Southern Butter Pecan Moonshine

This Southern Butter Pecan Moonshine Taste just like the ice cream! It’s amazing, but remember – this is only for adults!!

Let me tell you, this Southern Butter Pecan Moonshine recipe exploded on Pinterest! I’m talking viral, y’all—pins, saves, and people sharing their own versions like wildfire. It caught on faster than I could keep up! I had folks from all over saying, “I need this in my life,” and honestly, I don’t blame them. Who can resist that buttery, pecan goodness with a little kick of moonshine?

Now, I may be from the Pacific Northwest, but I’ve always had a soft spot for those rich, Southern flavors. When I put this recipe out there, I just knew it was going to hit the spot. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and indulgent, with a touch of nostalgia that takes you right back to family gatherings and cozy evenings.

The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is to drink—just mix, simmer, strain, and pour. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. This moonshine has serious flavor, and once you bottle it up, you’re going to want to share it with everyone (or maybe keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!). Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a quiet night in, this drink is a crowd-pleaser.

So go ahead, give it a try, and see why everyone on Pinterest can’t stop talking about it. You’re about to discover why this recipe is pure magic in a jar!

How to Make Southern Butter Pecan Moonshine

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter extract (this is the secret to that rich, buttery flavor!)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups dark rum (or bourbon, if you want a deeper flavor)
• 2 cups Everclear or your favorite high-proof grain alcohol

Instructions

1. In a large pan, melt 1/2 cup of the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, toss in the chopped pecans. Stir them occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown and you can smell that wonderful, nutty aroma. Set them aside for later, but keep a few for garnishing.
2. In a large pot, combine the remaining butter, toasted pecans, dark brown sugar, white sugar, water, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and butter extract. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve completely—about 10 minutes. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the sweetened condensed milk. This is what gives the moonshine that irresistible creamy texture, so don’t skip it!
4. Let the mixture cool completely—patience is key here! You don’t want to add the alcohol to a hot mixture because it’ll evaporate the alcohol content (and we can’t have that!).
5. Once the syrup has cooled down, stir in the dark rum and Everclear. Mix it until everything is smooth and well combined.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into clean mason jars or bottles. Make sure to leave a little headspace in each jar. Store your moonshine in the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Southern Butter Pecan Moonshine Tips and Tricks

Toast Those Pecans Right: Don’t skip toasting the pecans—it’s the key to getting that deep, nutty flavor. Keep an eye on them while toasting because they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Stir frequently and take them off the heat as soon as they turn golden brown.

Butter Extract Is a Must: While vanilla extract gives it that cozy sweetness, butter extract is what makes this moonshine taste like buttery, pecan pie goodness in a glass. Don’t skip it if you’re looking for that rich, creamy flavor.

Let It Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to speed things up, but be sure to let your syrup cool completely before adding the alcohol. Adding the alcohol while it’s still warm can cause the alcohol content to evaporate, and we want to keep all that boozy goodness intact!

Adjust the Sweetness: If you find this recipe a little too sweet for your liking, you can reduce the amount of white sugar by half. It’ll still be rich and indulgent, but with a slightly less sweet kick.

Add a Splash to Coffee: Want a fun way to serve it? Add a shot of your Butter Pecan Moonshine to your morning coffee for an extra special (and boozy) treat. It’s like your coffee and dessert all in one!

Perfect for Gifting: This moonshine makes for a fabulous homemade gift. Grab some cute mason jars, tie a ribbon around the top, and boom—you’ve got a thoughtful, delicious gift that everyone will love.

Customize Your Booze: If rum isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute with bourbon or even whiskey. Each brings its own depth of flavor, so you can experiment and find your favorite.

Serve It Chilled: For the best sipping experience, serve this moonshine ice-cold. You can even store it in the freezer for an extra frosty treat—it won’t freeze because of the alcohol content.

How Long Will It Last?

Your Southern Butter Pecan Moonshine will keep beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in the refrigerator. The alcohol acts as a preservative, so it won’t go bad quickly. Just make sure to keep it in a tightly sealed jar or bottle. Though, let’s be real—this stuff is so good, it probably won’t last that long! But if you’re saving it for special occasions or gifting it, you can feel confident that it’ll stay fresh and delicious for a few months.

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