Crafting A Cherry Moonshine Recipe: A DIY Journey from Orchard to Glass (2024)

Crafting Cherry Moonshine: A Guide to Sweet and Tart Homemade Delights

Hey there! I’m Justin from Moonshine How To, and today we’re diving into the delightful world of making cherry moonshine.

Whether you’re a seasoned moonshiner or just curious about crafting your own spirited beverages, this guide is tailored just for you.

The Two Roads to Cherry Moonshine

Ever wondered about the best way to utilize cherries in your moonshine? Well, ponder no more! We’re exploring two methods today: using natural cherries and opting for the convenience of frozen cherries.

Both have their perks, and I’m here to walk you through each step, ensuring your moonshine turns out just perfect.

Prepping Your Potion

Let’s kick things off with our base – a simple syrup concoction. We start with filtered water and sugar in the raw, creating a sweet foundation that’s just begging for that cherry twist.

Once the sugar dissolves, we introduce 100% natural cherry juice into the mix. It might seem like a sugar overload at first glance, but trust me, it’s the perfect ratio for what we’re brewing.

Cooling with Cherries

For those of you leaning towards the frozen cherry route, here’s a quick tip: add them to your simple syrup to cool it down faster.

Not only does this step infuse your syrup with a deeper cherry flavor, but it also speeds up the process, allowing you to move on to the next exciting phase quicker.

As for my personal touch, I prefer using a ladle with holes to distribute the cherries evenly into quart jars before pouring in the juice. It’s all about getting that perfect balance of fruit and liquid.

The Moonshine Magic

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – adding the moonshine! I’m a fan of 100 proof for that robust kick, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.

Remember, once we add the moonshine, the proof is essentially halved, giving us a 50 proof concoction. This is where you can get creative, tweaking the recipe with more water, cherry juice, or moonshine to suit your palate.

Don’t forget to label your creations, especially if they’re destined to be gifts. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds a personal flair to your homemade moonshine.

Cherry Pitting: A Family Affair

Admittedly, I’m no expert at pitting cherries, but luckily, I’ve got backup. With a little help, we demonstrate an easy way to pit cherries without turning your kitchen into a crime scene.

Whether you’re using a blade or your trusty fingernails, the goal is to remove those pits without sacrificing any cherries in the process.

And why bother with pitting? Well, cherry pits can be toxic, and we’re not about fermenting anything that’s even remotely poisonous.

The Final Stretch

After dividing the simple syrup and adding our moonshine, it’s all about patience. This tart concoction isn’t for the faint of heart, but it promises a unique blend of flavors that’s well worth the wait.

Store your jars in a cool, dry place, give them a gentle shake daily, and let the magic happen for one to two weeks, or even up to six months if you can bear the anticipation.

Straining and Serving Suggestions

Once ready, you might notice the cherries losing their vibrant color, turning a ghostly white. This is your cue to strain them out. But don’t toss those soaked cherries!

They’re a fantastic addition to yogurt, cereal, ice cream, or simply as a boozy treat for your next adult gathering.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it – your guide to making cherry moonshine that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re sipping it in solitude or sharing it at your next soirée, this homemade brew is a testament to the art of moonshining.

Don’t forget to check out our blog for the full recipe and visit our sister channel for more DIY cooking and old-timey recipes. Here’s to enjoying the fruits of your labor – cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Cherry Moonshine?

The process of making cherry moonshine begins with gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment. You’d typically need cherries, sugar, yeast, and other ingredients depending on the specific recipe you are following.

The main steps include mashing the cherries, fermenting the mixture, and then distilling it to create moonshine. This DIY journey could be a fulfilling experience as you experiment with different cherry moonshine recipes to get the flavor and potency you desire.

What’s the Difference Between Cherry Brandy Moonshine and Cherry Moonshine?

Cherry brandy moonshine is a variant of cherry moonshine where brandy essence or actual brandy is used in the recipe to impart a distinct brandy flavor to the moonshine. It may require a slightly different process or additional steps compared to making plain cherry moonshine.

Both types of moonshine capture the essence of cherries, but cherry brandy moonshine has an additional layer of complexity and richness from the brandy.

How Long Do Moonshine Cherries Last?

The shelf life of moonshine cherries largely depends on the preparation method and storage conditions. If properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, they can last for several months or even longer.

Ensuring that the cherries are fully submerged in the moonshine and the container is airtight will help in preserving them for an extended period.

What is Tart Cherry Extract Good For in Cherry Moonshine Recipes?

Tart cherry extract can be a great addition to cherry moonshine recipes as it can enhance the cherry flavor and add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Moreover, tart cherry extract may impart a richer color to the moonshine.

This ingredient can be especially useful in recipes like cherry bounce moonshine or cherry pie moonshine where a pronounced cherry flavor is desired.

How to Make Cherry Bounce Moonshine Mash?

Creating a cherry bounce moonshine mash involves combining cherries with sugar, and sometimes additional ingredients like lemon zest or spices, and allowing this mixture to ferment. The mash is then distilled to produce cherry bounce moonshine.

This variant of cherry moonshine has a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tart, making it a delightful option for those looking to experiment beyond traditional cherry moonshine recipes.