Drink of the Day: Bloody Shine from Original Moonshine

April 5, 2011 1:14 pm

Drink of the Day: Bloody Shine from Original Moonshine

Traditionally, whiskey has always been the beverage of choice for a "real man"; women had always been considered much more delicate, so delicate in fact that in the 1800's a woman's shot glass was actually half the size of a man's! Now that we are living in the 21st Century, most women would be abhorred if they were given a half a shot by their bartender (although sometimes a brutal hangover the next morning could leave you wishing you had). Regardless, not only do "real women" take full size shots, they also drink whiskey. In my case, I was drinking moonshine whiskey recently. Although it's considered lethal by some, I found it to have a really great taste that slowly warmed my insides instead of shocking my palate like other backyard variations can. Legal because of its 80 proof content, Original Moonshine Whiskey from Stillhouse is an actual drinkable version of the moonshine made at so many Southern barbeques. It's actually completely smooth and tastes great by itself or even on the rocks with a lime. Ordering whiskey straight up has never really been my thing, but after sipping on this clear, drinkable version, I have completely changed my mind.

When you find liquor that you really enjoy drinking on its own, there is nothing more tempting than to mix it into one of your favorite cocktails. Created by Shem Blum, the Ambassador of Original Moonshine and a mixologist at the Boom Boom Room, now called Top of the Standard (where I tried it), I was treated to a Bloody Mary, renamed the Bloody Shine (obviously renamed due to using Moonshine Whiskey in place of Vodka). As everyone knows a good Bloody Mary can be heaven, but if the mix is made wrong, there can be nothing worse. The Bloody Shine is a perfect mix of the traditional ingredients used most of the time, and replacing Vodka with Moonshine actually makes it smoother and gives it slightly more vitality. Making the Bloody Shine at home is easy and it makes a great accompaniment to the paper and brunch on a slow weekend morning.

Ingredients:

2 oz Original Moonshine
3 oz tomato juice
1/2 oz fresh lemon
3 dashes worcestershire sauce
2 drops tabasco
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients and shake. Pour into glass and add ice if you prefer.

Tip: Because moonshine is now synonymous with backyard activities and is a perfect companion to barbeque, make it a staple for your outdoor entertaining. Use it as a replacement vodka and clear rum in many cocktails, or even spice up a sangria by adding it instead of Bourbon or Contreau.