Hello, home chefs and pickle enthusiasts!
I’m thrilled to walk you through making Moonshine Pickles, a unique twist on a classic favorite.
Making these pickles is a breeze, and the result is a zesty, spirited snack that always gets people talking.
My top tip: use high-quality cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor infusion from the moonshine.
What I adore about this recipe is its playful balance of tangy and boozy notes—it’s a conversation starter that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Roll up your sleeves, because we’re about to create pickles that pack a punch and liven up any gathering!
How to Make Moonshine Pickles
Ingredients List
To make a batch of delicious Moonshine Pickles, gather the following ingredients:
- 6-8 small pickling cucumbers (fresh)
- 1 cup of original moonshine (preferably high-proof and quality)
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
- ¼ teaspoon whole mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
- Optional: Ole Smoky Moonshine or other flavored moonshine varieties
Step-by-step process
Step 1. Prepare the cucumbers:
Begin by washing and drying the fresh cucumbers.
Slice them into your desired shape, either into round slices or long spears.
Set aside.
Step 2. Mix the moonshine mixture:
In a separate container, combine the cup of moonshine with the dill seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and smashed garlic.
If you prefer a flavored twist, replace the original moonshine with a flavored option like Ole Smoky Moonshine.
Step 3. Layer the cucumbers:
In a clean pickle bottle or airtight jar, place a layer of cucumber slices or spears, followed by some of the moonshine mixture.
Continue the layering process until Step cucumbers and the moonshine mixture are in the jar.
Step 4. Seal and store:
Ensure the cucumbers are completely submerged in the moonshine mixture.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Allow the pickles to ferment for at least 7 days, as this is when the flavors truly meld together for the perfect boozy dill pickle.
You may test a pickle after the 7-day period to assess the taste of moonshine and adjust the fermentation process to your taste preferences.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy:
Once the Moonshine Pickles have reached your desired flavor intensity, you can serve them with your favorite meals on a charcuterie board or even use them to garnish cocktails in a cocktail shaker.
These homemade ingredients and simple recipes will elevate any dish they accompany.
Enjoy!
Remember that Moonshine Pickles, along with other moonshine recipe infusions like moonshine cherries, should be consumed responsibly due to their high alcohol content.
Side Dishes for Moonshine Pickles
Moonshine pickles are a delicious and unique addition to your table, providing a tasty twist on the traditional dill pickle.
To make the most of these tangy treats, consider pairing them with some complementary side dishes.
Here are a few of our favorite dishes and meals that go well with moonshine pickles:
Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a versatile and visually appealing option to serve alongside your moonshine pickles.
It may include a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruit, and crackers.
The cured meats’ saltiness and the cheeses’ creaminess will balance the pickles’ tanginess, creating an excellent flavor harmony for you and your guests.
Southern-style Potato Salad
A bowl of Southern-style potato salad can be the perfect side dish to complement your moonshine pickles.
This creamy, comforting dish often includes chopped pickles, making it a natural pairing.
The tanginess of the pickles will cut through the richness of the potato salad, providing a refreshing contrast in flavors and textures.
Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a tried and true side dish that pairs well with a variety of foods, and moonshine pickles are no exception.
The crispness of the cabbage and the tangy dressing will complement the flavor profile of the pickles.
Plus, the cool creaminess of the coleslaw serves as a delightful contrast to the spicy kick that may be present in the moonshine pickles.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making moonshine pickles, you may not have all the required ingredients at hand.
Don’t worry!
There are substitutes for some of the main ingredients that can still provide a great tasting pickle.
Here are a few substitutions to help you out:
Ground Mustard
If you don’t have mustard seeds available, you can use ground mustard instead.
For every 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, replace it with 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard.
Another option is using yellow mustard as a substitute.
For 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, use approximately 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard.
Garlic
In case you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.
For each garlic clove, replace it with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How to Store Moonshine Pickles
To ensure the freshness and flavor of your moonshine pickles, proper storage is essential.
Before beginning the storage process, make sure to have a clean pickle jar to store your pickles in.
Here are some steps to follow to store your moonshine pickles effectively:
Storage Conditions
The ideal location should have a cool, dark, and consistent temperature, such as a pantry or a dark cupboard.
Keeping your pickles in such an environment will help maintain their crisp texture and preserve their distinctive taste.
Shelf-Life
Remember that moonshine pickles have a limited shelf-life, even when stored properly.
They can generally last anywhere from 2 to 4 months if stored in a cool, dark, and dry location.
You’ll want to refer to your specific recipe for more accurate storage recommendations and always trust your senses when determining the freshness of your pickles.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the unique flavor of your homemade moonshine pickles for a few months and ensure they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Moonshine Pickles:
When preparing moonshine pickles, it’s important to be aware of some common errors that people might make.
By understanding these mistakes, you can save time and resources to ensure a delicious batch of moonshine pickles.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the process:
Insufficient Soaking Time
Moonshine pickles require time for their flavors to meld and develop properly.
Ensure that you allow your pickles to soak in the moonshine mixture for at least 2 hours or more, depending on the desired strength.
Be patient, as rushing the soaking time could result in less flavorful and boozy pickles.
Choosing the Wrong Containers
Selecting the appropriate container for your moonshine pickles is crucial to maintaining the quality and flavor of your pickles.
Use large glass jars with airtight lids to ensure that the moonshine mixture covers all the cucumbers and that no air contaminates the pickles.
Avoid using plastic or metal containers, as they might leach unwanted flavors into your pickles.

Moonshine Pickles Recipe
- 1 separate container
- 1 clean pickle bottle
- 6-8 small pickling cucumbers fresh
- 1 cup of original moonshine preferably high-proof and quality
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
- ¼ teaspoon whole mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 cloves of garlic peeled and smashed
- Optional: Ole Smoky Moonshine or other flavored moonshine varieties
- Begin by washing and drying the fresh cucumbers.Slice them into your desired shape, either into round slices or long spears.Set aside.
- In a separate container, combine the cup of moonshine with the dill seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and smashed garlic.If you prefer a flavored twist, replace the original moonshine with a flavored option like Ole Smoky Moonshine.
- In a clean pickle bottle or airtight jar, place a layer of cucumber slices or spears, followed by some of the moonshine mixture.Continue the layering process until Step cucumbers and the moonshine mixture are in the jar.
- Ensure the cucumbers are completely submerged in the moonshine mixture.Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.Allow the pickles to ferment for at least 7 days, as this is when the flavors truly meld together for the perfect boozy dill pickle.You may test a pickle after the 7-day period to assess the taste of moonshine and adjust the fermentation process to your taste preferences.
- Once the Moonshine Pickles have reached your desired flavor intensity, you can serve them with your favorite meals, on a charcuterie board, or even use them to garnish cocktails in a cocktail shaker.These homemade ingredients and simple recipe will elevate any dish they accompany.Enjoy!Remember that Moonshine Pickles, along with other moonshine recipe infusions like moonshine cherries, should be consumed responsibly due to their high alcohol content.
- IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe - June 11, 2024
- Direct from the Delta: Enjoying Live Crawfish at Home - April 16, 2024
- Buffalo Wild Wings Henny Hustle Recipe - February 14, 2024