How to Make Root Beer Moonshine?

Page Contents

How to Make Root Beer Moonshine: A Guide to Bootleg Brew

Making root beer moonshine involves fermenting a base of sugar, water, and yeast, then adding root beer extract to achieve the characteristic flavor and distilling the mixture to increase the alcohol content; it’s essential to understand that distillation without proper licensing is illegal in many jurisdictions and can be dangerous.

The Allure of Homemade Moonshine

The mystique surrounding moonshine is undeniable. For generations, its production has represented a rebellion against authority, a celebration of ingenuity, and a test of skill. While the legal landscape surrounding distillation has evolved, the desire to create potent homemade spirits persists. Root beer moonshine offers a unique twist on traditional moonshine, combining the nostalgic flavor of root beer with the fiery kick of high-proof alcohol. Remember, however, that distilling alcohol at home without the proper permits is illegal in many countries and can pose significant health risks if done improperly. This article is for informational purposes only.

Understanding the Legality and Safety

Legality: Federal, state, and local laws regulate alcohol production. Violating these laws can result in substantial fines, imprisonment, and equipment seizure. Always research and comply with the regulations in your area.
Safety: Moonshine production involves flammable materials and can create harmful byproducts like methanol, which can cause blindness or death. Proper distillation equipment and techniques are crucial for removing these toxins. Even then, the risk is ever-present.

The Essential Ingredients

Creating root beer moonshine requires careful selection of ingredients. Quality ingredients translate to a smoother, more flavorful finished product (though nothing can truly make illegally made moonshine “safe”).

Sugar: A simple sugar, such as granulated white sugar or corn sugar (dextrose), provides the fermentable sugars for the yeast to consume.
Water: Use filtered or spring water to avoid introducing contaminants that can affect the fermentation process.
Yeast: Turbo yeast is often used because it is more tolerant of higher alcohol concentrations, but distiller’s yeast can also be used.
Root Beer Extract: This ingredient is crucial for imparting the characteristic root beer flavor. Choose a high-quality extract for the best results.
Optional Ingredients: Flavor enhancers such as vanilla extract, molasses, or spices (e.g., cinnamon, cloves) can add complexity to the flavor profile.

The Fermentation Process: The Sweet Start

Fermentation is where the magic happens – where sugar transforms into alcohol.

Sanitize Equipment: Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment (fermenter, airlock, etc.) to prevent unwanted bacteria from contaminating the batch.
Prepare the Wash: Dissolve the sugar in warm water. The ratio of sugar to water will determine the final alcohol content. A common starting point is 1.5-2 pounds of sugar per gallon of water.
Cool the Wash: Allow the sugar water to cool to a temperature suitable for the yeast (around 70-80°F).
Pitch the Yeast: Add the yeast to the cooled wash. Some yeasts may require rehydration before pitching.
Seal and Ferment: Seal the fermenter with an airlock to allow carbon dioxide to escape while preventing air from entering. Ferment in a cool, dark place for several days to a week, or until fermentation ceases (bubbling stops).

The Distillation Process: A Risky Venture

Warning: Distilling alcohol is illegal without the appropriate permits. This section is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of illegal activities.

Set Up the Still: Ensure your still is properly assembled and connected to a cooling system.
Fill the Still: Carefully pour the fermented wash into the still.
Heat the Still: Apply heat to the still, gradually increasing the temperature until alcohol vapors begin to rise.
Collect the Foreshots: Discard the first portion of the distillate (foreshots), as it contains harmful substances like methanol.
Collect the Heads: Collect the next portion (heads) separately. This fraction contains undesirable flavors and should be discarded or saved for redistillation.
Collect the Hearts: This is the desired fraction – the “hearts” – which contains the purest alcohol and the best flavors.
Collect the Tails: Collect the final portion (tails) separately. This fraction contains heavier, less desirable compounds.
Dilute and Flavor: Dilute the distilled spirit to the desired proof with distilled water. Add root beer extract to taste, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired flavor intensity.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Poor Sanitation: Failure to properly sanitize equipment can lead to infections that ruin the batch. Always sanitize everything thoroughly.
Incorrect Temperature Control: Maintaining the proper temperature during fermentation and distillation is crucial for optimal results. Monitor temperature closely.
Poor Cuts: Failing to make proper cuts (discarding foreshots, heads, and tails) can result in a harsh, unpleasant spirit. Practice making careful cuts.
Using Inferior Ingredients: Low-quality ingredients can compromise the final product’s flavor and purity. Always use high-quality ingredients.

Safety Measures during Distillation

Distillation can be incredibly dangerous, if done, follow these guidelines.

Ensure you have adequate ventilation and make sure your working area is well-ventilated.
Never leave a working still unattended.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Never distill near flammable materials.
Use a thermometer to closely monitor the temperature of the still.
Do not smoke or use open flames near the still.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of still should I use?

The type of still you use depends on your desired purity and flavor profile. Pot stills are generally used for producing whiskeys and brandies, as they retain more of the original flavor. Reflux stills are used for producing neutral spirits like vodka, as they provide a cleaner, higher-proof distillate. Again, remember that distilling alcohol at home without the proper permits is illegal in many countries.

How do I know when fermentation is complete?

Fermentation is complete when the airlock stops bubbling and the specific gravity of the wash remains stable for several days. A hydrometer is used to measure the specific gravity.

What is the purpose of making “cuts” during distillation?

Making cuts involves separating the distillate into different fractions (foreshots, heads, hearts, and tails). This process is essential for removing harmful substances and undesirable flavors, resulting in a cleaner, smoother spirit.

How much root beer extract should I add?

The amount of root beer extract to add depends on the concentration of the extract and your personal preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired flavor intensity.

How long should I age the root beer moonshine?

Aging is not typically required for root beer moonshine, as the root beer flavor is added after distillation. However, aging on oak chips or staves can impart additional flavor and complexity.

What is “proofing” the moonshine?

Proofing refers to adjusting the alcohol content of the distilled spirit to the desired level. This is typically done by diluting the spirit with distilled water.

Can I use other types of sugar besides white sugar?

Yes, you can use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar, molasses, or corn sugar. However, these sugars will impart different flavors to the final product.

Is it safe to drink homemade moonshine?

Homemade moonshine can be dangerous if not produced properly. It can contain harmful substances like methanol, which can cause blindness or death. Distillation should only be performed by experienced individuals using proper equipment and techniques. Furthermore, distilling alcohol at home without the proper permits is illegal in many countries.

How can I prevent the moonshine from being too harsh?

Making careful cuts, using high-quality ingredients, and filtering the final product can help prevent the moonshine from being too harsh. Aging also helps mellow out the flavors.

What type of yeast is best for making moonshine?

Turbo yeast is often used because it is more tolerant of higher alcohol concentrations, but distiller’s yeast can also be used. The choice of yeast can affect the flavor profile of the final product.

How can I filter the moonshine?

Filtering the moonshine can remove impurities and improve its clarity. Activated carbon filters are commonly used for this purpose.

Can I add carbonation to my root beer moonshine?

Adding carbonation to moonshine is not recommended, as it can create a dangerous explosion hazard. The high alcohol content can interfere with the carbonation process, resulting in inconsistent and potentially unstable carbonation levels. Also, adding this can damage the integrity of the final product.