If you love the rich, buttery flavor of butterscotch and the warming kick of homemade spirits, this Butterscotch Moonshine is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s incredibly easy to make, irresistibly smooth, and tastes like a dessert and a drink all in one.
Whether you’re making it for sipping, sharing, or holiday gifting, this moonshine has a way of making everyone smile. This recipe blends the flavors of butterscotch schnapps, vanilla, brown sugar, and grain alcohol or vodka to create a silky-sweet drink that’s dangerously sippable.
It’s a hit at parties, makes a fun hostess gift, and is surprisingly simple to put together — no distilling equipment required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average liqueur — it’s rich, creamy, and full of nostalgic candy-shop flavor with a grown-up twist. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or serving it over ice cream, it’s a treat.
You’ll love how easy it is to make in a big batch, how long it lasts, and how quickly it disappears. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress with something homemade.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups water
- 1½ cups light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups butterscotch schnapps
- 2 cups 190-proof grain alcohol (like Everclear) or use vodka for a milder version
- Optional: pinch of salt or cinnamon for extra flavor
- Optional: butterscotch candies for garnish or infusion
Pro Tips
- Let it cool fully before adding alcohol — this preserves the flavor and strength.
- Use Everclear for true moonshine strength or vodka for a smoother sip.
- Add butterscotch candies to steep for extra rich flavor.
- Chill before serving — it tastes even smoother cold.
- Gift in sealed mason jars or glass bottles with fun labels.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Funnel
- Glass bottles or mason jars with lids
- Labels for gifting (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
- No Everclear? Use high-proof vodka (80–100 proof).
- Sweeter: Add ¼ cup white sugar or maple syrup.
- Creamy version: Add ½ cup heavy cream before serving (don’t store with cream).
- Spiced: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while simmering the sugar syrup.
- Non-alcoholic: Use water, sugar, vanilla, and butterscotch extract for a cozy syrup.
Make Ahead Tips
This moonshine gets better as it rests. Store it in airtight bottles or jars and let it sit for at least 24 hours, or up to 2 weeks for best flavor. Keep it refrigerated for long-term storage (up to 3 months).
Instructions
1. Heat Water & Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add Vanilla & Optional Spices
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt or cinnamon if desired. Let the syrup cool completely.
3. Add Alcohol
Once the syrup is fully cooled (room temperature), stir in the butterscotch schnapps and Everclear (or vodka). Mix well until fully blended.
4. Bottle the Moonshine
Use a funnel to pour the moonshine into glass bottles or mason jars. Seal tightly. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve chilled in small glasses, over ice, or drizzled over desserts. Garnish with butterscotch candy or a cinnamon stick if desired.
Leftovers & Storage
Store moonshine in airtight bottles in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Shake gently before serving. Do not add dairy to stored moonshine — if making creamy versions, mix cream only right before serving.
Recipe FAQs
1. Is this real moonshine?
This is a flavored homemade liqueur made with store-bought alcohol, not distilled at home. It’s moonshine-style — safe, legal, and full of flavor.
2. Can I make it stronger or weaker?
Yes! Adjust the ratio of Everclear to schnapps or use vodka for a gentler drink.
3. Can I use butterscotch extract instead of schnapps?
You can — but schnapps gives a smoother, more authentic flavor. Use 1 teaspoon extract in place of 1 cup schnapps if needed.
4. Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely! Bottle it up with a label and ribbon — it makes a great homemade gift for holidays or housewarmings.
The Final Pour
This Butterscotch Moonshine Recipe is a sweet, nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist. Whether you serve it chilled, pour it over desserts, or gift it to friends and family, it’s a homemade liqueur that’s as fun to make as it is to sip.
Give it a try and let me know — did you go classic, creamy, or spiced? Tag me in your moonshine creations and cheers to making something delicious!