10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (2024)

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Do you find the art of moonshining interesting? Have you ever wondered how moonshiners make their stills and delicious products?

Well, I’m going to bring you some of the internet’s options for moonshine still plans, ideas, and also a few moonshine recipes.

However, it’s important to remember, you must have a license to make moonshine. If you don’t, you could have serious legal troubles.If incorrectly prepared, it could be poisonous, so please see this article for informational purposes only.

With this in mind, here’s the information you’ve been looking for when admiring the art of moonshining:

10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (1)

1. How Moonshine Works

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This is an informative article that gives you all the in’s and out’s of how to make moonshine and how the process works.

Though the graphic isn’t as detailed as some plans, it’ll give you a general idea of how a still can be put together to create the product.

2. Historical Moonshine Stills

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Are you into the history of moonshining? You’ll find this article interesting. It shows you historical moonshine stills for different types of liquors.

It’s fascinating to see what the old-timers used to make their product. You can also see how the stills varied based upon whether you were making whiskey or vodka, rum, or gin. There’s a great deal of know-how that had to go into the process for producing each.

3. Popcorn Sutton’s Moonshine Still

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If you’ve watched the show ‘Moonshiners’, you’ve probably heard the name,Popcorn Sutton. He was a backwoods celebrity known for the fantastic moonshine he created for many years.

Though this still doesn’t come with plans, you can have an up-close look at how he designed this still. The still pictured has since been sold for approximately $15,000.

4. The Reflux Still

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If you’re looking for detailed still plans, this could be it. This still is known as a Boka Reflux still. According to public opinion, it’s a great still for beginners because it’s easy to build at home.

This tutorial gives a detailed materials list and instructions to walk you through each step of the process. If you’ve filed the proper paperwork and have the government’s permission to distill liquor, this could be your starting point.

5. The Pressure Cooker Rum Distillery

Do you enjoy rum? If the answer is yes, you’ll love the idea of this homemade still. It uses a pressure cooker.

Though the details are more on how to make rum, you can still get a good idea of how they make the still by all of the pictures posted in the process. It looks like a neat DIY option for making homemade beverages.

6. Thumper and Slobber Boxes

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I love the television show ‘Moonshiners.’ If you’ve ever watched it, you’ve probably heard them talk about the thumper.

Well, this diagram shows you where a thumper or slobber box would go on your still. If you’re new to the idea of distilling spirits, these diagrams can be helpful.

7. Easy DIY Still

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When learning to be self-reliant, making your own liquor could be something which would slip the list. Well, not in this case.

The person who created this DIY still design did it with the intention of being more self-sustained. The plans have been clearly laid out with a materials list, and they still should be easy to build with only a few basic requirements.

8. Copper Pot Distiller

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Not everyone who sees a still wants to build their own. If you fit in this category, here’s a copper pot still available for purchase through eBay.com.

This is a gorgeous still which would catch the eye of anyone visiting your distilling location. If you’d like a classier option, this could be what you’ve been searching for.

9. Tabletop Moonshine Still

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This is another option where you can purchase a tabletop moonshine still. When some choose to distill alcohol, they don’t have a lot of working space.

In this case, you may choose to go with moonshine still which will fit on a table. It’s easy to use anda good place for a beginner to start.

10. Pan Still

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If you’re considering learning how to make your own beverages, you might be intimidated by some elaborate still plans.

Well, this plan is one that is beginner-friendly. The design is simple. There’s a pan at the top, a collector in the middle, and a bottom section for the mash. It’s an easy set-up that appears to be user-friendly.

Something Different: The Solar Still

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Some people own a still for making their own distilled water. If this is why you’d like to have a still, this is a great option for you.

However, if you’d like to focus on making your still more self-sufficient, a solar option could be a nice option. This walks you through everything you need to know to create the perfect solar still.

Bonus Section: Moonshine Recipes

1. Watermelon Moonshine

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I promised delicious recipes to accompany the moonshine still plans. This is one of those recipes. If you’re someone who prefers a fruitier flavor in their moonshine, this could be for you.

Instead of fermenting corn, you make a mash from watermelon. From there, it’s distilled and makes a delicious and beautiful drink. There’s a video to walk you through the process as well.

2. Dandelion Moonshine

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I bet you didn’t know the pesky weeds in your front yard could be turned into a delicious adult beverage, but they can.

In fact, this recipe will walk you through the process of making dandelion wine using a still. They show you how to age and even how to add a little honey to the mix for a sweeter flavor. If you like to use what you have to make anything you want or need, you’ll love this recipe.

3. Peach Moonshine

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As much as people love traditional corn whiskey, many people like to have some flavor variation in their whiskey.

This is where fruit-flavored moonshines begin to move in. If you have peaches, you can have a delicious flavored beverage to enjoy on hot summer nights.

4. Honey Moonshine

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You’ll find when most people make moonshine; they like to stick with traditional recipes or recipes which involve quality products from the land.

Well, you don’t get much more ‘homegrown’ than sweet honey. If you’d like to indulge in a beverage that is all about honey, this could be the recipe for you.

5. Apple Pie Moonshine

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When I first began watching the show ‘Moonshiners,’ I wasn’t convinced there was much there for me. I’m not someone who drinks much alcohol, but I thought I’d enjoy history.

Well, I began hearing them talk about things like apple pie moonshine, and it caught my attention. Doesn’t it sound delicious? If you agree with my taste buds, here’s the recipe.

6. Corn Whiskey Recipe

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Let’s say you enjoy the traditional flavor of moonshine, and you have all the credentials to homebrew your own spirits.

Well, this is the recipe for you. It’s for a traditional style corn whiskey. Try it and see what your opinion is of it. You may not purchase moonshine again.

Well, you now have a number of different options for stills plus a few interesting recipes!If nothing else, maybe you’ll gain some insight into how much work the generations before us put into making something which is now a common commodity.

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10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (2024)

FAQs

What are the ratios for moonshine? ›

For a 5 gallon mash: (201)
  1. 5 gallons soft, filtered water.
  2. 7 lbs (3.2kg) cracked corn. 6-8 pieces/kernel is the proper crack. If using bird feed, make sure it is perishable, or in other words is free of preservatives.
  3. 7 lbs (3.2kg) of granulated sugar.
  4. 1 tbsp yeast (distillers yeast if available.)

How much moonshine do I get from a 20 gallon still? ›

We make this 20 gallon heavy copper moonshine still to order. We have been making moonshine stills for generations. We have it perfected! This still is capable of producing over 4 gallons of shine per run.

How much moonshine can you make with a 8 gallon still? ›

A 8 gallon run with a starting alcohol of 10%, a final proof of 100, and a collection efficiency of 85% will yield 0.89 gallons. A 8 gallon run with a starting alcohol of 20%, a final proof of 100, and a collection efficiency of 85% will yield 1.79 gallons.

What ingredient was added when making moonshine to increase quantity? ›

By adding granulated sugar after the mash I were able to increase starting alcohol content. To make thin mash, I followed steps 1-6 above then simply added granulated sugar before moving on to step 7. Note, I typically also add yeast nutrient for any mash that either is not made with 100% grain or that exceeds 10% ABV.

What is the best alcohol content for moonshine? ›

Moonshine is usually distilled to 40% ABV, and seldom above 66% based on 48 samples. For example, conventional pot stills commonly produce 40% ABV, and top out between 60% and 80% ABV after multiple distillations. However, ethanol can be dried to 95% ABV by heating 3A molecular sieves such as 3A zeolite.

What proof is moonshine if it burns blue? ›

At 128 proof, it's clear, clean and exactly what moonshine should be. Purity and perfection are the name of the game when it comes to Ole Smoky®Blue Flame Moonshine. Evidence of our high quality, high proof moonshine is all in the color of the flame – if it burns blue, it's true.

How much heads do you throw away when making moonshine? ›

Separate and discard the first 50ml If distilling a 25 L wash or mash in a reflux still or 100ml per 20L wash from the rest of the distillate if using a traditional alembic, these fractions are known as foreshots or heads and are distilled first.

How much alcohol will 5 gallons of mash make? ›

You can generally assume that your alcohol still will produce a final batch that is about 20% of the size of your copper still's pot. For example, the average run in a 5 gallon still can be expected to produce about a gallon or a gallon and a half of moonshine.

How much do you throw away when distilling? ›

You will need to discard the foreshots as usual. Depending on how many stripping runs you have done this could be anything from 50 to 200 mL. Once the foreshots are discarded, you can start collecting the remaining distillate into the jars.

What can I do with 100 proof moonshine? ›

Midnight Moon Original Moonshine Mixed Drinks – 100 & 80 Proof
  1. co*ke.
  2. Orange Juice.
  3. Grapefruit Juice.
  4. Apple Cider.
  5. Iced Tea.
  6. Lemonade.
  7. Ginger Beer.
  8. Bloody Mary Mix.

How many gallons of moonshine will a 5 gallon still make? ›

A 5-gallon still typically yields 1-2 gallons of alcohol, but the final amount depends on the starting alcohol, fermentable sugar and yeast quality.

Does moonshine get more potent over time? ›

Does moonshine get stronger with age? - Quora. No. At least no when bottled. In a barrel the alcohol does tend to gas off (known among distillers as “the angel's share.”) So it is becoming less alcoholic.

How do you make moonshine more potent? ›

The hot vapor distills the alcohol a second time, which results in a higher-proof moonshine. If a moonshiner wants to make their alcohol extra potent, they might “charge” the thump keg by adding undistilled mash or a few gallons of alcohol so the steam picks up extra alcohol vapor on its way to the worm box.

What makes moonshine taste better? ›

If you want to get more of the earthy taste of moonshine in your co*cktail, try pairing it with ginger ale (not ginger beer). Sweet ginger ale can make moonshine go down smoother and is a good starting point for those new to drinking moonshine.

Why do you put glycerin in moonshine? ›

Why is glycerine used in distilling spirits? Glycerine is used to smooth and mellow spirits and add some modest body. If you think your distillate is a little sharp or has a bit too much of that 'alcohol burn,' adding a few drops of glycerine can reduce the harshness, add mellowness and improve mouthfeel.

What is the ratio of water to grain for moonshine? ›

The typical home brewer will be using a range of 1-1.5 quarts of water per pound of grain. Don't stress mash thickness at this time, find a ratio that will work for your equipment. The average ratio is 1.25qts/pound. The formula for mashing will vary depending on the amount of grain used.

How many gallons of moonshine will a 5-gallon still make? ›

A 5-gallon still typically yields 1-2 gallons of alcohol, but the final amount depends on the starting alcohol, fermentable sugar and yeast quality.

How many pounds of sugar do I need for 5 gallons of mash? ›

How Many Pounds of Sugar to Make 5 Gallons of Mash? A 5-gallon of mash requires 5 pounds of white sugar when using 5 pounds of corn which will yield a 15% finished product of 5 gallons or 3 quarts.

What is the water to grain ratio for distilling? ›

The short answer is to start with 2lbs of grain to one gallon of water. As a starting point, 2lb/gal allows for leeway either direction depending on intended result, adjustments due to grain type/quality or even mashing equipment.

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