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Watermelon Moonshine

Watermelon Moonshine - recipe card
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This refreshing homemade Watermelon Moonshine combines fresh watermelon juice with high-proof vodka or moonshine for a sweet, potent summer sipper. The bright fruit flavor is balanced with a touch of simple syrup, making it dangerously smooth and perfect for backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh watermelon juice (from about 2 pounds seedless watermelon)
  • 1 cup high-proof vodka or moonshine (100 proof recommended)
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  • Optional: fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the watermelon juice: cut the watermelon into cubes, removing rind and seeds. Place cubes in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing on solids to extract all juice. Discard pulp. This step ensures a clear, pulp-free drink.
  2. Make simple syrup: combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves completely, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. This syrup incorporates evenly without gritty texture.
  3. Combine the chilled watermelon juice with the cooled simple syrup and the high-proof vodka or moonshine in a large pitcher. Stir thoroughly to mix. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, adding more simple syrup by the tablespoon.
  4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and to thoroughly chill. The longer it rests, the more the flavors integrate.
  5. Serve over ice, garnished with a fresh mint sprig or a small wedge of watermelon. Stir before pouring as natural separation may occur. Enjoy responsibly.

Notes

Store any leftover moonshine in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The alcohol content preserves the mixture. For a fermented watermelon shine, you can add champagne yeast to a sugar-watermelon mixture and ferment for 7-10 days, though that requires careful sanitization and an airlock. This recipe is intended for immediate consumption as a cocktail.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/watermelon-moonshine/