The first time I made a Watermelon Moonshine Recipe, I wasn’t just mixing fruit and liquor—I was mixing memories. My name is Emily Grace. I’m a mom of two in New Orleans, but I grew up in St. Francisville, Louisiana, where watermelon was more than food—it was summer’s crown jewel. Every July, my grandmother would slice it thick and cold, and we’d eat it barefoot on the porch while the cicadas hummed.
That kind of memory sticks. Years later, I wanted to bring that same spirit into my own kitchen. So, I started experimenting. This moonshine isn’t just refreshing—it’s nostalgic. It captures everything I love about Southern summers: bold flavors, easy fun, and slow evenings with people I love. The Watermelon Moonshine Recipe became something I make not just for taste, but for tradition.
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Watermelon Moonshine Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes + soak time
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This easy Watermelon Moonshine Recipe brings Southern summer vibes to your glass. Made with fresh watermelon and moonshine, it’s the perfect refreshing drink for backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
1 medium seedless watermelon (ripe)
1½–2 cups moonshine (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup granulated sugar
Optional: mint leaves
Optional: lime juice or chili salt rim
Instructions
1. Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh.
2. Blend the watermelon until smooth.
3. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the watermelon juice, sugar, and moonshine.
4. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days, stirring daily.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into clean jars or bottles.
7. Chill before serving over ice.
8. Garnish with mint or lime if desired.
Notes
For a stronger flavor, let the moonshine soak for up to 5 days.
You can serve it in a hollowed-out watermelon for fun.
Try adding a splash of lemon or lime for extra brightness.
Always refrigerate and consume within one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Infused
- Cuisine: Southern American
Table of Contents
This Is the One You’ll Keep Coming Back To
We keep it casual in my house. When friends come over for a cookout, I bring out a chilled jar, pour it over ice, and watch their faces light up after that first sip. It’s sweet, a little dangerous, and completely irresistible. I’ve even tried a fizzy twist with Sprite Watermelon Moonshine—and while fun, the classic still wins in my book.
If you’ve never made moonshine before, don’t worry. You’re about to learn how easy—and fun—it is to do right from home. Let’s start with the fresh, flavorful ingredients you’ll need.
How To Make Watermelon Moonshine Recipe
Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavor
The beauty of this watermelon moonshine recipe is that it’s as creative as you want it to be. I’m all about recipes that leave space for improvisation—just like my grandmother’s way of cooking. You don’t need exact science, just a love of good flavors. And trust me, if you’ve got a ripe watermelon and decent moonshine, you’re already halfway there.
Pick a watermelon that’s heavy and deeply colored. That means it’s juicy. Cut it open, and if it smells sweet, you’ve hit gold. From there, all you’ll need is some sugar, moonshine, and any extras you’d like—fresh mint, lime, or even chili for the bold.
Choosing the Right Moonshine for Your Mix
The moonshine you choose shapes the final flavor. For a sharper finish, I sometimes use Sour Watermelon Moonshine. It adds a tart edge that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. If you want a smoother sip, stick with traditional. That’s the version my husband prefers when he grills ribs in the backyard.
Here’s what I use:
- 1 medium ripe watermelon
- 1½–2 cups good-quality moonshine
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Optional: mint, lime juice, chili rim
I like to pair this with spicy dishes. It cools things down just right—like when we serve it alongside my Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipe as a refreshing no-booze option for the kids or guests.
This part of the recipe is where you really get to play. Next, I’ll show you how to bring it all together with simple, step-by-step instructions—even if you’ve never made a flavored spirit before.
You Like Easy Wins – This Watermelon Moonshine Recipe Is Foolproof
Five Simple Steps, Big Flavor Payoff
If you’ve ever been nervous about making a homemade drink, don’t be. This watermelon moonshine recipe is ridiculously simple—even if you’ve never infused anything in your life. I made it the first time while juggling toddlers and laundry. If I can pull it off during a busy summer weekend, you definitely can.
Start by cutting your watermelon in half and scooping out the flesh. I like to blend it until smooth, but if you prefer chunks, go rustic. Then you stir in sugar and moonshine, pour the mix back into the hollowed-out rind or a large jar, and let it rest in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. That’s it. The hardest part is waiting.
When it’s done soaking, strain the mix through a mesh sieve to catch the pulp, and pour the liquid into bottles or mason jars. Chill, serve over ice, and garnish with mint if you’re feeling fancy. The result is bright, bold, and seriously refreshing—kind of like the cool zip of my Cucumber Namasu Recipe, another no-fuss favorite made for warm weather.
Why This Method Just Works
You don’t need a distillery setup or expensive ingredients—just time and good taste. If you want a shortcut, try using Ole Smoky Watermelon Moonshine recipe as your base. It’s already flavored, so you can skip the infusion time and still get that kick of summer sweetness.
We like to serve this alongside something salty and unexpected—like my Pickle Lemonade Recipe. It cuts through the sweetness with a crisp, tangy zing that guests always rave about.
Once you make it this way, it’ll become part of your summer rhythm. And next, I’ll share how to store, serve, and switch things up to suit every taste and gathering.
You’re All About Good Vibes – This Watermelon Moonshine Drink Brings Them
How to Serve It Like a Pro
After a few days of soaking and straining, the Watermelon Moonshine Recipe Drink is ready to shine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just winding down after a long day, the way you serve it makes a big difference. I like to chill the jars for a few hours before guests arrive and pour over crushed ice. Add a little mint, maybe a slice of lime, and you’ve got yourself something that feels like it came from a fancy cocktail bar—only better because it’s homemade.
You can also get creative with garnishes. I once rimmed the glass with Tajín for a spicy-salty finish, and it was an instant hit. If you’re entertaining, consider pouring the drink into a hollowed watermelon half—it doubles as a cute punch bowl and gets people talking.
Keep It Fresh, Make It Yours
The beauty of this Watermelon Moonshine Recipe is how well it stores. Once strained, keep it in airtight jars in the fridge for up to a week. The flavor intensifies a bit, which I personally love. If you want to go non-traditional, try freezing watermelon chunks soaked in moonshine and using them as boozy ice cubes.
And if you’re in the mood to explore more fruity, summer-perfect drinks, you’ll love my Spicy Pickle Lemonade Recipe—it’s a bold twist that balances heat, tang, and sweet refreshment.
Just like this moonshine, every drink has its own story. Now that you’ve got yours, let’s wrap things up with a few helpful answers to common questions I get all the time.
FAQs About Watermelon Moonshine Recipe
What is in watermelon moonshine?
Watermelon moonshine is made from fresh watermelon, sugar, and high-proof moonshine. Some people add mint, lime, or other flavor boosters, but the base is always simple: fruit, sweetener, and alcohol. I sometimes blend it super smooth or keep it pulpy for a rustic feel.
How long does it take for a watermelon to soak up alcohol?
It usually takes about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The longer you let it soak, the deeper and stronger the flavor. Just make sure it’s sealed well and stirred once a day to keep the mix even. I like to taste it around day four.
Does watermelon moonshine recipe have to be refrigerated?
Yes—always. While it’s soaking and after it’s made, keep it cold. Refrigeration keeps the fruit fresh and the flavor balanced. I store mine in mason jars, and it stays great for up to a week.
What is toxic in moonshine?
If you’re buying moonshine from a store, it’s safe. But homemade moonshine made improperly can contain methanol, which is dangerous. That’s why I stick to trusted brands or flavored versions like the ones used in this recipe.
Conclusion
This Watermelon Moonshine Recipe isn’t just something I make—it’s something I live. It holds the taste of summer, the ease of slow evenings, and the joy of sharing something simple that makes people smile. Whether you’re new to moonshine or just craving a fresh way to enjoy watermelon, this recipe brings it all together.
I hope you try it. Not just because it’s delicious (which it is), but because recipes like this remind us to slow down, gather close, and toast to little things that matter—like laughter under string lights and drinks served with heart.
From my family to yours, cheers to summer, sweetness, and stories in every sip.
For more context about where this trend began, check out the Watermelon Moonshine Recipe on Wikipedia.
