Tennessee moonshine is where it’s at this fall! As the air gets cooler and the leaves start to turn, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a delicious cocktail in hand. Personally, I love how moonshine adds that bold kick to my favorite fall flavors. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or having friends over for a fun evening, Tennessee moonshine easily becomes the star of your autumn drinks lineup. So, let’s get those glasses ready and dive into some moonshine magic!
Tennessee Moonshine: The Secret Ingredient for Fall Fun
Tennessee moonshine is hands down my favorite choice for fall cocktails! Not only is it steeped in Southern tradition, but it also brings a smooth yet bold flavor to every drink. What I love most is how how it goes with everything—you can mix it with apple cider, pumpkin spice, or even maple syrup, and it always delivers that perfect kick. Plus, it’s crafted with locally sourced ingredients, which makes it a true taste of the region. So, if you’re looking to elevate your fall drinks, Tennessee moonshine is the way to go! Trust me, you’ll be hooked after your first sip.
Tennessee Moonshine: From Hidden Stills to Cocktail Thrills
The history of Tennessee moonshine is as wild as the mountains it comes from! It all started in the hills, where distillers made moonshine in secret, dodging the law to keep the tradition alive. Today, though, you don’t need to go sneaking around—Tennessee moonshine is fully legal and loved by so many! With over 30 distilleries in the state (including some famous Tennessee whiskey companies), you can enjoy a taste of this rich history with every sip. From small batch to big-name brands, moonshine is a true part of Tennessee’s story, and now it’s front and center in fall cocktails!
Let’s Go: Time to Mix Up Some Tennessee Moonshine Magic
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to dive into the fun part—crafting your perfect fall cocktails with some good ol’ Southern spirit! Whether you’re into sweet, spicy, or something in between, these recipes will bring a little mountain-made shine to your fall gatherings. Let’s get shaking, stirring, and sipping!
Apple Cider Tennessee Moonshine Mule: Crisp & Refreshing
This cocktail is the perfect blend of spice and sweetness, with the warmth of apple pie-flavored shine. It’s refreshing, yet cozy, with a hint of fall in every sip, making it an absolute must for any autumn gathering. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can impress your guests without any fuss!
- 2 oz apple pie-flavored moonshine
- 4 oz apple cider
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
Stir It Up:
- First, fill a copper mug with ice.
- Then, pour in the apple pie moonshine, followed by the apple cider, ginger beer, and lime juice.
- After that, stir gently so everything blends together, and don’t forget to garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
- Finally, sip and enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste of fall in every sip!
Caramel Apple Moonshine Martini: Sweet & Sassy
If you love all things caramel and apple, this martini is the perfect treat! The smooth caramel shine mixed with apple schnapps makes it feel like dessert in a glass. It’s sweet, a little sassy, but also just right for fall nights with friends.
- 2 oz caramel-flavored moonshine
- 1 oz apple schnapps,
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- Splash of apple juice
- Caramel-dipped apple slice for garnish
Shake It Up:
- First, fill a shaker with ice.
- Then, pour in the caramel moonshine, apple schnapps, vanilla vodka, and a splash of apple juice.
- Shake it up until it’s nicely chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass, and don’t forget to garnish with a caramel-dipped apple slice.
- Finally, sip and savor the sweet, sassy flavors of fall!
Cranberry Moonshine Margarita: Tart & Tangy
For a fall twist on a classic favorite, this Cranberry Moonshine Margarita is the way to go! The tartness of cranberries, combined with the boldness of moonshine, makes this cocktail both refreshing and festive. Perfect for cozy fall nights or lively gatherings, it’s got just the right amount of kick.
- 2 oz Tennessee moonshine (your favorite unflavored or lightly flavored variety)
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Sugared cranberries and also a lime wedge for garnish
Mix It Up:
- First, rim your glass with sugar (optional) and fill it with ice.
- Then, in a shaker, pour in the moonshine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
- Shake it up until everything is chilled and well combined.
- Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries and a lime wedge for that festive fall look, and enjoy the tart, tangy flavors!
This margarita is a fun, seasonal spin on a crowd-pleaser, certainly perfect for any fall occasion!
Pumpkin Spice Moonshine Latte: Cozy & Creamy
If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, this cocktail is certainly a must-try! It’s creamy, cozy, and full of warm fall flavors. The combination of pumpkin spice and smooth moonshine creates a perfect drink to sip on chilly autumn nights.
- 2 oz pumpkin spice moonshine (or add pumpkin spice syrup to regular moonshine)
- 1 oz cream or half-and-half
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish
Mix It Up:
- First, fill a shaker with ice.
- Then, pour in the pumpkin spice moonshine, cream, and vanilla vodka.
- Shake it up until it’s smooth and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled glass or serve over ice for a more refreshing vibe.
- Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon to really bring those cozy vibes.
This pumpkin spice moonshine latte will warm you right up and keep the fall flavors going strong! Perfect for sipping while watching the leaves fall.
Southern Pecan Pie Moonshine Cocktail: Sweet & Nutty
This cocktail brings all the flavors of a Southern pecan pie—rich pecans, sweet caramel, and also a touch of moonshine kick. It’s the perfect fall dessert drink for when you want something indulgent and comforting!
- 2 oz pecan-flavored moonshine
- 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
- 1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 oz maple syrup (for extra sweetness)
- Crushed pecans and caramel drizzle for garnish
Pour It Up:
- First, drizzle caramel around the inside of your glass, then fill it with ice.
- In a shaker, combine pecan moonshine, butterscotch schnapps, cream, and maple syrup.
- Shake it up until it’s creamy and well blended.
- Strain into your prepared glass.
- Finally, top with crushed pecans for that pecan pie vibe and enjoy the sweet, nutty flavor!
This cocktail is decadent, smooth, and full of Southern charm—just like a real pecan pie! Perfect for fall nights when you want a little dessert in a glass.
Maple Moonshine Old Fashioned: Classic with a Sweet Twist
So, this Maple Moonshine Old Fashioned is a fall-inspired take on the traditional favorite. The rich flavor of maple syrup certainly pairs perfectly with the boldness of moonshine, making it the ideal cocktail for cozy autumn nights. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious!
- 2 oz unflavored or lightly flavored moonshine
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes bitters
- Orange peel and a cherry for garnish
Stir It Up:
- First, in a mixing glass, combine the moonshine, maple syrup, and bitters.
- Add ice, and stir it up until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Finally, garnish with an orange peel and a cherry to add that classic Old Fashioned touch.
- Sip and enjoy the smooth, slightly sweet flavors of maple and moonshine!
This cocktail is perfect for fall gatherings or when you just want to wind down with something classic but with a seasonal twist!
Cinnamon Moonshine Smash: Warm & Spicy
This Cinnamon Moonshine Smash is the ultimate cozy cocktail for fall! With the warmth of cinnamon and the kick of moonshine, it’s certainly a fun, flavorful drink that will bring all the fall vibes to your gatherings. The combination of spice and sweetness makes it perfect for chilly nights by the fire.
- 2 oz cinnamon-flavored moonshine
- 1 oz apple juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (or honey for extra warmth)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Cinnamon stick and also a apple slice for garnish
Shake It Up:
- First, muddle a cinnamon stick with the simple syrup or honey in your shaker.
- Then, pour in the cinnamon moonshine, apple juice, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add ice and shake it up until everything is well combined.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice for that extra fall flair.
The warm cinnamon and tart apple flavors certainly make this cocktail a spicy-sweet treat, perfect for any fall occasion!
Wrapping Up: 7 Southern-Spirited Cocktails for Fall
And there you have it—seven Southern-spirited cocktails to warm up your fall! From cozy pumpkin spice to bold apple pie moonshine, these drinks will certainly bring a little extra fun and flavor to your autumn gatherings. Whether you’re by the fire, hosting friends, or just kicking back after a long day, these moonshine cocktails will add that perfect touch of fall to your evenings. So, grab your favorite Tennessee shine, shake or stir it up, and savor the season, one sip at a time!
Stock Up for Your Fall Cocktails
Tennessee is home to a variety of incredible moonshines, each with its own unique twist. So, if you’re looking to stock up for your fall cocktails, here are seven must-try options: Ole Smoky’s Apple Pie Moonshine, perfect for warm, spiced drinks; Ole Smoky’s Butter Pecan Moonshine for that nutty, sweet flavor; Old Forge’s Caramel Moonshine to add a rich sweetness; Tennessee Shine Co. Pumpkin Spice Moonshine for cozy fall vibes; Old Forges’s Cinnamon Moonshine to bring some heat; also try Popcorn Sutton’s Original Recipe Moonshine for a classic touch; and Tennessee Shine Co Cran-apple for a fruity twist. Each one certainly brings a bit of Southern spirit to your glass!
Taste a Little of Tennessee
So, if you’re ready to explore even more flavors, then why not taste a little of Tennessee on a bar crawl or whiskey tour? From moonshine distilleries to classic whiskey stops, you’ll get a true sip of Southern spirit. Plus, these tours are a great way to experience local culture while enjoying some incredible drinks.
Shake It Up and Share
So, we’d love to see your fall cocktail creations! Whether you’re shaking up a pumpkin spice treat or sipping on a Southern classic, don’t forget to tag us at @TennesseeTrekkn and use the hashtag #TennesseeTrekkn on Instagram. While you’re at it, check out our Facebook page for more fun updates, and keep an eye on our YouTube channel—big things are coming soon! So, we’d love to see what you come up with, so go ahead and shake it up and share your fall magic with us!
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