The Top 20 Moonshine Questions – Everything You Need to Know

Midnight Moon answers all your moonshine questions from “What is moonshine?” to “Is moonshine illegal?”

Find out everything you need to know about the ‘shine.

Moonshine is shrouded in mystery, which is why Midnight Moon wants to answer your most pressing questions about the famous white lightning. How did this spirit become so popular? What even is moonshine? Can I drink it legally (yes, if you’re 21 or older and it’s from Midnight Moon).

Our experts tell you everything you want to know so you can enjoy our many moonshine flavors and recipes to the fullest. Here are our top 20 most commonly asked questions about moonshine

1. What is moonshine?

Moonshine originally referred to homemade corn whiskey that was made in secret to avoid taxes. These days, it’s come out of hiding and legal moonshine is crafted in distilleries like ours, bringing that same bold, un-aged spirit to you without breaking the law. It’s clear, strong, and full of character—just like the folks who drink it.

2. What is moonshine made from?

Traditionally, moonshine is made from corn—and that’s exactly what we use at Midnight Moon. Our moonshine is distilled from 100% corn, giving it a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that sets the stage for all our delicious flavors. While some old-school recipes used fruit or even sugar, corn has always been the heart of real-deal moonshine.

3. Is moonshine whiskey?

Yep. Moonshine is a type of whiskey, usually made from corn and left unaged, which gives it that clear color and bold flavor. Technically, it’s called corn whiskey if it’s made from at least 80% corn. What makes moonshine different is that it skips the barrel aging, so you’re tasting it in its purest form—just like folks used to make it back in the day. Midnight Moon keeps that tradition alive, legally and deliciously.

Unaged “corn whiskey” is often the type of alcohol used to make bourbon. In the world of bourbon, it is commonly referred to as “white whiskey” or “white dog” before it is placed in the charred, white oak barrel to age.

4. How much alcohol is in moonshine? How strong is it?

Moonshine is known to pack a punch, that’s part of its charm. Traditional moonshine usually clocks in around 100 proof (that’s 50% alcohol), and our Midnight Moon Original comes in both 100-proof and 80-proof options. That’s right in line with your favorite whiskeys, vodkas, and rums. Want something a little smoother? Our fruit-infused flavors are slightly lower proof and loaded with real, hand-packed fruit for a bold taste that’s easy sipping. Our jars with real fruit are slightly larger in size so you’re still getting the same amount of authentic shine in every bottle, but at a slightly lower proof of 70 (35% alcohol). 

5. Why is it called moonshine?

The term “moonshine” comes from the tradition of making the illegal spirit with hidden stills in the mountains under the light of the moon. Moonshiners distilled their ‘shine at night so the federal agents (Revenuers) would not be able to see the smoke of the fire that heated the stills; this also made it nearly impossible for agents to approach the stills undetected. No one knew the mountain terrain better than the local moonshiners. No one knew how to outrun ‘em better than the legendary Junior Johnson, a famous moonshiner turned NASCAR driver whose family recipe we still use today at Midnight Moon.

6. Is moonshine illegal or legal? Is moonshine still considered illegal after the Prohibition era?

Everything related to moonshine since its beginning in the 18th century was illegal – the spirit, the distillation process and even the distribution (also known as bootlegging). To legally make moonshine now, companies need to obtain a federal permit and sometimes state permits. Moonshining at home is still illegal for taxing and safety reasons.

7. Why is moonshine illegal?

Moonshine was illegal because Americans distilled and distributed their spirits in secret in order to avoid taxes in the 1700s, and it was outright banned during Prohibition in the 1920s. Distilling ‘shine today is still illegal unless your company has the correct permits (like Midnight Moon). Making homemade moonshine is illegal because you need to have a distiller’s permit and pay the taxes on the alcohol produced.

8. How do you make moonshine?

Making moonshine traditionally used a Pot Still. Some crafty moonshiners used a “double thumper still,” which let them distill the spirit twice for a higher proof and smoother finish. These days, we’ve taken that same spirit of innovation and tradition into the modern age. At Midnight Moon, we distill our moonshine using state-of-the-art equipment—but we still stick to the same recipe passed down from Junior Johnson’s family.

9. How do you make moonshine mash?

Moonshine mash is the mixture of grain (traditionally corn), water and yeast used in the distillation process. It was common for moonshiners to add sugar to the mash to increase the alcohol yield from the batch. The mash ferments into alcohol before entering the distilling process.

10. How do you make apple pie moonshine?

Apple Pie Moonshine  is one of our all-time favorites—and a fan favorite, too. We start with our smooth Midnight Moon Original moonshine, blend it with real apple juice and a touch of cinnamon flavor to bring out that classic, cozy taste. The result? A slightly sweet, spiced sip that tastes just like homemade apple pie (and yes, friends still say it’s better than grandma’s).

11. What does moonshine taste like?

Inspired by the Junior Johnson family recipe, Midnight Moon moonshine is distilled from 100% corn mash, which produces a subtly sweet and exceptionally smooth ‘shine. Our flavor lineup ranges from classic to creative, with everything from straight-up ‘shine to deliciously bold blends that bring serious flavor to every jar.

12.  How do you drink moonshine?

There are several ways to drink moonshine (though we recommend out of a mason jar is a good place to start). You can drink it chilled straight from the jar, on the rocks, or try it in one of your favorite cocktail recipes.

13.  What is the best-tasting moonshine?

We might be a little biased, but we think Midnight Moon is the best-tasting moonshine out there. From our smooth Original to fan-favorite flavors like Apple Pie, Cherry, Peach, and Blackberry, there’s something for every kind of sipper. Craving something fresh? Try our latest flavors like Lemonade and Watermelon—or check out our new lineup of moonshine cream liqueurs, Midnight Moon Moonshakes™, a creamy twist on moonshine that’s lower in proof (17%) but big on flavor. With so many options, the best-tasting moonshine is really up to your taste buds.

14.  How do you flavor moonshine?

Moonshine gets its flavor after it’s distilled, by infusing our Original ‘shine with a range of ingredients. Some of our flavors feature real fruit hand-packed right in the jar—like Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Dill Pickle, Raspberry, and Strawberry—while others like Lemonade, Peach, Apple Pie and Peanut Butter bring bold, creative flavors through carefully crafted infusions. Whether it’s classic fruit or unique blends, each jar delivers the signature Midnight Moon taste.

15.  What do you mix with moonshine?

Midnight Moon works with all kinds of mixers—from classic ginger ale and beer to sweet tea and beyond. Our flavored spirits add a special twist that can take your cocktails to the next level. Looking for inspiration? We’ve got plenty of great recipes on our website to help you mix up something delicious every time.

16. What do you mix with apple pie moonshine?

Our apple pie moonshine recipes include Old Fashioned Apple Pie, Apple Ale, Apple Pie Moonshine Mule and more. They are simple to make at home and often turn the ordinary gathering into a party. There’s a story in every jar.

17.  Is moonshine gluten-free?

Midnight Moon Moonshine and Moonshake creams are produced with ingredients that do not contain gluten, however we cannot guarantee that the product is gluten-free. Please seek advice from a healthcare professional before consuming if you suffer from a gluten allergy and you are concerned. As we are not qualified to give medical advice persons requiring a gluten free diet must consult their medical adviser before consuming Midnight Moon Moonshakes.

18.  Where can I buy moonshine near me?

You can easily order Midnight Moon directly through our website and have it delivered right to your door. Or, use our store locator tool to find a retailer near you that carries Midnight Moon. Keep in mind that you can always ask your local store to order some in for you if you are having a hard time finding the flavor you want! Not sure if we ship to your state? Check out our Shipping FAQ for all the details. 

19.  How do you make moonshine at home? Is homemade moonshine illegal?

Making moonshine at home is illegal. While it may be legal in certain areas to brew your own beer or make your own wine, the Federal Tax and Trade bureau prohibits individuals from making distilled spirits at home. It doesn’t matter if it is for sale or personal consumption. That’s one of the reasons we created Midnight Moon! If Midnight Moon was any more authentic, it’d be illegal.

20.  Does moonshine cause blindness? If so, how?

Any alcohol distilled at home by someone who doesn’t have experience can cause blindness or even kill you. Methanol has a lower boiling point and is released in the first part of the distilling process. If it is not removed, and depending on the amount of methanol you ingest, you could go blind or even die.

There you have it – all of your questions about moonshine answered! At Midnight Moon, we’re proud to legally distill the best ‘shine around (thank you, Junior Johnson!) and look forward to hearing what you enjoy most about our fun flavors and cocktail recipes.