Homemade Alcohol Names You Should Know – Moonshine to…
Disclaimer: This post might include affiliate links, through which I may earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. Additionally, I am an Amazon Associate and earn from eligible purchases. All the products and services I suggest are ones I have personally used or would use. Thank you very much for your support if you decide to buy through any of my links!
Come join the Distilling Squad!
Get the best fundamental tips & tricks here. Woohoo!
Homebrewing has become an increasingly popular hobby. You will find out quirky homemade alcohol names pop up. Well, people have been experimenting in their kitchens and garages to create their own unique beverages plus names!
Whether you’re fermenting your own wine, distilling a spirit with yeast and water, or crafting a traditional batch of moonshine… There are plenty of homemade alcohol names to choose from! Now Pick your favourite, okay.
Homemade Alcohol Names You Will Know
1. Mountain Dew
Let’s kick things off, “Mountain Dew” refers to homemade whiskey, particularly in the Appalachian region. Known for its strong kick, it’s a term still used by some to describe powerful moonshine (look below for the next definition).
2. Moonshine
“Moonshine” is the most famous term for illegal, homemade alcohol. It’s often made from corn and is clear, unaged, and potent. Historically, it was produced under the moonlight to avoid detection, giving it its name. This is where methanol can be produced.
3. Hooch
“Hooch” is casual slang for homemade or illegal alcohol. It covers everything from rough moonshine to homemade brews. The term originally comes from the Hoochinoo tribe of Alaska, known for producing strong alcohol.
4. Bootleg
“Bootleg” refers to alcohol made, distributed, or sold illegally. It became famous during Prohibition in the U.S., when people secretly did home distillation, produced and smuggled alcohol to evade the law.
5. Poteen
“Poteen” (also spelled “poitín”) is traditional Irish moonshine, often made from potatoes. It’s a powerful spirit, once illegal in Ireland, but now legally produced in small batches.
6. White Lightning
“White Lightning” is a strong, clear, homemade spirit like moonshine. It gets its name from its high proof and quick, intense effects, often associated with moonshiners in rural areas.
7. Bootleg Liquor
This term refers to alcohol made or sold illegally. During Prohibition, bootleg liquor was commonly smuggled or produced in secret. Today, it still describes any unlicensed homemade alcohol.
8. Bathtub Gin
“Bathtub gin” was popular during Prohibition, when people made gin at home, often in bathtubs. The term refers to the rough, quick, and sometimes dangerous methods used to produce it.
9. Corn Liquor
“Corn liquor” is alcohol made from corn, typically referring to moonshine. Corn is a key ingredient because it’s cheap and accessible, giving the liquor a distinctive flavour.
10. Home Brew
“Home brew” refers to any alcohol brewed at home, usually beer or wine. It’s legal in many places and has become a popular hobby, with homebrewers (distillers) experimenting with different flavors and techniques.
11. Illegal Liquor
It is a very obvious term for any alcohol made or sold illegally. It includes moonshine, bootlegged spirits, and other unlicensed homemade drinks.
12. Rotgut
“Rotgut” is a term for cheap, low-quality alcohol that tastes harsh and can make you feel sick. It’s often associated with poorly made or unrefined homemade booze.
13. Firewater
“Firewater” refers to strong, high-proof alcohol, often whiskey. The term was originally used by Native Americans to describe the burning sensation caused by European spirits.
14. Homemade Spirit
A “homemade spirit” is any alcoholic beverage distilled at home. This can include whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin, usually made in small batches by DIY enthusiasts. Where they do a fermentation of mash or sugar wash for distillation.
15. White Mule
“White Mule” is a nickname for powerful moonshine, known for its potent effects. Like “white lightning,” it’s clear, unaged, and packs a serious punch for homemade liquor.
16. Stump Liquor
“Stump liquor” is homemade alcohol hidden in the woods or remote areas to avoid authorities. It’s a term often associated with moonshiners who stored their booze in tree stumps or other secret locations.
17. Alcohol
“Alcohol” is the general term for beverages containing ethanol, the liquid that makes you intoxicated. It’s the base of all alcoholic drinks, from beer and wine to whiskey and vodka.
18. Liquor
“Liquor” refers to distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin. It’s stronger than beer or wine and can be homemade or commercially produced.
19. Spirits
“Spirits” is another term for distilled alcoholic beverages, like liquor. It refers to high-proof drinks that have been distilled to remove impurities and increase the amount of alcohol content.
20. Booze
“Booze” is a casual, slang term for alcohol, covering everything from beer to strong liquor. It’s often used in everyday conversation to refer to any alcoholic drink.
21. Grog
“Grog” originally referred to a mix of rum and water given to sailors, but today it means any rough or strong alcoholic drink. It’s often associated with hearty, no-frills booze.
22. Tipple
A “tipple” is a small drink of alcohol, usually enjoyed casually. People often use the term when referring to having just a little drink, like a glass of wine or a shot of whiskey.
23. Drink
“Drink” is a general term for any alcoholic beverage that we have all heard. Whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits, it’s all referred to as having “a drink.” Simple hey.
24. Potable
“Potable” means safe to drink. While it’s not specific to alcohol, it’s important to make sure homemade spirits are potable before consuming them.
25. Juice
“Juice” is slang for alcohol, usually referring to liquor or wine. Someone might say “pass the juice” when they’re talking about grabbing a drink.
26. Rum
“Rum” is a spirit made from sugar cane or molasses. It’s often associated with the Caribbean and can be made at home, though it requires specific equipment and ingredients.
27. Sauce
“Sauce” is casual slang for alcohol, particularly liquor. If someone’s “on the sauce,” it means they’ve been drinking, often a lot.
28. Swill
“Swill” refers to low-quality alcohol, something that’s barely drinkable. It’s the kind of booze you might drink when there’s nothing better available.
29. Strong Drink
“Strong drink” refers to any high-proof alcohol. The term is often used for potent homemade spirits like moonshine or high-alcohol-content whiskey.
30. Homebrew
“Homebrew” refers to alcohol made at home, typically beer or wine. It’s a popular hobby, with many homebrewers experimenting with flavours and techniques to perfect their craft. This can be the start before making your own distillery. Never say never.
31. John Barleycorn
“John Barleycorn” is a traditional British term that personifies alcohol, especially beer and whiskey. It’s often used in poetry and songs to represent the intoxicating effects of booze.
32. Ardent Spirits
“Ardent spirits” is an old-fashioned term for strong distilled alcohol, like whiskey, brandy, or rum. The term “ardent” refers to their intense, fiery nature.
Last Updated on Sept 19, 2024 by The Brew Mechanic
Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a product or service. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. The information provided is for entertainment only.
With 35 years of knowledge of being a chemical engineer in alcohol manufacturing plants, my mission is to teach the next generation of home distilling alcohol brewers at a supernatural speed.
My reviews are based on real-life experiences with reflux stills, sugar wash, troubleshooting and mystical chemical reactions.
