediment into a clean carboy.
- Let the racked spirit rest undisturbed for 5 to 7 days to allow remaining particles to settle.
- Filter the clear moonshine through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into sterilized glass bottles and seal tightly.
- Age the bottled moonshine in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Moonshine tastes best served ice-cold or mixed in cocktails after aging for at least two weeks.
