Jolly Rancher Moonshine
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon apple juice
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 10 Jolly Rancher candies, assorted colors/flavors
Instructions:
- Pour the apple juice and apple cider into a large cooking pot. Add the cinnamon sticks along with both the white and brown sugar.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and stir the contents occasionally. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure sugars dissolve completely.
- While the mixture simmers, unwrap the Jolly Rancher candies and organize them by color or flavor.
- After the simmering time, remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool down a bit.
- Add the unwrapped Jolly Rancher candies to the slightly cooled mixture, stirring until the candies are fully dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to reach room temperature. Then, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to eliminate any residue from the candies or cinnamon sticks.
- Transfer the filtered liquid into clean, sterilized mason jars or bottles. Seal the containers tightly.
- Store the jars or bottles in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 2 weeks. This resting period helps the flavors to blend and deepen.
- After 2 weeks, the Jolly Rancher Moonshine is ready to be served. Chill it well or serve over ice for a refreshing and responsible indulgence!
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 weeks
- Servings: Varies
Feel free to experiment with different Jolly Rancher flavors or adjust the sweetness level according to your taste preferences. Enjoy responsibly!
here are the most popular questions and their answers related to Jolly Rancher Moonshine:
- What is Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Jolly Rancher Moonshine is a flavorful and sweet homemade alcoholic beverage made by infusing apple juice, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and Jolly Rancher candies.
- How do you make Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Combine apple juice, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, white and brown sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Add unwrapped Jolly Rancher candies to the cooled mixture until dissolved. Strain and store in mason jars for at least 2 weeks before serving.
- Can you use different flavors of Jolly Ranchers?
- Yes, you can use any assortment of Jolly Rancher flavors to customize the taste of your moonshine.
- How long does it take to make Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- The cooking and simmering process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, plus an additional 2 weeks of resting time for the flavors to meld.
- How should I store Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Store the moonshine in clean, sterilized mason jars or bottles, tightly sealed, in a cool, dark place.
- Can I drink Jolly Rancher Moonshine right away?
- It’s best to let the moonshine rest for at least 2 weeks to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- What kind of alcohol is in Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Jolly Rancher Moonshine is typically made with apple juice, apple cider, and sugar, with the addition of flavor from Jolly Rancher candies. It’s not a traditional distilled spirit.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
- Does Jolly Rancher Moonshine need to be refrigerated?
- Once the moonshine has completed its resting period, it does not need to be refrigerated but should be stored in a cool, dark place.
- Can I use homemade apple juice and cider for this recipe?
- Yes, homemade apple juice and cider can be used if preferred.
- Can I serve Jolly Rancher Moonshine over ice?
- Yes, serving over ice can enhance the drinking experience by providing a refreshing chill.
- What is the shelf life of Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- When stored properly in sealed containers, Jolly Rancher Moonshine can last for several months to a year.
- Can I use a different type of candy for flavoring?
- While Jolly Rancher candies are commonly used for their intense flavor, you can experiment with other candies if desired.
- Can I add other spices or flavorings to the mixture?
- Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding additional spices or flavorings to suit your taste preferences.
- Is Jolly Rancher Moonshine safe to drink?
- As with any alcoholic beverage, Jolly Rancher Moonshine should be consumed responsibly and in moderation.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Yes, you can omit the alcohol and create a flavored apple juice or cider using the same ingredients and method.
- Can I use less sugar to make Jolly Rancher Moonshine less sweet?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
- What can I serve with Jolly Rancher Moonshine?
- Jolly Rancher Moonshine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with snacks like cheese and crackers, nuts, or fruit.
- Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
- Yes, you can experiment with different apple varieties to customize the flavor of the moonshine.
- Is Jolly Rancher Moonshine gluten-free?
- The ingredients used in Jolly Rancher Moonshine are typically gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the labels of individual ingredients to be sure.
Here are secrets to achieve the perfect Jolly Rancher Moonshine:
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh apple juice, apple cider, and high-quality Jolly Rancher candies for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Mix and match different Jolly Rancher flavors to create unique and exciting combinations.
- Use a Large Pot: Use a large pot to ensure you have enough space for all the ingredients and to prevent overflow during simmering.
- Simmer Slowly: Simmer the mixture over low heat to slowly infuse the flavors and prevent burning.
- Stir Frequently: Stir the mixture frequently while simmering to ensure the sugars dissolve completely and prevent sticking.
- Strain Carefully: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any residue from the candies or cinnamon sticks for a smooth finish.
- Let it Cool Naturally: Allow the mixture to cool naturally before adding the Jolly Rancher candies to prevent them from melting too quickly.
- Mix Gently: Stir the Jolly Rancher candies into the cooled mixture gently to avoid splashing or spilling.
- Let it Rest: Allow the infused mixture to rest for at least 2 weeks before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Store Properly: Store the Jolly Rancher Moonshine in clean, sterilized mason jars or bottles, tightly sealed, in a cool, dark place.
- Label Your Bottles: Label your jars or bottles with the date of preparation to keep track of the aging process.
- Serve Chilled: Chill the Jolly Rancher Moonshine before serving for a refreshing and crisp taste.
- Experiment with Serving Methods: Serve the moonshine neat, over ice, or mixed into cocktails for variety.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish glasses with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or Jolly Rancher candies for an extra festive touch.
- Share with Friends: Jolly Rancher Moonshine is best enjoyed with friends and loved ones, so share the experience with others.
- Enjoy Responsibly: Remember to drink responsibly and in moderation, especially when consuming homemade alcoholic beverages.
- Get Creative with Cocktails: Use the Jolly Rancher Moonshine as a base for creative cocktails like apple martinis or flavored punches.
- Personalize Your Recipe: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness of your moonshine to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Keep it Simple: Stick to a few key ingredients and flavors to let the natural sweetness of the apples and the Jolly Rancher candies shine through.
- Have Fun: Making Jolly Rancher Moonshine is a fun and creative process, so enjoy the experience and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques!