Illicit cocktails with Melbourne Moonshine

If you’re looking to warm up the old-fashioned way this winter, the crafty hooch-masters at Melbourne Moonshine might just be your substitute for central heating. And no, we’re not talking about taking one of the anonymous Misters who distill this Aussie made liquor into your arms (not that you’d ever find them), we’re talking about knocking back a few glasses of the stuff. Hand crafted in secrecy in copper stills in the back streets of Melbourne, this creamy, sweet and delicious sour mash corn spirit is not whiskey, nor bourbon. In fact, unless you’ve ever found yourself in the deep south, sipping moonshine with a hay chewing southerner in a barn, you’ve probably never tasted anything like it. But if you’re always up for trying something new, we’ve collected a few recipes to help ease you into it – after all, supporting local is a damn fine excuse to have a drink right?

Nighthawk

• 45ml Melbourne Moonshine
• 10ml lemon juice
• 10ml lime juice
• 20ml Crème de Yvette
• 5ml sugar syrup
• 15ml egg white
• 1 drop orange bitters

Combine all ingredients, add ice and shake short and hard. Fine strain into your favorite fancy glass and garnish with lemon and fresh thyme.

Jersey Lightening

• Your favourite cider
• 30ml Melbourne Moonshine

Take your shot on the side or drop it straight into your cider!

Moonshine Fizz

• 50ml Melbourne Moonshine
• 10ml lemon juice
• 10ml lime juice
• 20ml sugar syrup
• 5ml ginger juice
• A dash (4-6 drops) of orange bitters
• A dash of soda

Combine all ingredients except soda and shake, briefly, without ice. Throw in some ice and shake it like you really mean it. Fine strain into a tall glass, top with soda and garnish with grated nutmeg. You’ll also find Melbourne Moonshine on the shelves at a few boozy Brisbane spots, including The Gresham and Malt Traders. Image credit: Pinterest