It takes just 20 minutes to make Lemonade Moonshine with Everclear! You're going to love this easy, delicious lemonade with alcohol!
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.
- 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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
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.)
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
(Recipe Source: Papa C, aka my hubby, the drinks master. Originally published on March 14, 2018 and updated now with additional information.)
Dennis
Made stronger one with moonshine 170 proof great
Mamma C
Hi Dennis - I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting us know.
Canada
Is there a one liter 195 proof recipe!?
Mamma C
Hi Canada - Where I live, the highest proof alcohol we can purchase is 151. Then, that gets watered down when the other ingredients are added. So, I don't have a recipe for 195 proof.
Karly
This is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!
Mamma C
Hi Karly - I think you'll love this! Thanks for stopping by!
Terrie Cooper
What do you do if it is a little to lemony I want it to be more lemonadey
Mamma C
Hi Terrie - You can add a little more water. If you've got a full batch, try adding 1/4 cup water at a time until it seems more like lemonade.
Joanne Pagani
I really liked the recipe, but wondered how I can make the base recipe a little more lemonade-y less watery without ruining the whole batch? I still enjoy it but overall thought it might be a little watery flavored
Mamma C
Hi Joanne - My hubby says to add more lemon juice. You can even add it to the batch already made.
Angie
Happy Anniversary! Oh boy, Pinning this one!
Mamma C
Thank you so much, Angie! Enjoy.
Lisa Huff
Lemonade moonshine?! OMG yes! Can't wait to try this summer!
Mamma C
I didn't know it was a thing either, until my hubby started making it. Thanks, Lisa!
Sarah
What a fun and refreshing drink! This will be perfect for when we FINALLY get warmer weather here in New England!
Mamma C
We're not even waiting for the warmer weather here in Cleveland, Lol.
Susie
Wow.. this looks tasty, and strong! This will be the perfect spring cocktail for me and my friends. Thanks for the great recipe!
Mamma C
The base recipe is 15-proof for an 8-ounce glass, so it isn't super strong. But you can dial it up to 30 proof. Thanks, Susie!
Jill
As a fellow food blogger this made me laugh - asking for Everclear in the middle of the day, LOL Looks like a drink I need to try this summer.
Mamma C
Haha! I felt ridiculous. Thanks, Jill!
Christina Shoemaker
Ooooo that lemon makes me soooo ready for Spring! I'd like a glass of this on a warm evening while we're grilling!
Mamma C
Yes, that would be perfect. Thanks, Christina!