- Servings: 12 (approx. 4 oz per serving)
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 48-hour infusion)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories per Serving: 145 kcal
- Macros: Protein: 0g / Carbs: 8g / Fat: 0g / Fiber: 1g
The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Sipper
Nothing captures the essence of a porch-swing summer quite like Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine. While traditional moonshine recipes are often laden with refined sugars and heavy syrups, our version focuses on the natural sweetness of sun-ripened berries and the sharp, clean tang of fresh citrus. It is a sophisticated, low-sugar cocktail base that feels celebratory without the sugar-induced hangover the next day.
This recipe is a favorite for the clean-living community because it utilizes a “cold-infusion” technique. By letting fresh strawberries macerate directly in the spirit, you extract deep color and authentic flavor that no store-bought extract can match. It’s a craft-cocktail experience made simple, providing a high-quality alternative to commercial flavored liquors that are often filled with hidden additives.
Whether you are gifting a mason jar to a friend or mixing up a batch for a backyard barbecue, this strawberry lemonade infusion is a guaranteed hit. It’s crisp, dangerously smooth, and perfectly balanced—proving that you can enjoy a spirited drink while keeping your ingredients wholesome and transparent.
Look at the Recipe
- Sensory Appeal: A stunning, jewel-toned ruby liquid that looks beautiful in a classic mason jar.
- Flavor Highlight: Bright, zesty lemon acidity followed by a smooth, lingering finish of sweet berry nectar.
- Key Wellness Benefit: Uses real fruit antioxidants and natural sweeteners to reduce the glycemic load of your cocktail.
Ingredients Needed
The Infusion:
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 750ml High-proof grain spirit (100-proof vodka or authentic white moonshine)
- 1 cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 5–6 lemons)
The “Clean” Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup Filtered water
- ¾ cup Monk fruit sweetener (or honey for a Paleo-friendly option)
- 2 strips Lemon zest (avoid the white pith)
How to Make Our Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine
Infuse the Berries: Place the quartered strawberries into a large, clean half-gallon mason jar. Pour the grain spirit over the fruit. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for at least 48 hours. Give the jar a gentle shake once a day to help the infusion process.
Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, monk fruit (or honey), and lemon zest. Bring to a light simmer until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This low-sugar syrup provides the body of the drink without the calories of cane sugar.
Combine and Strain: Once the spirit has turned a deep red, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the fruit solids. Combine the infused spirit with the cooled simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice.
Mellow and Mature: Stir well. For the best flavor, let the moonshine “mellow” in the refrigerator for another 24 hours before serving. This allows the sharp citrus and sweet berry notes to harmonize.
Serve: Pour over ice, or top with a splash of sparkling water for a low-calorie spritz.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storing: Keep your moonshine in sealed glass jars in the refrigerator. Due to the fresh lemon juice, it is best consumed within 3–4 weeks.
- Serving Pairings: Serve in a salt-rimmed glass with a sprig of fresh basil or mint to enhance the Mediterranean-style freshness.
- The “Tipsy Fruit”: Don’t throw away the boozy strawberries! Use them as a topping for a high-protein Greek yogurt bowl or freeze them for “adult” ice cubes.
Tips & FAQs
What is the best alcohol to use? If you don’t have access to authentic “white lightning,” a high-quality 100-proof vodka or a “white dog” unaged whiskey works perfectly. The higher the proof, the better the fruit extraction.
Can I make this a “mocktail”? Absolutely. Replace the alcohol with additional filtered water and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tart, alcohol-free detox tonic that maintains the flavor profile.
Why is my moonshine cloudy? Cloudiness is common when using fresh lemon juice and real fruit. To achieve a crystal-clear look, you can strain the final mixture through a coffee filter, though this will take some time
