If you like root beer you are going LOVE this alcoholic adult beverage recipe for Crock-Pot Root Beer Moonshine! Everclear grain alcohol or vodka is sweetened and flavored with root beer extract for this perfect sipping flavored “moonshine” recipe!
Slow Cooker Root Beer Moonshine
This is the first installment on an alcoholic beverage recipe each month. While I call these “moonshine”, they really are a Everclear grain alcohol or vodka based mixed cocktail drink. The word moonshine is just to suggest that the drink is a very strong alcoholic drink. The alcohol itself takes on the flavor of the other ingredients masking the true alcohol content.
With all of that said, lets get on to our first drink for the year. Crock-Pot Root Beer Moonshine!!!
A couple years back, I was introduced to root beer beer. That is, root beer flavored beer that has a sweet flavor of my favorite soda. Why not make a root beer moonshine drink that has all the flavors and tastes associated with my favorite soda and beer?
I used Hires Big H Root Beer Extract to make this recipe. I did have to order this product off Amazon but I am sure you should be able to find a similar product in a grocery store or maybe even a health food store.
Add the water, white sugar, brown sugar and pure vanilla extract to the slow cooker. Heat the liquid on HIGH for 2 hours. You want the sugars mixed in with the liquid so they are no longer gritty. Turn off the slow cooker and add in the root beer extract and stir well. Allow the liquid to cool completely and then add in the Everclear grain alcohol (or vodka).
Now, this recipe does call for 1 Liter of Everclear grain alcohol. But, you can decide how much alcohol you want in this drink. Using vodka will lower the alcohol percentage in the drink or using half of the bottle instead of a full bottle of Everclear (or even the vodka). You will not take away from the drink taste by adding less alcohol.
This recipe made almost 4 quarts of Crock-Pot Root Beer Moonshine. Add lids and rings to the jars and store in a cool dry place for a minimum of 7 days before you drink it. However you can store it pretty much for ever. The longer you store it, the more the alcohol will take on the taste of the root beer. You will taste less alcohol.
Before drinking, make sure to give the jar a good shake!
Equipment Needed For Crock-Pot Root Beer Moonshine Recipe:
- 4 Quart, 4.5 Quart, 5 Quart, 5.5 Quart, 6 Quart, 6.5 Quart Or 7 Quart Slow Cooker
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Dry Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Canning Funnel
- Mason Jars
Common Questions:
What Is The Shelf Life Of This Homemade Rootbeer Moonshine?
Because of the high sugar and alcohol content of this moonshine recipe, the shelf life is pretty much forever. As long as you store the finished moonshine in tightly covered jars or bottles so that nothing from the outside environment can get it you should be able to store this at room temperature for a very long time. Not that you will be able to resist sipping on it!
Is This Recipe Really Moonshine?
Because we are not distilling the alcohol in our slow cookers, this is not actual moonshine. Instead, this is a flavored alcoholic beverage that uses high-proof grain alcohol in the form of either Everclear or vodka. Actual moonshine is still illegal in many states in the US as well as other countries…but if you can get your hands on the illicit good stuff, then by all means use that instead of Everclear or vodka!
How Big Is A Serving Size?
A serving size of this root-beer moonshine is 1 shot. A shot does not have a standard size in the US except for in the state of Utah which defines a shot as being 1.5 ounces. This recipe makes about 113 ounces (give or take an ounce or two). So the finished moonshine recipe makes about 20 shots with each shot measuring 1.5 ounces.
More Fabulous Slow Cooker Moonshine Recipes!
- Crock-Pot Pumpkin Pie Moonshine
- Slow Cooker Apple Pie Moonshine + Video
- Crock-Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine + Video
- Slow Cooker Lemonade Moonshine
- Crock-Pot Pineapple Moonshine + Video
Recipe Collections:
| Moonshine Crock-Pot Recipes | Beverage Slow Cooker Recipes |
| Summer Slow Cooker Recipes | 4 Quart Crock-Pot Recipes |
| American Crock-Pot Recipes | Easy Slow Cooker Recipes |
| Rating |
Rate this recipe!
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| Servings | 20Servings |
| Prep Time | 15Minutes |
| Cook Time | 2Hours |
- 10 Cups Water
- 2 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 Tablespon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 4 Tablespoons Root Beer Extract
- 1 Liter Everclear Grain Alcohol Or Vodka
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Ingredients
Servings: Servings
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- Add water, granulated sugar, brown sugar and pure vanilla extract to a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off or unplug the slow cooker and stir in the root beer extract.
- Allow the liquid to cool completely and then mix in the everclear or vodka.
- Ladle mixture into clean canning jars with lids and rings in a cool dark place.
- Drink responsibly!
Want to print off a cute little Root Beer Moonshine label to make your jars of moonshine perfect for gift giving? Check out our printable labels!
Linked up at: The Pin Junkie
I cannot find root beer extract, can you use root beer concentrate?
Hi Bruce, we have not tested this recipe using root beer concentrate. It looks like root beer concentrate is a syrup and has added sugar. I think you might be able to use it but you would have to adjust the sugar in the recipe otherwise it will be super sweet.
Root beer extract on the other hand is not sweetened. If you cannot find it in your local grocery stores (it should be by the other baking extracts – vanilla, lemon, almond, etc.) you can purchase it online. Here is a link to it on Amazon -> Root Beer Extract
Try ordering from Watkins products. That is where I found mine
I could only find McCormick rootbeer concentrate so I used that. I didn’t find it overly sweet since you are only using 2 Tablespoons ( I halved the recipe) but that’s me. This recipe is AWESOME!!
SO glad you enjoyed the recipe Patty. Root Beer extract shouldn’t be sweet on it’s own. Some brands might have a little added sugar in it but not enough to really change the sweetness level of the finished product that much.
Oops. I cooked combined all ingredients in the crock including root beer but not the liquor ….will it stillbe ok?
We did that as well, and it didn’t seem to make a difference.
Thanks, I will get it online Bruce
I found my Root Beer Extract at a local spice shop. We made this recipe and love it. Everyone that has tasted it loves it as well.
Thanks for letting others know where they might look for some root beer extract Linda. A local spice shop sounds AMAZING!
Have this in the crockpot heating now. Does this need refrigerated once jarred?
It does not need to be refrigerated. The high sugar and alcohol content will prevent it from spoiling. You can however store it in the refrigerator if you like to drink it chilled.
Does this method work with any other extracts instead of root beer?
Yes you can use other extracts…go for it and be creative!
Do you seal the jars before storing them for long periods of time or do u just screw the lids/rings extra tight?
I’m thinking about making this now and storing until Thanksgiving so that I dont forget to make it ahead of time but I want to b sure to store it correctly!
Just screw the lids on really tight.
Can I use a sugar substitute, like Stevia, instead of regular sugar? Will it taste and store the same way?
I don’t think a sugar substitute will work very well in this recipe. This recipe has not been tested using one and I am not sure how it will store.
What do you mean ladle mixture, do you mean pouring into a cheese cloth when pouring into the jars
Hi Tim, ladling mixture means just that, use a ladle to spoon the mixture into the jars. If you have a sturdy hand you can of course just pour the mixture into your jars. But using a ladle is easier to get it in there without spilling it all over the place.
Have you tried making a butterscotch shine?
We have not but that sounds great! May have to put that on the old “to-do” list!
Thanks for the idea Alan!
Just made it. Skipped the crock pot and used the stove instead. Also used Watkins root beer concentrate I got from Walmart. It don’t have extra sugar and I used double the amount in the recipe. That was basically what the directions on the concentrate called for. A bit sweet but very good. Needs to sit a while and age as I just finished it and only sipped the little left from putting into jars to try it. Also I cut the original recipe in half for a trial run. Thank you for posting this.
You’re welcome Shane, so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Hi…so how root beer concentrate did you actually use for half the recipe? I’d like to try it! Thank you!
Ho thanks for the recipe, can you please tell me what the final alcohol percentage is?
Thank you
The final alcohol percentage will be whatever percentage of alcohol you use. So actual EverClear will be more than Vodka.
I just made a batch using your recipe but substitute the root beer for butterscotch extract and it’s awesome!!!
That sounds great Alan!
This is awesome I look forward to making every recipe that comes out. Thank you. Please notify if possible I
I have made the root beer and the apple pie shine, they are the best evr
Thanks Brenda!
I made the Root beer using whip cream vodka and oh my it turned out great..
I found my Root beer extract at Walmart..
Everywhere else I looked in Salem OR did not have it.
Sounds yummy Su! I bet the whipped cream vodka gave it a rootbeer float taste! YUM
I used vanilla powdered coffee creamer. Taste awesome
Could I just use plain old moonshine instead of vodka?
You can indeed if you have access to actual moonshine! Be sure to come on back Randa and let us know how it turns out for you!
That’s what I’m doing. Yes mam it’s very possible
Curious to what a serving size is? Making this as Christmas gifts and trying to plan on how much of each ingredient i will need. Thank you
A serving size is a shot (about 1.5 fluid ounces).
A serving size is one shot and it serves 20 people, correct? SO one batch would make less than 2 pints. IT would make 30 ounces or am I not figuring this right. I am making this for someone’s wedding favors.
This recipe will make about 113 or so ounces. A shot does not really have a standard size except in the state of Utah where it is measured as 1.5 ounces. Using the 1.5 ounce shot it will make about 75 shots. But I think for the serving size used to get to 20 servings I think we must have measured a whole lot more per serving! Served with ice like a cocktail.
But I am figuring 10 cups of water = 80 ounces PLUS 1 liter of Vodka/Everclear = 33.814 ounces = 113.814 give or take the other ingredients (sugar, root beer extract, vanilla extract which dissolves into the liquid…) not an exact science or math but I estimate 113 to 115 ounces of finished product.
What’s the best way to serve this? Do you mix the finished product with anything or drink it straight as a shot?
You can drink it straight up as a shot or mix it with seltzer water or other mixer. I have heard folks pouring a shot over a scoop of vanilla ice cream too as a boozy root beer float dessert type thing. YUM
If you bottled this with a proper bottle cap how long do you think it would last?
This should last pretty much forever as there really are no ingredients in it that will spoil.
It was very good ! I used Watkins extract ,I was told the batch has a very vannila finish . Can a person add root beer extract after batch is made? Thanks
I think it should be okay to add more root beer extract after the batch has been made.
If I make this with 190 proof everclear, what is the alcohol content?
Probably close to 190 proof. The proof is going to be pretty close to the proof of alcohol you use since the alcohol is not cooked off any.
That is actually incorrect. The proof would be significantly lowered by being diluted with the other ingredients. I believe the proof would be about 50-60. Depends on if you had much evaporation during cooking.
I figured it out and the ABV is 47.5% with using a 190 proof everclear
Curious. I’m putting this in pint jars. Do you think it would be okay to put one or two of those Dad’s root beer barrels, the hard candy, in each jar? Will it totally dissolve? I guess if not I can strain each jar through a sieve, right?
Great question Barb, I think the candy may dissolve in the liquid over time. But I don’t think it would harm the flavor at all so if it does dissolve no harm no foul.
What happens if you add the Root Beer Extract before you cook it?
Hi Karen, great question. You may loose a bit of the root beer flavor.
Just wondering if you could put vanilla coffee creamer in it like you make creamsicle moonshine? I think it would be like a rootbeer float. What do you think?
Oh! I think that might be yummy but I am not sure on how shelf stable that would be Gaylynne. Maybe if kept in the refrigerator it would be good! If you give it a try let me know how it turns out for you!
Sounds yummy! Is there a shelf life for this? I’d like to make it for the holidays but don’t want to get too ahead ofm yself.
Hi Joan, great question on the shelf life of this recipe which is pretty much forever because of the high sugar and alcohol content. You can make this way ahead of the holidays!
The link for the labels takes you to Amazon to buy pecans🤣
Thanks Judy for letting us know. I have fixed the link now and all should be good to go! – Heidi
Could I use empty liquor bottles instead of canning jars. Or glass bottles I have painted designs on?
Hi Wanda! Yes you can use bottles instead of canning jars. Just be sure they are nice and clean before adding the Root Beer Moonshine!
I signed up for the newsletter so I could get the labels. I received the password to enter into the Free Page stuff but the system won’t take the password. I copied/pasted as it was written so I knew I’d get it right.
Hmm.. I left a comment about jar labels and it seems it fell of into cyberspace. I signed up for the newsletter to get the labels so I can make the moonshine. I got the newsletter confirmation and the password ot get labels but the password doesn’t work. I copied/pasted it so it would be right. If need be I will make my own labels but yours are cuter 😀
Hi Sharon. I am sending you the lables now via email. And I will look into why that page didn’t work.
I couldn’t find the labels. We made the recipe and it is great!
Hi Angie, I just tested the password protected page that link is sent when you sign up for our free email newsletter and typed out the password (with spaces) and it worked ok for me. Can you try once more and type the password (I am not sure if it works if you copy and paste) and let me know if it works ok for you?
Thanks!
I too attempted to get into the labels
And it’s a no go , help
Hi Krystal, I just tested the password protected page that link is sent when you sign up for our free email newsletter and typed out the password (with spaces) and it worked ok for me. Can you try once more and type the password (I am not sure if it works if you copy and paste) and let me know if it works ok for you?
Thanks!
I made a mistake by adding the root beer to early and cooked it for 2hrs. Will I
It still be ok?
Hi Web, I would taste your moonshine now and see if it has enough root beer flavor. If not I would go ahead and add some more. The reason why you want to add it later is that the extract flavor can cook off.
I am making this now, I found Homestyle Rootbeer Extract on Amazon. I am trying 1 1/2 cups regular sugar and 1 cup Monkfruit sweetener ro cut back on the sugars. Hoping it works as I might cut back more on next batch.
Question, I would like to make Cherry flavor. I have Rose’s Grenadine, or should I use a tart Cherry juice?
Hi Teresa, be sure to come back and let us know how the addition of monk fruit turns out for you. I think it will be great, but would love to hear from you and what you think.
As far as a cherry moonshine goes…we have a recipe for that which you can find here – Crock-Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine
I could not find root beer extract in my town so I used coconut and it turned out amazing.
Sounds good, I would like to make this with Dr. Pepper rather than root beer. However I can not find Dr. Pepper Extract. Could you use Dr. Pepper Pop, instead of extract?
This recipe is best made with a concentrated extract or flavoring. However, you could probably use Dr. Pepper soda/pop and cook it down until it is reduced and syrupy (cutting out the sugar) and then add the alcohol. We have not tested this method but I think it should work!
Is it possible to make this more keto friendly by subbing a sweetener like monk fruit or liquid stevia? Will it affect the shelf life or storage requirements? Thanks much!
Hi Tim, we have not tested this recipe using any other types of sweeteners. The shelf life on this is pretty stable using sugar and the high proof alcohol which both are great preservatives. That being said, while we have not tested it, I think it will be okay using another sweetener but may be better stored in the refrigerator instead of at room temperature. If you give it a try please let us know how it turned out for you!
Tim, It will not affect anything but the taste. There are folks who make flavored shine with liquid Stevia and they say it works just fine. There is no substitute for sugar! Typically for the best flavor when trying to reduce sugar it is advisable to look more toward fruit-based recipes. Hope this helps. Shine on Brother
Thanks Tom for your views on other sweeteners. That is great to know!
What happens if you put the root beer extract in too soon? My husband didn’t read the whole recipe and put in at the beginning of the cooking phase? Do we need to add more at the end?
Hi Cindy, nothing major will happen if you put the root beer extract in too soon it is just that some of the extract may evaporate a little. You can add more extract at the end if you think some of the flavor is missing.
Has anyone tried this with birch beer extract? We’re wondering if we should use the brown sugar or sub granulated sugar.
Hi Andrea, we have not tested this recipe using birch beer extract. However that sounds amazing and I think it would work. You can use either brown sugar or granulated sugar if you try it. Keep in mind brown sugar will impart it’s own flavor.
Do you have to let this sit for a few months to mellow the alcohol flavor? I know we had to with the apple pie we made previously. If you drank it when it was made, it was horrid, but after 3 months in the basement, you couldn’t taste the alcohol at all. Does this recipe require similar handling?
Hi John, I believe the flavor develops and mellows over time.