Infuse your own moonshine with spicy habanero peppers and incorporate it into your next drink recipe for a twist of heat. Here is the recipe.
Lately we've been experimenting a bit with infusing alcohols with chili peppers. Infused alcohols are all the rage nowadays. You'll find vodkas, tequilas, moonshines, even whiskeys hopping on the bandwagon with all sorts of interesting flavor combinations.
Moonshine is a perfect alcohol for infusing and we've been doing it for years. Like vodka, it is nice and clear and soaks up the flavors of your chosen ingredients nicely.
I've done this with superhots of all types - think ghost peppers, scorpion peppers, 7-pots (my faves!) - though this particular recipe utilizes the wonderful habanero pepper.
Yes!
Habanero Infused Moonshine Ingredients
- Unflavored Moonshine.
- Habanero Peppers.
How to Make Habanero Infused Moonshine - the Recipe Method
Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and add them to a container with a lid.
Add moonshine and seal. Shake well.
Screw the lid on tight and store in a dark, cook place for at least 4 hours. Longer is better for more heat. I let mine steep a few days.
Strain the moonshine to remove the chili peppers and use as needed above.
Refrigerate and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Notes
The habanero has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its fruity quality and the growing love of heat and zesty food. It's a good time to be Chili Pepper Madness, let me tell you. So happy for the habanero.
What can you do with a habanero infused moonshine drink? Time to get creative!
Mix it into your favorite cocktail recipes. Think "Moonshine Mule", "Spicy Blood Mary", or how about the ubiquitous margarita? Let those crazy drink making wheels turn!
Storage & Leftovers
Habanero-Infused Moonshine can be stored for an extended period if stored properly - due to the high alcohol content of moonshine and the capsaicin in habaneros.
If the moonshine is in an unopened bottle and stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, it can last almost indefinitely. Once the bottle is opened, the moonshine can still last for several years, provided it's sealed tightly and stored in the same cool, dark conditions.
Patty's Perspective
When Mike said he wanted to infuse moonshine, I was scared. I mean, moonshine is strong! There is no way I would do a straight shot of this stuff, no matter what it is infused with.
However! I am the mixologist in this household, and I enjoy the challenge of incorporating it into many a drink recipe. Definitely thinking outside the box on this one. What would you make with habanero infused moonshine?
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
- Scorpion Tongue Vodka Shot Recipe
- Habanero Moonshine
- Quick Chili Infused Pineapple Vodka Cocktail
- Pepper Infused Alcohol Recipe
- Spicy Cocktail Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Habanero Infused Moonshine
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups unflavored moonshine
- 3 habanero peppers
Instructions
- Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and add them to a container with a lid.
- Add moonshine and seal. Shake well.
- Screw the lid on tight and store in a dark, cook place for at least 4 hours. Longer is better for more heat. I let mine steep a few days.
- Strain the moonshine to remove the chili peppers and use as needed above.
- Refrigerate and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This post was updated on 9/4/20 to include new information and photo. It was originally published on 5/29/15.
Colin says
My habanero are just starting to ripen.
I don’t have access to moonshine but I do get free rum from a merchant seaman friend. I could make spiced rum.
I’m guessing that the habanero can be reused in a sauce, salsa or whatever.
Mike Hultquist says
Absolutely! Perfect with rum. Enjoy, Colin!
JONESCRUSHER says
Where can a person obtain safely made Moonshine now a days?
I'd consider using Everclear. Have you considered infusing Ghost chili peppers?
Mike Hultquist says
I found some at a local store and it worked great. Yes, Everclear works as well, and YES to ghost peppers. Nice and hot!
Nelson says
Do you have to remove the peppers or can you just leave them in?
Mike Hultquist says
I remove them eventually, as they can break down and float around in the moonshine.
WilliamKnowles says
How long did you leave the peppers in Charles Tinder. I did with tequlia for 4 days and doesn't seam hot.
REPLY: You should get a good infusion after a day, though you can do longer. If you're not noting the heat, you can try adding more habaneros or hotter peppers. -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.
vera says
I'm thinking a chocolate mint infusion would be interesting
Eric says
Last year for Christmas presents we infused tequila with lime, rum with coconut, brandy with apricots, and vodka with peppers, peppercorns, celery seed, and garlic (bloody mary vodka). Everybody loved it and doing it again this year. Let them steep for months.
maz says
Eric, would you care to share your measurement for the vodka infusion? Please. It sounds great. Thank you.
Charles Tinder says
Have been infusing tequila with candied ghost peppers for several years now.