Peach Moonshine is a delicious and flavorful homemade alcohol that captures the essence of ripe peaches. It is made using a few key ingredients and a simple process. Let's break down the components of this delightful beverage.
1. Peaches: The star ingredient of Peach Moonshine is, of course, peaches. Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe as they provide the best flavor. You can either use sliced peaches or puree them, depending on your preference. The natural sweetness and juiciness of the peaches will infuse the moonshine with their delightful taste.
2. Juice: To enhance the peach flavor and create a smooth base for the moonshine, you will need some juice. This can be peach juice, apple juice, or even orange juice. The choice of juice will depend on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. The juice acts as a liquid component and helps in extracting the flavors from the peaches during the boiling process.
3. Brown sugar: To sweeten the moonshine and add depth to its flavor, brown sugar is used. The molasses in brown sugar provides a rich caramel-like taste that complements the peaches beautifully. It is important to use brown sugar instead of white sugar as it adds complexity and a touch of warmth to the final product.
4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an optional ingredient but adds a delightful warmth and spice to the Peach Moonshine. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peaches and brown sugar, creating a comforting and aromatic flavor. If you're a fan of cinnamon, I highly recommend adding a couple of cinnamon sticks to the mixture during the boiling process.
5. Everclear: Everclear is a high-proof neutral grain alcohol that is commonly used in homemade moonshine recipes. It is essential for achieving the desired alcohol content in the Peach Moonshine. Everclear has a very high alcohol content, usually around 95% ABV (alcohol by volume), which ensures that the moonshine is potent and properly preserved. It is important to handle Everclear with caution and follow all safety guidelines when working with high-proof alcohol.
6. Peach Schnapps: Peach Schnapps is a peach-flavored liqueur that adds an extra burst of peachiness to the moonshine. It helps intensify the peach flavor and gives the final product a smooth and rounded taste. Peach Schnapps also contributes to the overall sweetness of the moonshine. It is important to note that Peach Schnapps is added after the mixture has cooled down to preserve its delicate flavors.
Now that we have discussed the ingredients, let's move on to the process of making Peach Moonshine. It begins with boiling the peaches, juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until the sugar has completely dissolved and the peaches have softened. This boiling process helps extract the flavors from the peaches and infuse them into the liquid.
Once the mixture has cooled down, it is time to add the Everclear and Peach Schnapps. It is crucial to wait until the mixture is cool to prevent the alcohol from evaporating and preserve the delicate flavors of the Peach Schnapps. Adding the alcohol at this stage ensures that the moonshine is properly infused with the peach flavors while maintaining its desired alcohol content.
After adding the alcohol, give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Then, transfer it into sterilized glass bottles or jars for storage. It is recommended to let the Peach Moonshine sit for a few weeks to allow the flavors to meld and mature. During this time, the moonshine will develop a smoother taste and become more enjoyable to drink.
Remember, homemade moonshine should be consumed responsibly and in moderation. It is important to be aware of the alcohol content and drink responsibly. Enjoy your homemade Peach Moonshine as a deliciously fruity and sweet treat on its own or mix it into cocktails for a unique twist.
Cheers to the wonderful world of homemade moonshine and the joy of creating flavorful beverages from scratch!