Pineapple Cake Moonshine Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 1 (750 milliliter) bottle cake-flavored vodka
- 1 pounds fresh pineapple spears
- 2 cups white sugar
Directions
Step 1: In a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot), combine water, vodka, pineapple spears, and white sugar.
Step 2: Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Select the high pressure setting according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Set the timer for 30 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
Step 4: After the cooking cycle is complete, release the pressure using the natural-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take about 40 minutes.
Step 5: Once the pressure has been released, carefully transfer the pineapple mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 6: Return the blended pineapple mixture to the pressure cooker. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Step 7: Pour the moonshine into sterilized bottles. Store in a cool, dark place.
Step 8: Chill the moonshine before serving for the best flavor experience.
Cook's Notes:
- Due to the alcohol content, keep your pressure cooker away from open flames.
- Use the natural-release method for pressure release, not the quick-release method.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrition | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 293 | |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 39g | |
| Protein | 0g | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 64mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Origin and History
The creation of moonshine, or homemade alcohol, dates back to the early American frontier, where distillation was an important way for families to produce their own liquor. Traditionally, moonshine was made using ingredients like corn, fruit, or sugarcane. Pineapple Cake Moonshine is a modern twist on the age-old art of making homemade spirits. The recipe combines cake-flavored vodka, fresh pineapple, and sugar to create a unique, sweet, and fruity version of moonshine that reflects contemporary tastes. It became popular as people began experimenting with flavored vodkas and seeking out fun, dessert-inspired drinks.
Regional Variations
Pineapple Cake Moonshine doesn't belong to any particular regional tradition of moonshining. Instead, it reflects the broad trend of flavored moonshine drinks, which have gained popularity across the United States, particularly in Southern states where moonshine production has a rich cultural history. However, this particular recipe incorporates tropical pineapple, which is more commonly associated with regions like Hawaii and the Caribbean. The fusion of these elementsmoonshine, tropical fruit, and cake-flavored vodkagives it a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from more traditional, straightforward moonshine recipes.
What Makes It Different?
Pineapple Cake Moonshine stands out from other moonshine recipes due to its sweet, dessert-like flavor. Traditional moonshine recipes often use corn or sugar as their base, giving them a more neutral or slightly fiery taste. In contrast, this recipe infuses cake-flavored vodka and fresh pineapple, resulting in a beverage thats both fruity and reminiscent of a tropical cake. The use of a pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot) helps to infuse the flavors quickly, making it an easy yet flavorful drink to prepare at home.
Where It's Usually Served
Pineapple Cake Moonshine is typically served as a fun, sweet cocktail at casual gatherings, BBQs, and festive events. Its perfect for summer parties where a refreshing, fruity drink is the star. This drink is also an excellent choice for those who enjoy experimenting with creative cocktails, as its vibrant flavor makes it a conversation starter. While its not a typical bar drink, its ideal for homemade craft cocktails or as a gift for friends who appreciate unique, flavored spirits.
Interesting Facts
- The term "moonshine" comes from the practice of distilling alcohol by moonlight to avoid detection from authorities, especially during Prohibition in the United States.
- Flavored moonshines like pineapple cake are a recent innovation, and their popularity has grown due to the increasing trend of homemade spirits and flavored vodkas.
- The combination of pineapple and cake-flavored vodka creates a drink thats almost like a liquid version of a pineapple upside-down cake, making it both nostalgic and delicious.
- Though its not technically a "cake" in the traditional sense, the cake-flavored vodka provides the essence of a dessert, offering a playful way to enjoy the flavors of a baked treat without the need for an oven.
- Many people who make pineapple cake moonshine opt for the Instant Pot method because it cuts down on the time needed to infuse the flavors, making it much easier to prepare compared to traditional moonshine recipes that require weeks of aging.