I love making presents for family and friends, in fact it is a tradition now. And this just might be this year’s perfect ‘Made by Me’ gift! Cranberry Spice Moonshine.
Everclear makes it easy to make your own drinks, and you can customize them to fit the palates of your giftees or party guests. In the past I have made Apple Pie Moonshine but this cranberry one just looks festive in its own right. Their website includes pictures and recipes for infusions, bitters, mixed drinks, and even flavorings. It is amazing how versatile this alcohol can be. Of course due to its high proof, caution in ingesting and heating it are important.
I also made homemade Limoncello with extra Meyer Lemons I had on hand. Let me say, that mixed in an iced tea is absolutely divine.
Everclear is the perfect base to make so many different flavor infusions, but this Holiday season consider adding a touch of Cranberry and Spice.
From Everclear’s website, their directions are as follows:
Cranberry Spice Moonshine
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
6 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
½ teaspoon whole allspice berries
2 whole nutmeg, quartered
3 cups apple cider
½ gallon cranberry juice
1 (750 ml) bottle Everclear®
Instructions:
- Roughly chop cranberries, combine with Everclear® in a large, sealable container.
- Steep one week in the refrigerator.
- Once steeped, combine cranberry juice, cider and spices in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit another 30 minutes or until cool.
- Strain both mixtures into a large, sealable container.
- Gift and enjoy responsibly. May be served warm or chilled.
Makeityourown.com
Tips:
Please use caution when making this delicious holiday beverage. Everclear® is highly flammable, so it and the cranberry infusion should be kept away from the stovetop or other heat sources. Once it’s been diluted with the cranberry juice and cider mixture, it can be safely heated.
If a more intense spice flavor is desired, you can increase the quantity of spices or mull time.
Now I preferred my Cranberry Moonshine warm with a cinnamon stick, but some may like it cold. Of course a little bit goes a long way since Everclear is a high proof alcohol. Consider dressing up your drinks with some frozen and sugar dusted cranberries. You will be the hit of the Secret Santa if you hand out a mason jar filled with this ruby concoction.
Disclaimer: I received a bottle of Everclear and a mini of Cranberry Spice Moonshine to review. The words here are my own, unless otherwise noted. Please drink responsibly!
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