10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (2024)

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Do you find the art of moonshining interesting? Have you ever wondered how moonshiners make their stills and delicious products?

Well, I’m going to bring you some of the internet’s options for moonshine still plans, ideas, and also a few moonshine recipes.

However, it’s important to remember, you must have a license to make moonshine. If you don’t, you could have serious legal troubles.If incorrectly prepared, it could be poisonous, so please see this article for informational purposes only.

With this in mind, here’s the information you’ve been looking for when admiring the art of moonshining:

10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (1)

1. How Moonshine Works

10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (2)

This is an informative article that gives you all the in’s and out’s of how to make moonshine and how the process works.

Though the graphic isn’t as detailed as some plans, it’ll give you a general idea of how a still can be put together to create the product.

2. Historical Moonshine Stills

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Are you into the history of moonshining? You’ll find this article interesting. It shows you historical moonshine stills for different types of liquors.

It’s fascinating to see what the old-timers used to make their product. You can also see how the stills varied based upon whether you were making whiskey or vodka, rum, or gin. There’s a great deal of know-how that had to go into the process for producing each.

3. Popcorn Sutton’s Moonshine Still

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If you’ve watched the show ‘Moonshiners’, you’ve probably heard the name,Popcorn Sutton. He was a backwoods celebrity known for the fantastic moonshine he created for many years.

Though this still doesn’t come with plans, you can have an up-close look at how he designed this still. The still pictured has since been sold for approximately $15,000.

4. The Reflux Still

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If you’re looking for detailed still plans, this could be it. This still is known as a Boka Reflux still. According to public opinion, it’s a great still for beginners because it’s easy to build at home.

This tutorial gives a detailed materials list and instructions to walk you through each step of the process. If you’ve filed the proper paperwork and have the government’s permission to distill liquor, this could be your starting point.

5. The Pressure Cooker Rum Distillery

Do you enjoy rum? If the answer is yes, you’ll love the idea of this homemade still. It uses a pressure cooker.

Though the details are more on how to make rum, you can still get a good idea of how they make the still by all of the pictures posted in the process. It looks like a neat DIY option for making homemade beverages.

6. Thumper and Slobber Boxes

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I love the television show ‘Moonshiners.’ If you’ve ever watched it, you’ve probably heard them talk about the thumper.

Well, this diagram shows you where a thumper or slobber box would go on your still. If you’re new to the idea of distilling spirits, these diagrams can be helpful.

7. Easy DIY Still

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When learning to be self-reliant, making your own liquor could be something which would slip the list. Well, not in this case.

The person who created this DIY still design did it with the intention of being more self-sustained. The plans have been clearly laid out with a materials list, and they still should be easy to build with only a few basic requirements.

8. Copper Pot Distiller

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Not everyone who sees a still wants to build their own. If you fit in this category, here’s a copper pot still available for purchase through eBay.com.

This is a gorgeous still which would catch the eye of anyone visiting your distilling location. If you’d like a classier option, this could be what you’ve been searching for.

9. Tabletop Moonshine Still

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This is another option where you can purchase a tabletop moonshine still. When some choose to distill alcohol, they don’t have a lot of working space.

In this case, you may choose to go with moonshine still which will fit on a table. It’s easy to use anda good place for a beginner to start.

10. Pan Still

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If you’re considering learning how to make your own beverages, you might be intimidated by some elaborate still plans.

Well, this plan is one that is beginner-friendly. The design is simple. There’s a pan at the top, a collector in the middle, and a bottom section for the mash. It’s an easy set-up that appears to be user-friendly.

Something Different: The Solar Still

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Some people own a still for making their own distilled water. If this is why you’d like to have a still, this is a great option for you.

However, if you’d like to focus on making your still more self-sufficient, a solar option could be a nice option. This walks you through everything you need to know to create the perfect solar still.

Bonus Section: Moonshine Recipes

1. Watermelon Moonshine

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I promised delicious recipes to accompany the moonshine still plans. This is one of those recipes. If you’re someone who prefers a fruitier flavor in their moonshine, this could be for you.

Instead of fermenting corn, you make a mash from watermelon. From there, it’s distilled and makes a delicious and beautiful drink. There’s a video to walk you through the process as well.

2. Dandelion Moonshine

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I bet you didn’t know the pesky weeds in your front yard could be turned into a delicious adult beverage, but they can.

In fact, this recipe will walk you through the process of making dandelion wine using a still. They show you how to age and even how to add a little honey to the mix for a sweeter flavor. If you like to use what you have to make anything you want or need, you’ll love this recipe.

3. Peach Moonshine

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As much as people love traditional corn whiskey, many people like to have some flavor variation in their whiskey.

This is where fruit-flavored moonshines begin to move in. If you have peaches, you can have a delicious flavored beverage to enjoy on hot summer nights.

4. Honey Moonshine

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You’ll find when most people make moonshine; they like to stick with traditional recipes or recipes which involve quality products from the land.

Well, you don’t get much more ‘homegrown’ than sweet honey. If you’d like to indulge in a beverage that is all about honey, this could be the recipe for you.

5. Apple Pie Moonshine

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When I first began watching the show ‘Moonshiners,’ I wasn’t convinced there was much there for me. I’m not someone who drinks much alcohol, but I thought I’d enjoy history.

Well, I began hearing them talk about things like apple pie moonshine, and it caught my attention. Doesn’t it sound delicious? If you agree with my taste buds, here’s the recipe.

6. Corn Whiskey Recipe

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Let’s say you enjoy the traditional flavor of moonshine, and you have all the credentials to homebrew your own spirits.

Well, this is the recipe for you. It’s for a traditional style corn whiskey. Try it and see what your opinion is of it. You may not purchase moonshine again.

Well, you now have a number of different options for stills plus a few interesting recipes!If nothing else, maybe you’ll gain some insight into how much work the generations before us put into making something which is now a common commodity.

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10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest moonshine still to make? ›

Pot stills are relatively easy to use compared to reflux stills and are an excellent way of learning the basics of the distilling process. So, for me, the clear winner when it comes to the best moonshine still for beginners is the column pot still on a keg boiler.

What does a thumper do on a still? ›

Thumper Still

The hot vapor from the kettle enters the thumper through a tube and exits that tube towards the bottom of the liquid inside of the thumper. The hot vapor heats that liquid, which at the same time cools the vapor in a heat exchange.

What do moonshiners use to make their moonshine? ›

Often called, "white lightening," moonshine is technically a white whiskey. Although the majority of the grain used to make moonshine is corn, it typically is made using malted barley and rye as well. Moonshine actually got it's name because it rose to popularity during prohibition in the United States.

How to make mash for moonshine step by step? ›

Sweet Feed Moonshine Mash Steps
  1. To make a sweet feed moonshine mash, follow these steps.
  2. Add the water to a pot and heat to 170F.
  3. Add the sweet feed and cook for 90 minutes.
  4. Cool to 150F.
  5. Add amylase powder.
  6. Allow to sit for 90 minutes.
  7. Chill to 70F.
  8. Transfer to fermenter.
Mar 29, 2013

Does moonshine get more potent with age? ›

If the alcohol is kept in a warm environment, the process can be accelerated. If the alcohol content is lower, the spirit will taste weaker and not be as potent overall, but that shouldn't be your main concern when it comes to aging and flavoring moonshine.

Is moonshine just unaged whiskey? ›

Moonshine is defined as a homemade, un-aged whiskey, marked by its clear color, corn base, and high alcohol content (sometimes peaking as high as 190 proof). Traditionally, it was produced in a homemade still and bottled in a mason jar.

How full should I fill my thumper? ›

Making moonshine with a thumper instead of a pot still is great because thumpers essentially perform two distillations in one—without stripping the flavor the way reflux distillation does. Depending on your thumper, it's typical to plan to fill it about halfway with liquid.

Can I put fruit in my thumper? ›

The higher the alcohol concentration, the better. Steam from the still percolates up through the liquid in the thumper. So yes, if you add some kind of spice or fruit to the thumper, that flavor will likely carry over to the final product.

What temperature do you run a still at? ›

The temperature will gradually rise throughout the distillation. At the beginning of the run, you can expect a temperature of around 75 - 78°C (167 - 172°F) and this would go up 95 - 98°C (203 - 208°F) during the run.

Why do you throw away the first bit of moonshine? ›

Methanol, in particular, is a toxic substance that can cause blindness or even death if consumed in significant quantities. By discarding the first jar, moonshiners ensure that these harmful impurities are removed, safeguarding the integrity and safety of the moonshine.

How much sugar for 5 gallons of mash? ›

For a 5 gallon mash: (201)

If using bird feed, make sure it is perishable, or in other words is free of preservatives. 7 lbs (3.2kg) of granulated sugar. 1 tbsp yeast (distillers yeast if available.)

How long should mash sit before distilling? ›

When we reach our desired temperature, we add our yeast, give our mixture a quick stir, and let it sit for 3-5 days. During this resting process, the yeast will do its thing by eating the sugars from the mash and create alcohol. Once we've fermented to the desired level we are targeting, we distill.

Can you add to much sugar to moonshine mash? ›

So it's easy to assume that more sugar = more alcohol. However, too much sugar in your mash can actually hinder your yeast's ability to make alcohol, and most people want to get as high an alcohol content as possible when making moonshine.

How much moonshine should you get from 5 gallons of mash? ›

A 1 gallon run will yield 3-6 cups of alcohol. A 5 gallon run will yield 1-2 gallons of alcohol. A 8 gallon run will yield 1.5-3 gallons of alcohol. A 10 gallon run will yield 2-4 gallons of alcohol.

How to choose a moonshine still? ›

Consider how much moonshine you plan to produce and choose a still that meets your requirements. Material — Moonshine stills are typically made from copper or stainless steel. Copper is known for its excellent heat conductivity and ability to remove sulfur compounds, enhancing the flavor of the distillate.

What is the best type of moonshine? ›

Best Moonshine Flavors in 2021: Midnight Moon Awards
  • Midnight Moon Original Wins “Most Likely to Make Your Dreams Come True” ...
  • Apple Pie Moonshine Wins “Most Likely to Make You Feel at Home” ...
  • Cherry Moonshine Wins “Best Celebratory Drink” ...
  • Peach Moonshine Wins “Most Likely to Live in Paradise”

Do they still make illegal moonshine? ›

Legality. Manufacturing of spirits through distilling, fractional crystallization, etc. outside a registered distillery is illegal in many countries. Currently in the United States, there are four states that allow the production of moonshine for personal consumption (Alaska, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Missouri).

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