Cooking with Mamma C

  • Recipes
  • Cod
  • Cookbook
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cod Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cod Recipes
    • Cookbook
    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Drinks

    Lemonade Moonshine with Everclear

    Published: Aug 3, 2023 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe

    It takes just 20 minutes to make Lemonade Moonshine with Everclear! You're going to love this easy, delicious lemonade with alcohol!

    glass of lemonade moonshine with a lemon garnish in front of a jar of lemonade moonshine

    Papa C is in the house!

    Of course, Mamma C is writing this post. But when it comes to homemade moonshine or cocktails, you know my hubby is involved.

    He developed this lemonade moonshine recipe that's become a big hit with Cooking with Mamma C visitors over the years.

    That's because it's refreshing, sweet-tart and oh-so delicious. It's the spiked lemonade of your dreams!

    Plus, it's even easier to make than my hubby's famous Apple Pie Moonshine.

    This lemonade version is ready in less than 20 minutes. You don't have to boil it or let it sit overnight.

    If you can dissolve sugar in a pot of water on the stove, you've conquered the most challenging part of the recipe!

    Recipe ingredients

    Everclear: This lemonade moonshine calls for 151-proof Everclear, a strong, clear, pure-grain alcohol. You can buy it at the liquor store. (You should have seen me awkwardly asking the clerk for Everclear at 2 o'clock in the afternoon!)

    If you only can find 190-proof Everclear, you can make a stronger batch. See the Recipe Tips section and notes on the recipe card.

    And, if you're wondering what Everclear tastes like, it has no flavor. It's just really strong alcohol.

    But don't worry! We'll infuse it with a simple syrup lemonade to make a delicious, moonshine cocktail.

    Lemon Juice: For convenience, we use bottled lemon juice here, but feel free to use fresh lemon juice if you prefer. The recipe calls for 2 ¼ cups of juice, so you'd need at least 14 lemons.

    Sugar: This Everclear moonshine recipe calls for granulated sugar, and we've never tried any substitutes. You should be able to use Stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead, but you'd have to experiment with the amount.

    How to make lemonade moonshine

    See the card at the end of this post for the full recipe, but here's an overview.

    ingredients in a pot
    • Whisk the water and sugar in a pot and heat it on the stove over medium heat, just until the sugar dissolves.
    • Let the simple syrup cool, then whisk in 151-proof Everclear and lemon juice.
    ingredients whisked in a pot

    Transfer the lemonade moonshine to bottles or mason jars, (affiliate links) and suddenly, it's summer.

    Even if it's snowing!

    Recipe tips

    • With this recipe, each 8-ounce glass will be 15-proof. For a stronger moonshine (30-proof), use 3 cups of water, ½ cup of sugar, 1 cup of 151-proof Everclear, and 1 cup of lemon juice.
    • If you only have 190-proof Everclear, you can make 25 cups of 30-proof lemonade moonshine. Use 17 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, 4 cups of Everclear 190 and 4 cups of lemon juice.
    • If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice, even after the batch is made.
    lemonade moonshine in a glass with a lemon slice

    Frequently asked questions

    Moonshine vs. Everclear: What's the difference?

    Moonshine refers to homemade, illegally produced, strong whiskey made from corn. It's clear and unaged.

    Everclear is a brand of potent, clear alcohol made from grain. It's sold in bottles ranging from 120-proof to 190-proof.

    Flavored moonshine recipes like this boozy lemonade typically use Everclear as the base, so it's not illegal.

    Does moonshine need to be refrigerated?

    If the moonshine drink is 64-proof or higher, it doesn't need to be refrigerated.

    This Lemonade Moonshine Cocktail must be refrigerated because it's only 15-proof and contains lemon juice. Store in it a tightly closed mason jar in the refrigerator and use it within two weeks.

    If you make 30-proof lemonade moonshine, you can store it for up to four weeks in the refrigerator.

    lemonade moonshine in a glass with a lemon slice surrounded by ice

    More cocktails to try

    • How to Make Wine Slushies
    • Amaretto Cherry Sour
    • Sweet Tea and Rum
    • Chocolate Liqueur Recipe
    • Coquito Drink

    Enjoy!

    If you try this Lemonade Moonshine with Everclear, please leave a comment and a rating!

    lemonade moonshine in a glass with a lemon slice

    Lemonade Moonshine

    Enjoy this Lemonade Moonshine from Papa C! It makes 10 cups.
    4.46 from 42 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 19 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 144kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    • 6 ¾ cups water
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup 151-proof Everclear alcohol
    • 2 ¼ cups lemon juice (Bottled juice is fine. See notes.)
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add the water and sugar to a large pot on the stove and whisk to combine. Heat the pot over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. (There is no need to boil the mixture.)
    • Move the pot to a cool burner and let the sugar water (simple syrup) cool. (The 151 alcohol is flammable, so it's important to make sure the water mixture is no longer hot when you add the alcohol.)
    • When the water mixture is cooled off, whisk in the Everclear and lemon juice.
    • Transfer your lemonade moonshine to bottles or mason jars and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Serve chilled, with ice, if desired.

    Video

    Notes

    • For convenience, we use bottled lemon juice here, but feel free to use fresh lemon juice if you prefer. You'd need at least 14 lemons.
    • With this recipe, each 8-ounce glass will be 15-proof. For a stronger moonshine (30- proof), use 3 cups water, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup alcohol, and 1 cup lemon juice.
    • If you only have 190-proof Everclear, you can make 25 cups of 30-proof lemonade moonshine. Use 17 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, 4 cups of Everclear 190 and 4 cups of lemon juice.
    • Any flavored moonshine that is less than 64-proof needs to be refrigerated. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 56mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin C: 21.3mg | Calcium: 8mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!

    (Recipe Source: Papa C, aka my hubby, the drinks master. Originally published on March 14, 2018 and updated now with additional information.)

    Don't miss my Pasta & Sauces E-Cookbook! Please SUBSCRIBE and follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM!

    More Drink Recipes

    • glass of rum and iced tea cocktail with lemon slice and ice cubes.
      Easy Iced Tea and Rum Cocktail
    • cherry cocktail with black cherry and lemon garnish
      Black Cherry Amaretto Sour
    • red wine slushie in glass on white plate
      Red Wine Slushies (Easy!)
    • glass of chocolate liqueur on white plate with red napkin
      Amazing Chocolate Liqueur Recipe
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Flipboard

    Comments

    1. JBD says

      March 26, 2025 at 8:56 pm

      Sorry if the follwing are dumb questions,

      Can I just mix store bought lemonade with everclear for similar results?

      I've been making apple pie liquor with everclear for a long time..

      Been wanting to try some sort of lemonade / everclear mixed drink..
      IF using store bought lemonade, would you suggest adding sugar or no? (was figuring no, seems store bought lemonade has plenty.. But I am open to adding some if that would help take some of the bite off the boozey taste)

      Also, I like a stronger drink as do my friends and family..
      I usually make my apple pie around 18% - 22% (at most) abv and let it cure a for at least a month in da fridge.. then serve on a bunch of ice..

      IF I made the store bought lemonade / everclear drink that i'm considering, at around the same ABV mentioned above,
      ..Would there be any taste benefit to letting it cure for a bit in da fridge?

      How long would my concoction last in sealed mason jars in da fridge by your estimation at those approx ABV levels...??

      Sorry for the long message, had numerous questions and wanted to communicate thoroughly.. thank you!!

      Cheers!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        March 29, 2025 at 12:24 pm

        Hi JBD - If you want a mixed drink, you can just add Everclear or vodka to store-bought lemonade to taste. You shouldn't need to add sugar. Leaving it in the fridge for a long time probably wouldn't change the taste. Store-bought lemonade generally lasts 7-10 days in the fridge once opened.

        Reply
    2. Debbie says

      June 27, 2024 at 5:57 pm

      I make my own moonshine as well, and found your recipe and I am trying it right now. I'd like to turn it into a pink lemonade, I'm going to guess on how much cherry juice to use, but curious what you think

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        June 28, 2024 at 9:34 am

        Hi Debbie - I'd add just enough to make it pale pink. It will probably make the drink sweeter. We haven't tried making it that way.

        Reply
        • Sara Sizemore says

          November 19, 2024 at 9:08 am

          5 stars
          I make the apple pie, and lemonade. Both are huge sellers for me, but strangely enough, the local law enforcement in my county are the biggest buyers! I have actually delivered huge batches to be served at their weddings! I'm not getting "rich," but I am having a great deal of fun! Your recipes ROCK!! It also provides a great deal of entertainment. THANK YOU.

          Reply
          • Mamma C says

            November 20, 2024 at 5:57 am

            Hi Sara - Wow! It's nice to hear how much people are enjoying the moonshine recipes. I'm glad you're having fun!

        • Tiffany says

          March 02, 2025 at 10:25 am

          5 stars
          if in using 190 proof would the alcohol content be enough to preserve it?

          Reply
          • Mamma C says

            March 03, 2025 at 9:39 am

            Hi Tiffany - Do you mean using 190 Everclear to make the 30-proof lemonade moonshine as directed in the notes of the recipe card? Any flavored moonshine that is less than 64-proof needs to be refrigerated.

    3. Medullan says

      December 12, 2023 at 10:15 pm

      4 stars
      Great recipe can't taste the alcohol at all! Needs baking soda though. That is the secret ingredient to any good lemonade.

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        December 14, 2023 at 8:32 am

        Hi Medullan - I'm glad you enjoyed the it! I suppose baking soda would make it fizzy.

        Reply
      • Clayton says

        June 02, 2024 at 3:35 pm

        Can i make this using Crystal Light Lemonade mix ?

        Reply
        • Mamma C says

          June 03, 2024 at 8:32 am

          Hi Clayton - We haven't tested it with lemonade mix. Let us know if you try it.

          Reply
    4. terri says

      January 07, 2023 at 9:07 pm

      I just made it and was planning on putting it on the shelf for four months, Can I do this in a cool dry place in a canning jar?

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        January 07, 2023 at 9:19 pm

        Hi Terri - No, it needs to be refrigerated for up to two weeks, since there's not enough alcohol to preserve the lemonade.

        Reply
    5. Henry says

      August 14, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      When making this I poured the lemon juice in with the water in the sugar on the stove top is it still going to come out correctly or do I have to restart the whole process

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        August 14, 2022 at 12:45 pm

        Hi Henry - It probably will be fine. We've never tried it that way.

        Reply
    6. Al Quillin says

      July 25, 2022 at 1:50 am

      5 stars
      This was awesome possum!!

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        July 25, 2022 at 7:40 am

        Hi Al - Haha! We're glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting us know.

        Reply
        • Al Quillin says

          July 26, 2022 at 6:42 pm

          So if I want to put a gallon of lemonade moonshine in quart jars, I need to multiply the base by 5? I really suck at this, I'm sorry

          Reply
          • Mamma C says

            July 27, 2022 at 6:58 am

            Hi Al - The base recipe makes 10 cups. There are 16 cups in a gallon. I would make 1.5 times the recipe to yield 15 cups, which is close to a gallon.

      • Cindy says

        March 24, 2025 at 11:47 am

        I make this every Spring and let it mellow till June. It's a favorite among my family and friends.

        Reply
        • Mamma C says

          March 24, 2025 at 6:45 pm

          Hi Cindy - I'm so glad this is a hit! Thanks for letting us know.

          Reply
    7. Hadiya Allen says

      August 23, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Mamma C,
      How long does it.last if placed in the refrigerator?

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        August 24, 2021 at 8:05 am

        Hi Hadiya - Two weeks. It's stated in the recipe. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Bambama says

      August 17, 2021 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      Hey Mamma C,
      I am so excited to finally try this recipe out. Thank you so much. But I have a question, what is the actual amount of finished simple syrup you put into the recipe? Since we are on the go all week, but still need a moonshine pick me up, we thought we'd save us time and just get a bottle of ready made simple syrup. Much luv

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        August 17, 2021 at 2:42 pm

        Hi Bambama - We've never measured the volume of the simple syrup after dissolving the sugar into 6 3/4 cups of water. If the volume changes at all, it's probably 7 cups of simple syrup, at most. Enjoy.

        Reply
    9. Ginger says

      July 16, 2021 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      Try freezing it! It is amazing

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        July 19, 2021 at 6:57 am

        Hi Ginger - That does sound amazing! Thanks for letting us know.

        Reply
    10. Richard M Freeman says

      July 12, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      How can I turn this recipe in to making 5 gallons? Lol I'm not smart with math. Thanks for your help, Rick Freeman

      Reply
      • Mamma C says

        July 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

        Hi Rick - You'd have to multiply the ingredients by 8. The base recipe makes 80 ounces. There are 128 ounces in a gallon. Five gallons is 640 ounces.

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    4.46 from 42 votes (27 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    woman with blonde hair smiling. "10 years" text in lower right.

    Hi, I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I've been sharing family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen for a decade! I hope you'll visit often!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • slice of cheesecake on plate
      Fluffy Crustless Cheesecake (NY Style)

    • OVEN-FRIED COD RECIPE (CRISPY & DELICIOUS!)
      Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!)

    • portion of zucchini casserole on plate
      Italian Zucchini Bake

    • plate of sausage, peppers and onions
      Baked Sausage, Peppers and Onions

    Cookie Recipes

    • plate of amaretti cookies topped with almonds
      Amaretti Cookies (Soft & Chewy)

    • platter of almond biscotti sprinkled with powdered sugar
      Almond Biscotti Recipe

    • chocolate pizzelle held up over a platter of more pizzelles
      Chocolate Pizzelle Recipe

    • plate of italian lemon pizzelle cookies with powdered sugar
      Lemon Pizzelle Recipe

    • plate of Italian cookies with sprinkles
      Italian Cookies (Vanilla or Anisette)

    • plate of pignoli cookies dusted with powdered sugar
      Italian Pignoli Cookies (Pine Nut Cookies)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    RECIPES

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • ACCESSIBILITY
    • Cookbook
    • Web Stories
     

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2014-2025 Cooking with Mamma C®

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.