Moonshine, also known as white lightning, mountain dew, hooch, and many other names, refers to high-proof distilled spirits that are usually produced illicitly. Traditional moonshine is made from corn mash and contains no added sugars or flavorings. However, some modern commercially-produced moonshines do contain added flavorings and sweeteners. So whether or not moonshine contains carbs or sugar depends on how it is produced.
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine refers to high-proof alcoholic spirits, typically produced through home distillation methods. The term “moonshine” came about because it was often produced illegally at night under the light of the moon to avoid detection.
Traditional moonshine is made by fermenting and distilling a mash of grains, usually corn. This process concentrates the alcohol and removes impurities, resulting in a clear, high-proof spirit. Legally produced corn whiskey is essentially identical to traditional moonshine, the only difference being compliance with liquor taxation and distribution regulations.
Key Features of Moonshine
– High alcohol content – moonshine typically ranges from 80-95% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 160-190 proof. This is significantly stronger than commercial spirits like whiskey or vodka which are usually 40-50% ABV or 80-100 proof.
– Clear, unaged spirit – moonshine is not aged in barrels like other spirits. This gives it a crystal clear appearance and raw flavor profile dominated by the base grain.
– Illicit origins – moonshine production originated as a way to avoid liquor taxes. Making, selling, or transporting untaxed liquor is illegal in most jurisdictions.
– Corn base – moonshine is traditionally made from a fermented mash of corn, also known as corn whiskey. Other grains like rye or barley can also be used.
– Full-bodied flavor – the bold, concentrated corn flavor of moonshine is described as earthy and assertive. It has a smooth texture with some heat from the high alcohol content.
Does Traditional Moonshine Contain Carbs or Sugar?
Traditional moonshine made according the historical methods does not contain added sugars or carbs. Here’s why:
Ingredients in Traditional Moonshine
– Grains – Usually corn, but sometimes other grains like rye or barley. The starch in grains is converted to alcohol through fermentation.
– Water – Added to the mash to facilitate fermentation and distillation.
– Yeast – Converts grain starches to alcohol. Most moonshiners use brewer’s yeast.
So traditional moonshine contains no added sugars. The only carbohydrates come from the grain starches used to make the mash.
Distillation Removes Carbs
Distillation concentrates the alcohol through evaporation and condensation. This process removes the grain solids and water from the finished product, leaving behind a high-proof spirit. So the carbohydrates from the grains stay behind in the still and are not carried over to the finished moonshine.
Lack of Sweeteners
Commercial spirits are sometimes sweetened with added sugars like corn syrup or cane sugar to smooth out harsh flavors. But traditional moonshine is not sweetened – it derives its bold flavor directly from the corn mash.
Nutritional Content of Moonshine
Because it contains no appreciable amounts of carbs, sugars, protein, or fat, the nutritional content of traditional moonshine is negligible:
– Carbohydrates: 0 g
– Sugars: 0 g
– Protein: 0 g
– Fat: 0 g
The only macronutrient with meaningful presence in moonshine is alcohol:
– Alcohol: 70-95% ABV
A 1.5 oz (44 ml) shot of 80 proof (40% ABV) moonshine contains:
– Calories: 124
– Carbs: 0 g
– Protein: 0 g
– Fat: 0 g
– Alcohol: 17.4 g
So while moonshine packs a caloric punch from the alcohol content, it has no nutritionally significant levels of carbs or sugar if made according to traditional recipes.
Do Flavored Moonshine Brands Contain Sugar?
Commercially produced moonshine that comes in interesting flavors like apple pie, strawberry, peach, or salted caramel often does contain added sweeteners. This helps provide a smooth, palatable flavor profile.
Here are some popular flavored moonshine brands and their sugar content:
Ole Smoky Moonshine
– Apple Pie – 8 g sugar per 1.5 oz
– Peach – 12 g sugar per 1.5 oz
– Blackberry – 12 g sugar per 1.5 oz
Midnight Moon
– Strawberry – 11 g sugar per 1.5 oz
– Blueberry – 9 g sugar per 1.5 oz
– Cherry – 10 g sugar per 1.5 oz
Doc Collier Moonshine
– Lemondrop – 9 g sugar per 1.5 oz
– Grape – 9 g sugar per 1.5 oz
– Citrus – 9 g sugar per 1.5 oz
The sugar contributes sweetness and masks the intense corn flavor. Plain unflavored corn whiskey from these brands would have no added sugars.
Is the Sugar in Flavored Moonshine Natural?
Most flavored moonshine brands use artificial sweeteners rather than natural sugars. This gives a sweet taste without altering the mouthfeel or adding heaviness.
Common artificial sweeteners used in flavored moonshines:
Sucralose
– Brand name Splenda
– 600 times sweeter than sugar
– Adds sweetness without calories
– Derived from sugar but molecularly altered
Erythritol
– Found naturally in fruits like pears and melons
– 70% as sweet as sugar with few calories
– Fermented from corn or wheat starch
– Provides bulk and mouthfeel
These non-nutritive sweeteners allow flavored moonshine to have strong sweet flavors without spiking blood sugar. A few craft brands do use real cane sugar for an authentic flavor profile.
Can Moonshine Be Made Low-Carb?
While traditional moonshine is inherently low-carb, commercial versions with flavorings often contain added sugars or carbohydrates. But moonshine can also be made low-carb by:
Using Low-Carb Grains
– Rye – Contains around 15g net carbs per 100g
– Wheat – 19g net carbs per 100g
– Barley – 22g net carbs per 100g
Compared to:
– Corn – 76g net carbs per 100g
So substituting rye, wheat, or barely for some of the corn mash will reduce carb content.
Avoiding Sweet Flavors
Steering clear of sweet flavors like peach, apple pie, or cinnamon roll avoids the need to add sweeteners. Stick with unsweetened grain spirits.
Natural Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
– Monk fruit extract
– Stevia leaf extract
These can provide light sweetness without calories or blood sugar impact.
Watering Down
Diluting high-proof moonshine with plain soda water cuts the strength while keeping calories and carbs minimal.
Is Moonshine Keto-Friendly?
Unpainted moonshine made from grains like corn, rye, wheat, or barley contains no added sugars or sweeteners. This makes it a keto-friendly beverage option:
Zero Net Carbs
The distillation process removes nearly all of the grain starches and carbohydrates, leaving behind no appreciable carbs.
High Fat Burning Potential
Alcohol promotes ketosis by suppressing liver glycogen storage and accelerating fat burning. Enjoying alcohol while restricting carbs can help maintain ketosis.
Watch the Calories
Moonshine is calorie-dense, providing around 100 calories per standard shot. Moderation is needed to avoid stalling weight loss.
Beware of Flavored Versions
Flavored moonshine with added sweeteners may contain sugar alcohols or starches that can interfere with ketosis. Check labels for carb counts.
Enjoying unflavored moonshine made from low-carb grains in moderation can fit into a keto lifestyle. It provides bold flavor without disrupting ketosis.
How to Make Low-Carb Keto Moonshine
Here is an easy method for making low-carb moonshine suitable for keto diets:
Ingredients
– 3 lb rye grain
– 5 gallons water
– 1 cup white sugar
– 2 tsp brewer’s yeast
Instructions
1. Crush the rye grains to break down the starches. Add to water in fermenter.
2. Dissolve sugar in 1 cup hot water then add to fermenter. Stir in yeast.
3. Seal fermenter with airlock and leave in cool dark place for 1 week.
4. Transfer liquid to distiller and distill according to device instructions.
5. Collect finished moonshine liquor and bottle. Dilute to desired ABV with filtered water.
This makes an unaged white rye moonshine with a mash bill containing approximately 40% rye. The rye provides a distinctive flavor with fewer carbs than corn.
Potential Health Benefits of Moonshine
Despite the stigma around illicit spirits, traditional moonshine made from grains may offer some potential upsides:
High Antioxidant Activity
Compounds created during fermentation and distillation called lignans have antioxidant properties that may help fight oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Animal studies suggest some grain-based spirits like bourbon have anti-inflammatory properties that could protect against chronic diseases.
Lower Congeners than Aged Spirits
Congeners are toxic byproducts of fermentation. Moonshine has lower levels than aged brandy or whiskey.
Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Evidence indicates moderate alcohol consumption may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, likely by improving insulin sensitivity.
Of course, moonshine should be consumed in moderation to avoid health risks from excessive alcohol intake. But traditionally-made unflavored moonshine is one of the “cleaner” options among distilled spirits.
Potential Downsides of Drinking Moonshine
Despite a few potential upsides, consuming illicitly produced moonshine also carries some risks:
High Alcohol Content
The extremely high proof of most moonshine means it’s very easy to accidentally consume excessive amounts of alcohol. This poses a risk of alcohol poisoning.
Lack of Quality Control
When distilled outside of regulated facilities, there are risks of contamination or tainted alcohol from unscrupulous producers.
Lead Contamination
Some amateur distilling equipment uses lead soldering or parts. Lead residue can contaminate the final product.
Risk of Methanol Poisoning
Improper distillation techniques can result in higher concentrations of methanol, which is toxic.
Hangovers and Dehydration
The combination of very high alcohol plus impurities can make moonshine prone to causing especially awful hangovers. Dehydration is also a risk.
Consuming illicit moonshine is a risky proposition compared to legal clear corn whiskeys produced under regulation.
FAQs
Is moonshine just unaged whiskey?
Essentially yes, traditional moonshine and unaged corn whiskey are the same spirit. The main difference is that moonshine skirts taxation and regulation.
Does authentic Appalachian moonshine use sugar?
Traditional Appalachian moonshine recipes do not include added sugars. The sweet corn mash provides plenty of flavor.
What’s better moonshine or vodka?
This depends on personal preference. Moonshine has a more assertive grain flavor profile while vodka is more neutral. Vodka may be more “mixable” while moonshine offers a authentic corn character.
Is moonshine legal anywhere?
It’s federally legal to own a still for personal use in the United States. But distilling alcohol for sale without licenses remains prohibited. Some states like Tennessee allow legal moonshine production and sales.
What’s the proof of real moonshine?
Traditional moonshine tends to range from 150-190 proof, or 75-95% ABV. This high alcohol concentration is part of what defines the spirit. Legal unaged corn whiskeys are typically 80 proof (40% ABV).
Conclusion
When made according to historic recipes, moonshine does not contain added sugars or carbohydrates outside of a small amount from the fermented grain mash. The distillation process leaves behind a sugar-free, high-proof spirit. However, many modern flavored moonshine brands aimed at the novelty market do contain sweeteners and added sugars. Opting for a minimally-processed grain-based moonshine is the best option for low-carb and keto diets. While moonshine does pose some health risks if consumed irresponsibly, it can be enjoyed sensibly as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Just be wary of excessive alcohol content and contamination risks with DIY production. When crafted carefully by specialty distillers, modern moonshine provides a nostalgic taste of American whiskey history.
