A great adult beverage made in the slow cooker this recipe for Crock-Pot Lemonade Moonshine is simple & easy to make. A great crowd pleaser!
Slow Cooker Lemonade Moonshine
With all the talk with the Apple Pie Moonshine, I was asked for recipes for a few others. One of which was Crock-Pot Lemonade Moonshine.
The addition of the lemon zest adds a ton of great lemon flavor while the lemon juice gives this a nice tart lemon flavor.
Everclear is a pure grain alcohol and is pretty strong. If your area does not sell this type of alcohol (Everclear is restricted in some areas of the United States), or if you prefer to use something not as strong, use vodka instead. The end result is still a flavorful lemonade alcoholic drink.
Using vodka will result in a beverage that is closer to the classic Italian liqueur Limoncello.
Because you can find fresh lemons at the grocery store pretty much all year long this recipe can be made any time of year. But I find it a wonderful spring or summer beverage because nothing says warm weather than some tasty lemonade with a kick.
This recipe makes about 32 shots if you want to drink it as a straight up shot. But you can also add the lemonade moonshine to cocktail recipes.
A Few Cocktail Ideas To Use Crock-Pot Lemonade Moonshine:
- Refreshing Mint Lemonade – In a large glass muddle 4 or 5 fresh mint leaves, fill cup 3/4 of the way full with ice and add 1 shot of slow cooker lemonade moonshine to the glass. Top glass with homemade lemonade and enjoy!
- Very Berry Strawberry Lemonade Daiquiri – In the jar of a blender add 16 ounces frozen strawberries, add 3 to 4 shots of slow cooker lemonade moonshine and blend until smooth and frosty. Note: You can use other berries such as raspberries or blackberries but strawberry and lemon is a classic flavor combination and one of my favorites!
- Citrus Cooler – Fill a highball glass half full with ice and add 1 ounce lemonade moonshine, 3 ounces orange juice and a splash of lime juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
In some states and countries Everclear grain alcohol is not available for sale because of its high alcohol content. If you cannot find or purchase Everclear you can use a high proof vodka instead.
Yes, you can use other sweeteners to make this recipe. Our readers have had success making this recipe using Splenda, Stevia, Swerve, agave and even honey.
This recipe can be made using any citrus fruit or combination of citrus fruits. We suggest trying limes, oranges or even grapefruit.
Special Diets
Low Calorie | Low Carb | Low Cholesterol | Low Fat | Low Sodium | Low Sugar | Vegan | Vegetarian
This recipe for Crock-Pot Lemonade Moonshine is Weight Watchers Friendly on the new Personal Points plan. You can see the WW personal points for this recipe here on the Weight Watchers website. Click here for MORE of our Weight Watchers Recipes
Check Out These Flavored Moonshine Recipes Too:
Crock-Pot Root Beer Moonshine + Video
If you like root beer you are going LOVE this alcoholic adult beverage recipe for Slow Cooker Root Beer Moonshine!Â
Crock-Pot Pineapple Moonshine + Video
Make this yummy Slow Cooker Pineapple Moonshine today! This adult beverage transforms pineapple juice Everclear (if sold in your area...otherwise use vodka).
Crock-Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine + Video
With just 4 ingredients you can have this fantastic Slow Cooker Cherry Pie Moonshine. A wonderful adult beverage perfect for sipping on or gift giving!
Crock-Pot Apple Pie Moonshine + Video
Apple cider and cinnamon sticks are simmered in the slow cooker and then added to Everclear or vodka in this recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Pie Moonshine.
Recipe Collections:
- Beverage Recipes
- Crock-Pot Weight Watchers Recipes with 5 Ingredients Or Less
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Crock-Pot Lemonade Moonshine Recipe
Equipment
- 6 Quart Crock-Pot or larger
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Water
- 5 Medium Lemons (Zested And Juiced)
- 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Cups 190 Proof Everclear Grain Alcohol (Or Vodka)
Instructions
- In a 6 quart or larger slow cooker add the water, lemon juice, lemon zest and sugar.6 Cups Water –5 Medium Lemons –2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- Cover and cook on HIGH for two hours.
- Unplug slow cooker and allow mixture to cool until room temperature.
- Once liquid is cooled, strain mixture through a fine meshed strainer to remove the lemon zest.
- Add 2 cups Everclear grain alcohol or vodka and stir to combine.2 Cups 190 Proof Everclear Grain Alcohol
- Fill canning jars with liquid and place a lid and ring on jars.
- Allow jars to sit at room temperature for at least 30 days before drinking to allow the flavors to mellow and develop.
Notes
Nutrition
can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes. 1.5cups to 2 cups of lemon juice
Is that how much lemon juice you would use instead of lemon juice?
1.5 cups to 2 cups of juice.
Can I use Crystal light powder and add water, instead of the lemons? I can’t have all that sugar.
We have never tried this recipe using Crystal Light. If you try it out please come on back and let us know how it turns out for you!
Could I just heat up the water/sugar on the stove like a simple syrup then add the vodka?
You can but you run the chance of burning the sugar.
yes and save 2 hrs of time for drinking. Just heat the water and turn the stove off, then add sugar and stir. Sugar dissolves very quickly at about 160 degrees, just takes a few minutes while being stirred. No need to worry about burning. Beware this recipe is 60 proof or 30% ABV
Is the alcohol content high enough that this can sit on the shelf without refrigeration like the apple pie recipe? (Though these usually taste better chilled) Thanks!
yes. let this sit on the counter until you use it.
Can you Splenda in your recipe?
I dont see an issue with it. The sugar in the recipe isnt used for fermentation, so supplementing a sugar substitute wont hurt.
Where can I find the Apple pie Moonshine Recipe?
It is linked just under the recipe. https://crockpotladies.com/recipe-categories/beverages/crockpot-apple-pie-moonshine/
How long can this sit before being consumed? If I wanted to make it and give it as gifts can it sit for a while? How soon should it be consumed or should it be refrigerated until consumed to keep it ‘fresh’?
You can consume it immediately if you want. The alcohol will keep it shelf stable without putting in the fridge. I have left them in a dark corner for months.
Can this be refrigerated if desired? What is the she fife I’m fridge? Thanks…I’m excited to try!
Yes you can put this in the refrigerator. I have a wine bottle of the apple pie moonshine in the fridge that has been there for 2 years. We sip it every now and then. Still good. The alcohol will keep it shelf stable for some time.
The longer you wait and let it sit, does it taste better?
the alcohol takes on more of the lemon taste if you let it sit longer. but it does still taste good straight out of the jar!!
Can you add strawberries to it or will it go bad?
yes you can add strawberries. They will not go bad in the alcohol. but, they will get mushy over time.
In the instructions (#6) you say “place” the lid and rings on the jar. Is that just put the lid on or tighten? Thanks!
yes. Just put a lid on it so it does not spill. You can let it sit on the counter. The alcohol keeps it from spoiling.
Well .. It’s not moonshine .. Why would it be ? It’s just ever clear and lemons … Moonshine is when you take corn and work it into a mash then let it ferment and then cook it in a steal the steam goes through a copper tub that runs under cold water and it makes condensation and that is what makes moonshine
Its in jest relax dude.
THANK YOU
that’s what makes any liquor, wiki it and stop watching moonshiners and regurgitating what you see.
Get a life Freddie, Ruby and Bill. Booze is booze. Drink more and shut up!!!
Why heat for two hours? Is it supposed to reduce?
Hello,
Sorry, but this is not moonshine! This is made with nasty pure grain. Grain alcohol is some nasty stuff. You would need some real corn liquor to call this moonshine. Sorry, just tired of all of the people talking about having shine or apple pie shine, when it is just pure grain.
Just a name of a drink.
Gee, people RELAX. If you want Moonshine, make your own recipe. Chill out. And, thanks for the recipe!
this is not mooonshine its flavored everclear
Why are you calling this moonshine? Moonshine is a completely different alcohol than vodka or everclear. Either you named this wrong or you don’t know what your talking about.
this is nothing more than the name of the drink…
How much does this make ?
2 quart jars.
Thanks for the recipe, this will be a good change of pace from the Apple Pie that I usually make.
For those of you who are getting worked up over the name of the drink, this is the “legal” way of making this since using “true” moonshine would require violating liquor laws in most states. This also gives an alternative to those individuals who do no like the strong taste of true moonshine and want something a little less harsh.
THANK YOU, Jenn and Brandi! I, for one, don’t have a “fuzzy navel”, I am not a “Zombie”, nor am I a “Salty Dog”.
I AM, however, as a law enforcement officer, looking in to the amount of people on this site who are so concerned that the terms “Moonshine” and “Everclear” are not being used properly.
For the rest of you, enjoy the recipes! I plan to!
I totally agree, thanks! I am gonna love making this lemon MOONSHINE. Please calm down folks and just enjoy your drink. Thanks Lady Katie
Geezeeeeee, thanks for the recipe. For all you other peeps with all the negative post, chill out.. we all know it’s just a title for a drink.. I don’t understand how ppl can be so hostile in a simple thing as a recipe with a similar title..
I think I might add a few sprigs of fresh peppermint leaves that I have growing in abundance in my flower gardens for an added minty taste….plus it might look nice floating in the liquid!
that would be a nice addition.
What proof do you think this is? Is it weak? I’d like to make it about 80 proof. Think I would need more ever clear?
I am not sure how much proof it is. but one quart was enough to knock me down.
I know it was asked, but would like to be clear because of the order of the post after talking about the apple moonshine…
I would like to make it for gifts, but the directions say can sit up to 30 days. Can it sit for longer? I do not have fridge space, and would place it in the pantry.
Yes it can sit way longer. I have had them sit outside the fridge for a year.
Just curious, but what’s the point in heating for 2 hours or using a crock pot?
Sounds like some of you “negative nellies” need to sip some of this stuff to settle your nerves & sterilize your mouths with. Geesh! Everclear has a very high proof. Don’t worry about making this stuff too weak or having it spoil! I would like to suggest you try using limes as an alternative to lemons. Also, try using it for a punch ingredient for adults by adding some lime (lemon) sherbet & 7UP or Sprite to it.
Can I add some lemon zest to this for a more intense flavor?
Yes. I did.
wow… people really aren’t reading what you are writing lol
Funny that people get so bent out of shape over the name moonshine
what about sex on the beach…i never had sand or sex in one of mine.
buttery nipples don’t have real buttered nipples (thank goodness)
mud slides, dont have mud…
i mean really…it is just the name of a drink folks…
Hi folks, great recipe, im making it right now and I think im going to use 80 proof vodka instead of the everclear….as far as the name, I think we could keep all people from getting their panties in a wad by calling it “Crock Pot Hard Lemon Ade”…that’s what im gonna write on mine as gifts 🙂 or even “Poor Boys Lemon Shine” would work 😉
I made this a few days ago. It is wonderful! Next time, and there will be a next time, I will add one more lemon. 5 medium lemons were good, but I would like it a bit more lemony. Thank you so much for the recipe. This and the apple pie will be my Christmas presents next year. Oh, I shaved off much of the rind – minus any pith, of course – and cooked it in the sugar syrup. Looks good in the jar and is tasty to chew on.
I am trying the lemonade moonshine as I am writing this post. Instead of regular vodka I am using raspberry vodka to make raspberry lemonade. I will let you know how it tastes. Also, I am slicing lemons and placing them in the jars.
that sounds tasty.
Love this. What’s wrong with some of you? Have you not heard about the banana split cake which is not a banana split. Lady Kate, you do not need to change the name. Some people try to find wrong in everything. This is delish. But I used the 80% also.
moon•shine (ˈmunˌʃaɪn)
n.
1. Informal. smuggled or illicitly distilled liquor, esp. illicitly distilled corn liquor.
Nowhere does it say it has to be made in a still like your lazy ass saw on TV.
To the Author I love all these liquor recipes they are fast, easy, cheap, and above all taste great!
For those of y’all that are complaining that this recipe called for everclear and not shine must have something wrong with your brain. I’m sure you could sub the everclear for any other liquor including white lighting if that is what you want to do. Duh!
I just discovered your blog and it’s awesome! This recipe for crockpot moonshine? FABULOUS!
This sounds great. Thank you for posting. Do I need to boil the jars, lids and rings? I am new to this and I want to make it. Thanks.
If you are using ball canning jars, you need the jars and rings. But any jar that has a sealing lid is fine.
If I want to double the recipe,.do I need.to double the cooking time to 4 hours?
no. still cook it the same amount of time.
This with Key Limes – hopefully I can find them – Key Lime Moonshine ! Yum!
Can this be stored in plastic bottles!
I dont see why it would be an issue. So yes.
Waiting for this to ‘cool’ right now…Can’t wait!!! Obviously, it’s NOT ‘MoonShine’ people…that would be illegal…CHILL OUT…It’s Fun and an Adult Beverage…Leave it at that!!! Must add, very Easy to make 😉 And kitchen smells Wonderful from the lemons!!!!!
Instead of lemons could lemon juice be used?
yes.
I’ve never tried doing this with a crock pot but similar to a plum cordial recipe I use all the time. Fill a gallon jar with wild plums and 2 cups sugar and add a bottle of vodka and let sit a few months till the holidays. Drain fruit and enjoy .( I shake /stir the jar once in awhile to help make the sugar dissolve and I’ve also tried it with grapes,pears, and cherry’s). Looking forward to trying this in crock pot cause the sugar would dissolve quicker.
plums!! well I will try this come fall when I have loads of fresh plums. I think it would be great heated in the crock-pot and then add the vodka and let sit. thanks Kathy!
What happens if you cook with the vodka in the mix? My friend made some today and Mixed it in before he realized
mixing it in and cooking it will burn off the alcohol. it can also catch fire.
Any other flavor recipes? Maybe something like peach?
I wrote a comment in January about raspberry vodka. I tried it last night and it tastes awesome. Definitely something you should try.
My next attempt is peach pie in the crockpot.
Raspberry!! yummy. I wonder how blackberry would taste.
Can you actually use moonshine for this?
Can you use moonshine for this
I guess if you have it, yes.
Same amounts with moonshine?
How much moonshine does this recipe make?
Can the recipe be doubled?
It makes almost 3 quart jars.
and yes you can double or triple the recipe.
Thanks Lady Katie 0 You’re awesome!
It’s also called a Lemon Drop in the restaurants… If you add Raspberry liquor its a Raspberry Lemon Drop… very tasty! I use Vodka tho. Everclear is not sold where I live.
And……Puppy chow is NOT made with real puppies! Just sayin’…
Relax people! Holy cow! You must be fun to live with if you get so worked up over things like the name of a recipe!
I see most all of the moonshine recipes call for ever clear alcohol I cant find it in my area is their any other kind of alcohol that will work just as good
Hey Shawn, as the recipe states…you can also use Vodka 🙂
Hey, can you add slices of real lemons to the mix?
I don’t see why not Beverly! While we have not tested this recipe with sliced lemons in it I don’t foresee a reason why it would be a bad idea. In fact, I think it would add some lovely color and maybe some extra flavor to your Lemonade Moonshine!
what about orange juice??
hmmm….you could do an Orange Moonshine with just Orange Juice. 3/4 Orange Juice then the other 1/4 Everclear
Do need to boil the lids first like you do when canning?
Hey Anthony, our apologies for not seeing your question sooner. As long as your lids are clean (soap and hot water) you should be good not sterilizing the lids in boiling water as the alcohol will kill most germs. However if you want to boil the lids first you are of course welcome to do so.
Great recipe, I added a little twist. I replaced one of the cups of sugar w/1/2 cup of “Countrytime Lemonade” powder mix. Turned out great. Really sour, like a sour lemonhead candy. The recipe above is great as is, just tried to kick up the sour a bit on one batch.
Oh YUM, what a great addition Erin!
What type of everclear do you use for your recipes? 75% or 95%?
I use the 95% Everclear. But you can use the lesser alcohol one, or even Vodka.
I use this recipe with the shine I make at home and it is by far my most requested.
Thanks Josh! We love hearing from our readers when they love one of our recipes!
OMG – I have made your Lemonade, Pineapple and Apple Pie Moonshines and don’t know which one I prefer most!!! They are all wonderful. Going to make the Cherry Pie Moonshine this weekend. Thanks ever so much ladies for all the recipes, look forward to receiving each week. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks so much for the kind words Lauree! Let us know how the Cherry Pie Moonshine goes for you!
Don’t have 190 proof ever clear Only have 151 proof. Should I add more or keep it at 2 cups still
Hi Damon, It will be fine with the 151 proof. No need to add more.
Can I use my sous vide machine at 200 degrees instead of the crock pot on low?
This recipe has not been tested with a sous vide machine so I cannot really comment on if it would work or not. However, I think it would work. If you give it a try and make the lemonade moonshine in your sous vide machine be sure to come back and let us know how it turns out for you Tom!