Food holidays on June 5

United States·June 5 2026

National Moonshine Day

National Moonshine Day is a celebration of a rich and storied beverage with a past that weaves through history, politics, and clandestine production. This drink, known by various names like white lightning, hooch, Mountain Dew, and more, has a fascinating history worth exploring. The word ”moonshine“ carries a sense of secrecy and intrigue, often conjuring images of hidden stills in the moonlit hills. Its origins are traced back to England, where ”moonshining“ was used to refer to illicit activities carried out at night. In the United States, moonshine production became intertwined with Prohibition, fast cars, and bootleggers. The passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919 led to the rise of moonshiners and bootleggers, as legal alcohol became scarce, making criminals out of those involved in the trade. Moonshine, once primarily made with corn, is a high-proof, clear spirit, often reaching about 150 proof, or roughly 75% alcohol by volume. It is distinct for not being aged in oak barrels like traditional whiskey. Instead, moonshiners would distill it without the mellowing process, resulting in a potent and unaged liquor. The production process involves a mash of corn, barley, and rye, creating a deliciously powerful blend. In recent years, moonshine has come out of the shadows and into the mainstream. Legal distilleries have taken up the mantle, producing a variety of moonshine flavors, giving consumers a taste of this historical and storied spirit. It's no longer associated with questionable brews and harmful contaminants, thanks to the regulations governing the industry.