We are honored to be featured in Our State magazine! This cocktail features our delicious Chocolate Moonshine!

3 Merry Moonshine Cocktails for Holiday Sipping

In the season steeped in tradition and family, choose a spirit that matches any occasion.

by Hannah Lee Leidy & Mark Weddle

Carolina Christmas Punch

Randy Berry grew up learning moonshine recipes and distillation methods from the old-timers in Yancey County. In his adulthood, Berry honed his craft, eventually becoming a master distiller, and with the help of his business-savvy friend Greg Shuford, his carefully perfected moonshine recipes are available to the public through Copper Creek Distillery in McDowell County. The flagship IL-LIC-IT shines are made using locally sourced ingredients and can be substituted into cocktail recipes in the place of other white and dark spirits. One of their newest releases, the chocolate shine, weighs in at an approachable 50 proof, making it perfect for mixing into a sweet punch just in time for holiday gatherings.

Yield: 15 to 22 servings.

2 cups Copper Creek Chocolate Shine
2 cups Irish cream liqueur
1 cup peppermint schnapps
3 pints whole milk, non-dairy milk substitute, or eggnog
Ice (for serving)
Miniature candy canes (for garnish)

In a large punch bowl, combine moonshine, liqueur, schnapps, and milk and stir. Ladle over ice to serve, and garnish with miniature candy canes.

PHOTOGRAPH BY HUNTER BRADDY