Does moonshine have carbs or sugar?

Moonshine, also known as white lightning, is an unaged distilled spirit typically made from corn mash. Since it is distilled, one might assume it is low in carbohydrates and sugar, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. In this article, we’ll explore whether moonshine contains carbs and sugar.

What is moonshine?

Moonshine refers to high-proof distilled spirits that are produced illegally, without government authorization. It is typically distilled from fermented corn mash, though other grains like rye or barley may also be used. The term “moonshine” comes from distillers working clandestinely at night (under the light of the moon) to avoid detection.

Traditional moonshine tends to have a high alcohol content, often over 150 proof (75% ABV). The distillation process concentrates the alcohol and removes many of the congeners (flavor compounds) in the original fermented mash. The result is a clear, unaged spirit with a high alcohol punch.

Moonshine first became popular in Appalachia and throughout the South, where it provided isolated communities with an inexpensive source of liquor. Production increased substantially during Prohibition when it became illegal to distill or sell spirits. Today, some moonshine is produced legally, but much is still bootlegged.

Does moonshine contain carbs?

When it comes to carbohydrates, moonshine has very minimal amounts. Here’s why:

• Carbs cannot survive the distillation process. The high heat essentially burns off any sugars and starches.
• Moonshine is distilled multiple times. With each distillation, the ABV goes up as more water is removed, leaving behind minimal carbs.
• The fermented mash (often corn) provides carbs before distillation, but few make it to the final product.

So while the original corn mash used to produce moonshine contains plenty of carbohydrates, they are essentially eliminated through the repeated boiling, evaporation, condensation and separation that occurs during distillation.

Very small amounts of carbohydrates may make it through distillation. But a 1 oz serving of moonshine generally contains less than 1 gram of carbs, qualifying it as a very low-carb beverage.

Does moonshine have sugar?

As with carbohydrates, the sugars in the original corn mash are eliminated by the distillation process. So straight unflavored moonshine contains no residual sugars.

However, some illicit producers will add sugar or fruit juices to their finished product. Sugar may be added to sweeten the flavor and make it more palatable. Fruit juices not only add sweetness but also impart desired fruit flavors.

So while traditional moonshine is sugar-free, some producers add sugar and fruit flavorings, and this will impact the carb and sugar content:

• Fruit-flavored moonshine can have around 5 grams of carbs and sugars per serving, due to the added fruit juice.
• Moonshine with added simple syrup or cane sugar may have up to 10 grams of carbohydrates and added sugars per serving.

So you cannot assume your moonshine contains zero carbs or sugar, as adulterations do occur. But in its purest unflavored form, commercial moonshine is as sugar- and carb-free as vodka or any other distilled spirit. The distillation process removes most carbohydrates and sugars from the original fermented mash.

Nutrition facts

Here are the basic nutrition facts for 1.5 oz (a typical shot) of unflavored 80-proof moonshine made from corn mash:

Calories	96
Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	0 mg
Carbs	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugars	0 g
Protein	0 g

As you can see, unflavored moonshine is free of fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugars, and protein. The only caloric component is the alcohol itself.

However, for illegally produced moonshine, nutrition facts are not always reliable. Unscrupulous distillers may add sugar or other ingredients that could increase the carb content. Analysis of illegal moonshine has found carbohydrate levels ranging from near zero up to almost 10 grams per serving. But in general, the carb and sugar content is very low.

Does flavored moonshine have carbs and sugar?

As mentioned earlier, flavored moonshine varieties – especially fruit-infused ones – will contain more carbohydrates and sugars:

• Fruit moonshine – Fruit like berries, cherries, peaches or citrus fruits may be infused into moonshine, whether by straight mixing or redistilling the liquor with fruit. The fruit sugars will carry over into the finished product. A peach moonshine may have around 5 grams of carbs and sugars per serving.
• Sweetened moonshine – Some producers add cane sugar, simple syrup or other sweeteners to make their moonshine more palatable. A sweet tea moonshine with added syrup may contain 15-20 grams of carbs and 10 grams of sugar per serving.

So flavored moonshine certainly won’t be low-carb or sugar-free. But it provides a more appealing flavor profile for some drinkers.

How is moonshine produced?

Making moonshine involves multiple steps, starting with the grains or fruit that will be fermented into alcohol:

1. A mash of corn, wheat or other grains is combined with water, malt and yeast in a large container. Fruit like berries may also be used. The yeast converts sugars into alcohol.
2. This mash mixture is fermented for several days, until it reaches the desired alcohol level, around 10-15% ABV.
3. The fermented mash, now called “distiller’s beer”, is transferred to a still for distillation. It is heated so the alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water.
4. The alcohol vapor travels through coiled tubing where it cools and condenses back into liquid alcohol “distillate.”
5. The distillate is collected and distilled again, sometimes three times, to boost the ABV. The more it’s distilled, the lower the impurities.
6. The finished moonshine may be diluted with water to the desired proof. Flavorings like fruit or sugar may also be added.

Multiple distillations are key to creating a “clean” flavor and concentrating the alcohol content. This process also eliminates almost all residual carbs, sugars, proteins and other components from the original fermented mash.

Is moonshine legal?

In the United States, it’s currently illegal to distill spirits without obtaining a permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Only licensed distilleries can legally produce spirits like moonshine.

However, it is legal to brew beer and wine at home for personal use in most states. Some states also allow personal or “diy” distilling, but strict rules apply. It’s illegal to sell home-distilled spirits without the proper licenses.

Illegal moonshine production still occurs in remote areas by unlicensed distillers seeking to avoid taxation and regulation. But many formerly illicit Southern moonshine makers now operate legal registered distilleries.

Moonshine laws vary around the world. While prohibited in some nations, in others moonshine distilling is loosely regulated or even considered part of local culture. For instance, home distilling is legal in New Zealand, some provinces of Canada, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Is modern moonshine safe?

Like any unregulated liquor, illegally made moonshine does carry some safety risks:

• Contaminants – Lead from poorly made stills can leach into the liquor. Ingredients may carry bacteria if not properly sanitized.
• Methanol poisoning – Improper distilling techniques can fail to separate toxic methanol from ethanol. This can cause blindness or death if consumed.
• Excessive ABV – Moonshine may be distilled to dangerously high proofs of over 150% ABV. Drinking this can quickly cause alcohol poisoning.

However, licensed modern moonshine makers follow all food safety regulations and legal requirements. Their products are highly regulated for purity and quality.

Reputable companies like Ole Smoky, Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon, and Popcorn Sutton’s ensure safe production methods and standards. So legally produced bottled moonshine purchased in stores today is perfectly safe to consume and enjoy responsibly.

Is moonshine gluten-free?

Since moonshine is distilled, it does not contain any gluten. Distillation separates the alcohol from the original grain mash, leaving behind any gluten proteins or peptides from wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains.

So commercial moonshine made from corn, as most is, would always be gluten-free. Other grains like sorghum and buckwheat are also naturally gluten-free.

However, some illicit distillers may use a mixed mash that includes gluten grains. Contamination could occur during amateur production and distilling processes. But lab analysis shows no detectable gluten in properly distilled moonshine.

Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be able to safely consume commercial, regulated moonshine. Anyone highly sensitive should check with the manufacturer if concerned about potential exposure to gluten.

Does moonshine have health benefits?

Like other types of alcohol, moonshine does come with both potential risks and benefits. Moderate intake may provide certain health advantages:

• Lower cardiac risks – Moderate alcohol intake is associated with reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease in healthy individuals.
• Type 2 diabetes – Light to moderate drinking correlates with improved blood sugar control and lower diabetes risk.
• Dementia – Low to moderate alcohol intake may reduce the risk of dementia, especially in older adults.
• Immunity – Light drinking can provide anti-inflammatory benefits that support immune function.

Any potential benefits disappear with heavy drinking, which is associated with many health risks and conditions. Moderation is key, with intake limits of 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 or less for men. Always drink responsibly within recommended guidelines.

Is moonshine keto-friendly?

Straight unflavored moonshine is an excellent keto-friendly beverage choice. Since it contains zero carbs, sugar, protein or fat, it will not impact ketosis or interrupt the metabolic state of ketosis.

Flavored moonshine varieties may be slightly higher in carbs. But at around 5 grams of net carbs per serving, most fruit-infused moonshines can still fit into a well-managed ketogenic diet.

Just be sure to account for the carbs when tracking your daily intake. Some higher sugar flavored moonshines may be too high in carbs for keto if consuming more than one serving.

How does moonshine compare to other spirits?

Here’s how unflavored 80-proof moonshine compares nutritionally to other popular 80-proof spirits:

Spirit	Calories	Carbs	Sugar
Moonshine	96	0g	0g
Rum	96	0g	0g
Vodka	96	0g	0g
Whiskey	96	0g	0g
Gin	96	0g	0g
Tequila	96	0g	0g

As you can see, unflavored moonshine is nearly identical in calories, carbs and sugar to other clear distilled spirits like vodka, rum, whiskey, gin and tequila.

The main difference is that while moonshine is unaged, spirits like whiskey and tequila are aged in wood barrels for years, giving them color and added flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, straight unflavored moonshine contains minimal carbohydrates or sugar, as they are eliminated through the distillation process. However, some illicit producers add sugar and fruit juice to their moonshine, which will increase the carb and sugar content.

Flavored varieties like fruit-infused or sweet tea moonshine will be higher in carbs and sugars. But even these should be relatively low for liquors, generally under 10 grams per serving.

As an unaged distilled spirit, moonshine is lower in carbohydrates than beer or wine. So while not completely carb-free, it can fit into a low-carb diet when consuming moderate amounts. Just account for the added carbs and sugars in any flavored varieties within your daily intake limits.