Unflavored moonshine: 750ml – Use a commercially produced, unflavored moonshine as the base.
Fresh strawberries: 1 pound, hulled and halved – For the infusion.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup – Adjust based on desired sweetness.
Water: 1 cup – For making simple syrup.
Lemon zest: From 1 lemon – Optional, for added flavor.
Instructions
Prepare Simple Syrup:
Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
Infuse the Moonshine:
Place the hulled and halved strawberries in a large, sealable glass jar.
Pour the unflavored moonshine over the strawberries. Add lemon zest if using, for extra flavor.
Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to mix.
Let It Infuse:
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-7 days. The longer you let it infuse, the stronger the strawberry flavor will be. Shake the jar gently once a day to mix the flavors.
Add Simple Syrup:
After the infusion period, taste the moonshine and add the cooled simple syrup to the jar according to your desired sweetness. Start with a small amount, shake well, taste, and adjust as needed.
Final Strain:
Once the desired flavor and sweetness are achieved, strain the moonshine through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all the strawberry pieces and any sediment. You may strain it twice for a clearer liquid.
Bottle and Store:
Transfer the strained moonshine into clean, sealable bottles. Label the bottles with the date and contents.
Store the strawberry moonshine in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate it.
Serve:
Enjoy your Strawberry Infused Moonshine chilled, on its own, or use it as a base for cocktails. It can also be a unique, homemade gift for friends and family.