Cranberry Moonshine

4.45 from 65 votes
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If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you probably know that I am all about making fun, delicious moonshines in all sorts of flavors. Today I am super excited to share one of the most festive batches we’ve made yet- Cranberry Moonshine!

mason jar full of cranberry moonshine with cranberries in it. Lights in the background.

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

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Spunky Cranberry Moonshine

This cranberry moonshine makes a great group gift. I like to hand out flavored moonshines for Christmas gifts for my husband’s employees because I can make a large batch all at once, and they are so beautiful!

For this recipe you will need

  • Cranberry juice – cranberry juice has a super sharp flavor that pairs well with the alcohol and makes this moonshine give drinks a sharp hit.
  • White sugar – you need sugar to balance out the intensity of the cranberry flavor.
  • Fresh Cranberries – fresh cranberries give this moonshine a beautiful look and a fresh intensity.
  • 190 proof grain alcohol – I use everclear for this moonshine. It mixes well with the intensity of the cranberries.

How to make Cranberry Moonshine

  1. Bring all the ingredients except the alcohol to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Don’t let it heat for a long time or else the fresh cranberries will split into cranberry sauce.
  2. Cover and remove from the heat, let it cool. Sterilize your jars and prepare them while you are waiting.
  3. Mix the alcohol into the cooled mixture. Label it into the prepared jars, label them with the date, and let them sit for 2 weeks to 6 months.

Tips and Tricks

Tip 1 – We’re not actually sealing/canning the jars- just bringing all of the ingredients except the alcohol to a boil, letting it cool, and then adding them to sterile jars with Everclear. It is important to use Everclear for this recipe since it has such a high alcohol content. This helps keep everything from going bad!

Tip 2 – It’s best to make the moonshine ahead of time and let it sit, as the moonshine will sweeten and become more flavorful over time.

Tip 3 – Remember this moonshine is HIGHLY alcoholic- do not drive after drinking. It is not worth the risk- let’s keep the holidays happy! Please also keep well out of the reach of children. This is such an alcoholic drink it could be very dangerous if ingested by a child.

FAQs

What can I mix this with for cocktails?

This makes for delicious cocktails when mixed with sprite, ginger ale, or tonic.

Can I substitute another alcohol for Everclear?

Yes but make sure its 190 proof so the mixture keeps well.

Check out some of our favorite recipes to enjoy alongside your drink!

Click here to see my other Easy Drink recipes

mason jar full of cranberry moonshine with cranberries in it. Lights in the background.

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4.45 from 65 votes

Cranberry Moonshine

By: Courtney ODell
Servings: 30
Cook: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 14 days
Total: 14 days 30 minutes
Cranberry-infused moonshine in a mason jar.
This tart delicious cranberry moonshine is the perfect holiday gift!

Ingredients 

  • 2 gallons cranberry juice
  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 1 package cranberries, fresh
  • 1 liter bottle of 190 proof grain alcohol, Everclear

Instructions 

  • Bring ingredients EXCEPT everclear to a boil.
  • Cover and remove from heat. Let cool.
  • Get sterile jars ready.
  • Mix everclear into cooled juice mixture.
  • Ladel into jars, let sit for 2 weeks or up to six months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 808kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 1gSodium: 18mgSugar: 45g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet Cโ€™s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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4.45 from 65 votes (63 ratings without comment)

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29 Comments

  1. Jennifer says:

    I just made this and it tastes yummy, but when I put in freezer it froze.

  2. Becky says:

    I just bought Everclear here in PA, and didn’t realize that it was a lower alcohol percent than what you buy in NY. How much more Everclear to you add, and do you then reduce the amount of the juice? Or is it better to just make it as shown above and add less mixer to it when served? I want to be sure that it will still be enough alcohol in it so that it will have at least a several month shelf life.

  3. Jennifer says:

    How long will this keep if the berries are in it?

  4. Debbie says:

    I can only get 151 proof on PA. Could I add extra Everclear?

    1. schoolofholistics says:

      Yes, you can, but it is best if you use one or the other.

  5. debbie gan says:

    You leave the cranberries in when you place it into the jars?

    1. Courtney ODell says:

      I do, but it isn’t necessary.

      1. Hayle Murrens says:

        Does it keep with the berries in it? Should I worry about the berries going bad?

  6. Tenessa says:

    I made this recipe about a week ago. Can you tell me a good ratio of moonshine to ginger ale (or tonic)? Thank you!

    1. Courtney ODell says:

      It’s all up to you- but I generally do 2-3 parts tonic or ginger ale to moonshine- or even more. Just remember that everclear is extremely strong. One ounce is equal to about 3 5% beers- all at once. So adding lots of mixers is a good idea- or just consume a little and move onto the ginger ale for the night ๐Ÿ™‚