Sip the Sunshine: An Easy Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine Recipe

Introduction

There’s something magical about the first real taste of summer. For me, it’s not just the warmth on my skin; it’s the sound of ice clinking in a glass and the promise of something refreshingly sweet and tart. This Easy Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine recipe was born on one such perfect afternoon. I wanted to capture that classic, nostalgic flavor of a roadside lemonade stand but with a spirited, grown-up twist that would make a gathering feel special. The result is a brilliantly pink, sun-kissed concoction that’s as fun to make as it is to share. It’s not just a drink; it’s a bottled-up summer memory.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine

• Incredibly Simple to Make: No complex distilling or fancy equipment required. If you can stir a pot, you can make this moonshine.

• The Perfect Party Starter: This vibrant, homemade spirit is a guaranteed conversation piece that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

• A Taste of Pure Summer: The combination of sun-ripened strawberry sweetness and sharp, zesty lemon is an instant mood-lifter.

• A Thoughtful, Handcrafted Gift: Bottled in mason jars with a ribbon, it makes a uniquely personal gift for holidays, birthdays, or hostess presents.

A Surprising Fan

I’ll never forget the raised eyebrow from my friend Mark, a self-proclaimed whiskey purist, when I handed him a jar of this pink-hued “moonshine.” He took a skeptical sip, then a longer, more appreciative one. “Wow,” he said, genuinely surprised. “This is dangerously smooth. It actually tastes like real strawberries, not candy.” His seal of approval from a usually tough critic cemented this recipe’s place in my permanent rotation.

What Makes It Special

This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core components.

• Fresh Strawberry Puree: Using a puree made from fresh or frozen strawberries, rather than a pre-made syrup or artificial flavoring, gives this moonshine an authentic, fruity depth that’s both vibrant and natural.

• The Bright Zing of Lemonade: The tart, citrusy backbone of good lemonade cuts through the sweetness and complements the berries perfectly, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile.

• High-Proof Grain Alcohol: A neutral spirit like Everclear acts as a blank canvas, allowing the pure strawberry and lemon flavors to shine through without the oaky or smoky notes of other alcohols.

Making It Happen: Crafting Your Moonshine

This process is wonderfully straightforward. Begin by placing a large stockpot on the stovetop and bringing your water to a rolling boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is when you’ll add the sugar and lemonade. Stir patiently until every last grain of sugar has completely dissolved into the liquid, creating a perfectly clear, sweet base. It’s crucial to now remove the pot entirely from the heat. This next step is important: slowly pour in the clear grain alcohol, stirring steadily as you go to incorporate it smoothly.

Now for the star of the show: the strawberry puree. For the best texture, you might want to strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve as you add it to the pot to remove any larger seeds, but this is optional based on your preference. Stir everything together until the mixture achieves a gorgeous, uniform pink hue and your desired consistency. Finally, carefully ladle your finished moonshine into clean mason jars or bottles, seal them tightly, and let the magic happen in the refrigerator.

You Must Know: Tips for Success

• Patience is a Virtue: Do not skip the 24-hour curing time! This resting period allows the flavors to meld and mellow beautifully, transforming it from good to exceptional.

• Safety First: Always remove your pot from the heat source before adding the high-proof alcohol to ensure safety.

• Taste as You Go: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and lemonade, you may want to adjust the sugar slightly. Add a little at a time after incorporating the alcohol.

• Quality In, Quality Out: The better your lemonade (freshly squeezed is amazing!), the better your final product will taste.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine straight from the fridge in chilled mason jars or over a tall glass of ice. For a longer, spritzy drink, top it off with a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda. It’s the perfect poolside sipper, a fantastic base for a summer punch, or a delightful pairing with grilled desserts like pound cake or peach shortcake.

Make It Different: Customize Your Brew

• Berry Blast: Substitute the strawberry puree with an equal amount of mashed raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend.

• Herbal Twist: Add a few fresh basil or mint leaves to each jar before bottling for a sophisticated herbal note.

• Spicy Kick: For a surprising twist, add 1-2 thinly sliced jalapeños to the pot when you add the strawberry puree.

• Lower-Proof Option: While it changes the character, you can substitute a high-quality vodka for the Everclear for a less potent version.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage: Your moonshine will keep beautifully in sealed bottles or jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen over the first week.
Reheating: This is a chilled drink meant to be served cold. There is no need to reheat it.

Final Success Tips

The key to a crystal-clear moonshine is straining. If you want a super smooth finish without any sediment, consider straining the final mixture through a cheesecloth-lined funnel as you bottle it. Always label your jars with the date they were made!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just thaw them completely before pureeing.

Q: How strong is this moonshine?
A: The alcohol content is quite high. It is meant to be sipped slowly or diluted with ice or mixer. Please enjoy responsibly.

Q: How long does it need to “cure” before drinking?
A: A minimum of 24 hours is required for the flavors to meld, but waiting 3-5 days will yield an even smoother, more harmonious result.

Q: Can I use store-bought lemonade?
A: Yes, you can. For the best flavor, choose a high-quality, not-from-concentrate brand, or even a freshly squeezed option from the refrigerated section of your grocery store.

Q: Where can I find Everclear?
A: Availability of high-proof grain alcohol varies by state and country laws. Check your local liquor store, but be aware it may not be available everywhere. A high-proof vodka is the next best option.

Recipe Card: Easy Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (plus 24 hours curing time)
Category: Drink
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 1/2 gallon

Ingredients

• 4 cups lemonade

• 8 cups water

• 5 cups 190-proof grain alcohol (like Everclear)

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)

Instructions

1. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.

2. Add the sugar and lemonade. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Remove the pot from the heat.

4. Carefully pour in the grain alcohol, stirring until the mixture is well combined.

5. If desired, strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Add the puree to the pot and stir until fully incorporated and the liquid is a consistent pink color.

6. Using a funnel, carefully pour the moonshine into clean mason jars or bottles. Seal tightly.

7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

• For a less potent version, high-proof vodka can be substituted for Everclear.

• The longer the moonshine cures in the fridge (up to a week), the smoother and more flavorful it becomes.

Allergy info: Alcohol, Strawberries
Nutrition: (Approximate per 1 oz serving) Calories: 80; Fat: 0g; Carbohydrates: 8g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 0g.