Orange Creamsicle Moonshine made with Everclear, vanilla vodka, orange juice, sugar, and French vanilla creamer. It’s a smooth, dreamy blast from the past in every sip.
Alright, so here’s the scoop. Growing up, Orange Creamsicles were a summer staple for me. Like, I’d hear the ice cream truck’s music playing from two streets over, and it was game over—whatever I was doing got dropped, and I’d sprint to grab one of those creamy, bright orange treats. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I still get a little smile whenever I see one in the freezer aisle. But let’s be real… those popsicles don’t quite hit the same as they did back in the day.
So, I started thinking, “What if I could bottle that feeling?” A bit of an ambitious thought, maybe, but hey—when you get an idea like that, sometimes you just have to go for it. And so, Orange Creamsicle Moonshine was born. I wanted something that wasn’t just a cute cocktail but actually tasted like the original treat with an adult twist, of course. And honestly, I think I nailed it! This drink has that same dreamy creamsicle flavor but with a little kick, perfect for sharing with friends or just keeping on hand for a cozy night in. Give it a try—who knows, maybe it’ll take you back too.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle Moonshine
- Nostalgia in a Glass: Ever had a sip of something and instantly felt like a kid again? This moonshine brings back all the memories of running after the ice cream truck, but it’s got a little extra oomph for the grown-up you.
- Quick and Easy to Whip Up: Let’s face it—most of us don’t have time for recipes with a dozen ingredients or complicated steps. This one’s as easy as it gets. Just mix, heat, cool, and let it sit. Seriously, if you’ve got 10 minutes, you can make this.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ever thrown a party and felt like your drink options were kind of… boring? This moonshine will get people talking. It’s fun, it’s different, and it tastes fantastic. Plus, it’s always a little funny when people ask, “Wait, what kind of moonshine is this?”
- Adjustable Sweetness & Creaminess: Some like it sweeter; some prefer it lighter. This recipe’s flexible—you can easily dial up or down the sugar or creamer to suit your taste. Personally, I love it just as it is, but you do you!
Ingredients Notes
Here’s where it all starts. The ingredients are what give this drink its “wow” factor. Each one adds something special, so don’t skip anything!
- Everclear (190 proof): This stuff packs a punch, to say the least. It’s what makes this drink “moonshine” after all. If it feels a little too intense, you could swap for vodka, but keep in mind, that Everclear helps it last longer too.
- Vanilla Vodka: Adds that perfect vanilla sweetness. It’s subtle but makes a huge difference in bringing out the creamy vibe we’re after.
- Pulp-Free Orange Juice: The base of the whole drink. No pulp here—you want that smooth, bright flavor that just screams “creamsicle!”
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens things up just right. You can adjust it, but I think this is the sweet spot. And don’t worry, it doesn’t make it overly sugary.
- French Vanilla Creamer: The secret ingredient for that creamy, dreamy texture. It ties the whole drink together, making it feel indulgent and smooth.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a couple of tablespoons, but it really amps up the creaminess. Trust me, this one’s a must!
How To Make This Orange Creamsicle Moonshine
Alright, let’s make some magic. It’s simple, I promise, and even if you’re not a big “DIY” kind of person, this recipe’s a breeze. Ready?
- Mix Your Base: First, grab your biggest pot and pour in the orange juice, sugar, creamer, and vanilla extract. Stir it up nice and smooth. This is your “creamsicle” base, so you want it well-mixed. Pro tip: Be patient with the sugar; let it dissolve completely so it’s not gritty.
- Heat Things Up: Turn on the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Keep stirring to make sure the flavors blend well. This step pulls everything together so you get that authentic creamsicle taste. Just watch it closely—you don’t want to scorch it.
- Cool It Down: Here’s where you might have to wait a bit. Let the mixture cool completely, which takes about an hour. You don’t want to add the alcohol until it’s cooled down (we’re making moonshine here, not cooking off the booze!).
- Add the Booze: Now that it’s cooled, add in the Everclear and vanilla vodka. Give it a good stir—this is where it becomes moonshine. Stir until everything’s combined and looking smooth.
- Pour into Mason Jars: Grab a few mason jars and fill them up, leaving a bit of room at the top. This gives you space to shake it before serving, which you’ll want to do for the best texture.
- Refrigerate and Wait: Pop the jars into the fridge and let them sit for at least two weeks. I know, it’s hard to wait, but that’s where the magic happens. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
- Shake and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, give each jar a good shake to mix everything up. Pour, sip, and get ready to be transported right back to your childhood (with a twist).
Storage Options
One of the best things about this Orange Creamsicle Moonshine? It stores like a dream. You don’t have to worry about it going bad—if you can resist drinking it all in one go.
- Refrigerator: Keep it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just shake it before each pours to get that creamy texture back.
- Freezer: Want it extra frosty? You can store it in the freezer too. It won’t freeze solid because of the alcohol, but it’ll stay super cold, which is perfect for summer nights (or just when you want a seriously cold drink).
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can switch things up depending on what you have or what you’re craving.
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Swap Everclear for Vodka: Is Everclear a bit too strong? Vodka’s a great alternative. It’s a little more mellow but keeps the drink just as delicious.
- Try Different Creamers: While French vanilla is my go-to, you could experiment with hazelnut or even caramel. Each adds its own unique twist, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Add Fresh Orange Zest: For an extra burst of orange, toss in a little zest before you refrigerate it. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference if you want more citrus flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Not into super sweet drinks? Just cut the sugar in half. If you like it extra dessert-like, add a bit more for that decadent, over-the-top creamsicle vibe.
FAQs
How long does Orange Creamsicle Moonshine need to sit before it’s ready to drink?
For the best flavor, let the moonshine sit in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. This allows the ingredients to fully blend and enhances the taste.
Can I make this recipe with a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can substitute Everclear and vodka with water or additional orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will be similar but without the kick!
What can I use instead of French vanilla coffee creamer?
If you don’t have French vanilla creamer, try substituting it with regular vanilla creamer or even a splash of heavy cream and vanilla extract for a similar flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness of this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add less sugar if you prefer a less sweet drink. You can always add more sugar later if needed.
So, what do you think? This Orange Creamsicle Moonshine is seriously fun to make, and even more fun to share. Try it out, and let me know if it brings back memories for you too. Cheers to creating a bit of summer magic in a mason jar!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Orange Creamsicle Moonshine
Ingredients
- 3 cups Everclear 190 proof
- ½ cup Vanilla Vodka
- 1 gallon pulp-free orange juice
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup French vanilla coffee creamer
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the orange juice, granulated sugar, French vanilla coffee creamer, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve and the creamer is fully incorporated.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir continuously and allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly.
- Once boiled, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, which should take about one hour. Cooling is essential to retain the alcohol’s potency when it’s added in the next step.
- Once the orange mixture has cooled, pour in the Everclear and vanilla vodka. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the alcohol.
- Carefully pour the moonshine into clean mason jars, leaving a small amount of space at the top to allow for shaking before serving. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
- Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator and let them sit for a minimum of two weeks to allow the flavors to meld. For optimal flavor, avoid opening during this period.
- When ready to serve, shake the jars well to remix any separated ingredients. Pour into glasses and enjoy responsibly.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
