America’s greatest sporting event is arguably the Super Bowl. Pitting the best of the NFC and AFC against each other for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy, the Super Bowl is a great event not just for the live sports action it promises, but also for the social activities that take place in homes, taverns, and other meeting spaces across the country. Booze is almost always an important part of a Super Bowl celebration and one brand that goes great with mixed drinks or all by itself is American Born Moonshine, a distilled spirit steeped in American history.
An American Tradition
Nashville, Tennessee- based American Born Moonshine is a relative newcomer to the distilled spirits business. Founded in 2013 by Patrick Dillingham, a former Notre Dame quarterback, and Sean Koffel, an Iraq War veteran, American Born Moonshine pays homage to the men and women who once worked behind the scenes, distilling moonshine and delivering the highly alcoholic, corn- infused nectar to customers when the practice wasn’t legal. It was a risky business, but the demand was strong and revelers were more than happy to take the chance and serve the underground market.
Today, moonshine is once again legal and American Born Moonshine hopes to return this uniquely American liquor to its traditional roots. The company makes three different flavors: Original White Lightning Moonshine (103 proof), Dixie Sweet Tea Moonshine (83 proof), and Apple Pie Moonshine (83 proof). Each is delicious served neat or as part of a mixed drink.
Bring on the Booze
Here at Great Beer Now, I tasted American Born Moonshine for the first time just recently and learned a great deal about this product, the owners’ distilling philosophy, and other interesting tidbits about moonshine and its place in history. I started with the Original White Lightning, a product made with only corn, sugar, and water. This liquor is clean and reasonably smooth when you consider it is 103 proof. I also got to try the Dixie Sweet Tea Moonshine and found this one very unique and quite tasty. The aroma and flavors of Earl Grey and Breakfast Blend teas combine with corn for a taste sensation that is one of a kind in the moonshine business. Dixie was also the key ingredient in a mixed drink I sampled called the Porch Sipper, which is made using American Born Moonshine White Lightning, melon liqueur, vanilla syrup, and lemon. The drink reminded me of a fresh glass of fruity iced tea served at grandma’s house with an added spike of flavor. Because of its distinct tea attributes, Dixie would go very well in many drinks and even in several beers including shandy, brown ale, and amber styles.
A Super Sunday
Here are some football themed mixed drinks to create for your upcoming Super Bowl or other party:
TOUCHDOWN
1 3/4 Oz American Born Moonshine Original
1/2 Oz Lime Juice
2 Oz Ginger Beer
1/2 Oz Ancho Reyes Liqueur
1/2 Cup Cilantro
2 Slices Fresh Jalapeno
Directions: Muddle jalapeno and cilantro with lime. Add Moonshine and ancho reyes. Shake with ice to chill, then add ginger beer. Strain into a glass with ice.
QUARTERBACK
2 Oz American Born Moonshine Apple Pie
4 Oz Ginger Ale
Directions: Pour into a glass over ice and stir well.
12th MAN
2 Oz American Born Moonshine Apple Pie
4 Oz Apple Cider
Directions: Pour into a glass over ice and stir well.
Celebrate America
Moonshine is as American as football and apple pie. It has been around for centuries but only recently became legal again in most U.S. states. American Born Moonshine is one of the finest of its kind and it brings the American tradition of corn- distilled moonshine into the homes of Americans everywhere. There is no need to sneak out in the middle of the night to Uncle Bob’s secret still, hidden deep in the woods. Moonshine producing distilleries are now legal, and American Born Moonshine is ready to serve its customers and bring back cherished memories of an often dangerous bygone era.
American Born Moonshine is presently sold in 24 states with more to be added as it spreads its sense of Americana across this great land of ours. Grab yourself a bottle of American Born White Lightning, Dixie, and Apple Pie Moonshines and serve up some tasty mixed drinks at your Super Bowl party. The days of bootlegging are gone and American Born Moonshine is here to take its place, ushering in a new era of distilled spirits that stands true to a time- honored tradition.
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