How to Get Your Shine on with Moonshine

It is very clear (pardon the pun), that Moonshine is the next big thing on the ‘craft booze’ circuit. So I was really excited to hear about this offering from Silver Creek Craft Distillery called “Southern Moonshine”.

Let me first put your fluttering hearts at ease – don’t even think of comparing this to the-illegally-brewed-by-your-dodgy-uncle-who-makes-mampoer-in-his-backyard-kinda-moonshine – these spirit aperitifs are real smooth – with a deliciously and delicate sweet taste and is very easy-drinking.

And really versatile as well. You can have it over crushed ice, straight up as a shooter or as a cocktail. That’s what really got me excited – the potential to experiment with these interesting flavours. Just listen to this, these are the flavours available: Apple Pie, Bon Fire (hot cinnamon) Salted Caramel and Chocolate Moonshine. If you prefer something more ‘traditional’, you can try the ‘Charred Shine’ (bourbon flavour), and ‘Clear Shine’ (flavoured with oak barrel essence’). But the idea of experimenting with the flavoured ‘shines, really got me going!

It was difficult to choose, but I decided to first give the ‘Apple Pie Moonshine’ and the ‘Salted Caramel Moonshine’ a try. Also, these flavours reminded me of Christmas, so I was inspired! Both of these got a gold medal at the 2017 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards, not too shabby for first time entrants!

Once I got started I couldn’t stop, so here are a few of the cocktails I whipped up!

Southern Moonshine Apple Pie Sangria

Per serving:
Chopped Granny Smith Apple and crushed ice
Add 2 shots of Silvercreek Apple Pie Moonshine
Top up with bubbly! (tip:  you can also use white wine, or lemonade for an alcohol-free version)

Southern Moonshine Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Freakshot
Yes, you read right!  A Freakshot!  I wonder if I can copyright it 😉  It is like a freakshake – just a mini-version.

 

Serves 2:
2 shots SilverCreek Salted Caramel Moonshine
2 big scoops of softened vanilla ice cream
½ teaspoon peanut butter
Mix all the above ingredients together, pour in double shot glasses and top with caramel popcorn

Southern Moonshine Creamy Caramel Apple Pie
More potent than what it sounds like 😉

Per serving
2 shots SilverCreek Salted Caramel Moonshine
2 shots SilverCreek Apple Pie Moonshine
2 shots cream liqueur
A big scoop of vanilla ice cream
Mix all the ingredients together, and voila!

Southern Moonshine Mule 

Per serving
2 shots SilverCreek Salted Caramel Moonshine
1 cinnamon stick
Crushed Ice
Top up with Ginger Ale and garnish with green apple slices

Last, but not least – the perfect ending to a meal!

Southern Moonshine Salted Caramel Espresso

Serves 2
2 shots espresso (used Nespresso), chilled
2 shots Southern Moonshine Salted Caramel
2 big scoops of softened vanilla ice cream
2 shots cream liqueur
Mix and serve

Phew!  What a feast of deliciousness!  I hope you feel inspired to try some of the Silver Creek Distillery ‘shines and also get your shine on!   I already decided what I want to try next – bring on the Charred Shine and Chocolate!  #getyourshineon

“Southern Moonshine is available at selected bars, restaurants and retailers around the country. The Clear and Charred Shines retail at around R370 per 750ml bottle and the flavoured moonshines for R260. For more information about Silver Creek Craft Distillery and its Southern Moonshine range visit: www.silvercreekdistillery.com or follow on Facebook at silvercreeksouthernmoonshine and Instagram @silvercreeksouthernmoonshine. Join the conversation by using #getyourshineon!” (quoting from their website)

Let me know if you try any of these cocktails – would love to hear from you!

PS:  We also created a recipe using Southern Moonshine – check it out!  https://socialsavage.co.za/2017/12/23/kitchen-at-the-end-of-the-universe-moonshine-pork-chops/