Moonshine for the Masses

Once relegated to speakeasies and private parties down south, moonshine has stepped into the sunlight to freedom. That’s right, the once-illegal homemade hooch will no longer get you in trouble with the law.

The first legal moonshine is being distilled in Tennessee by Ole Smoky the first federally licensed distillery in the country. Made from corn grown on the family-owned farms in East Tennessee, the moonshine is distilled at the farm’s mill, where visitors can see the process in action: Corn is boiled before yeast is added, and then the fermenting process begins, lasting up to four days.

Already the liquor is inspiring a whole new line of moonshine-spiked foods. Ole Smoky sells the Mason-jarred moonshine in Original, White Lightnin’ (distilled six times for a seriously smooth drink), Cherries (packed with fresh maraschino cherries soaked in 100 proof moonshine) and Apple Pie (blended with apple juice, cinnamon and other spices), while featuring seasonal flavors—like Grape, Peach and Hunch Punch—exclusively at the distillery and store. The distillery also offers edible goodies, including Ole Smoky White Lightnin’ Pickles, as well as beans and barbecue sauce. With more than 30 products to choose from, you’re sure to find something to light up your taste buds (besides the moonshine itself). Here’s just a small selection of the Ole Smoky batch. Check out the rest at olesmokymoonshine.com/shop/food.

Cherrybomb Moonshine Salsa ($8.99/16 oz.) is explosive spread over grilled fish. And it has the punch of Ole Smoky’s 100 proof White Lightnin’ moonshine (less than half of 1%) mixed into the bright red cherries. Buy online

Moonshine Blackberry Barbecue Sauce ($8.99/16 oz.) is made with Ole Smoky’s 100 proof White Lightnin’ moonshine. Slather it on ribs or any other barbecued meats to add some sweet heat. Buy online

Hillbilly Caviar ($6.99/16 oz.), also known as Chow Chow, a Southern treat of pickled relish, guaranteed to heighten sandwiches, beans or mashed potatoes—or just enjoy a spoonful right out of the jar. Buy online

Ole Smoky Bloody Mary Mix ($8.99/750 ml.) is the base for a delicious Moonshine Bloody Mary that’ll impress any brunch guests. Buy online

Kiss of Death Garlic ($8.99/16 oz.) will keep you from getting any kisses, but your tastebuds and stomach will be happy. Beware: this pickled garlic can be addictive. Buy online —Denise Shoukas

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