If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about those nostalgic orange creamsicle popsicles but wished you could enjoy them in grown-up liquid form, Orange Creamsicle Moonshine is about to become your new obsession. This playful homemade liqueur is deliciously creamy, bursting with vibrant orange flavor, and hits all the right notes of vanilla warmth. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little bit like kitchen magic—the kind you can whip up in less than half an hour, then sip and savor as the ultimate dessert drink or give away as a truly unforgettable gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Syrup:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
Moonshine Base:
- 1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
Alcohol:
- 2 cups 190-proof grain alcohol or vodka
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Moonshine
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar
Start by grabbing a large saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Combine the granulated sugar and water, stirring occasionally until every last grain melts away into a clear, sweet syrup. This helps guarantee your finished moonshine won’t have any gritty bits—just smooth sailing from start to finish.
Step 2: Cool the Syrup Base
Once your sugar is totally dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and give it a little time to cool off. You want the syrup to be just warm—not hot—before adding the next ingredients, so you don’t risk curdling the milk or dulling the bright extracts.
Step 3: Whisk in the Creamsicle Flavors
Now’s the magic moment! Stir in the thawed orange juice concentrate, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and (if you really love orange) a splash of orange extract. Take a moment with your whisk to blend everything until it’s perfectly smooth and uniform—this is what creates that luxurious, creamy liqueur base.
Step 4: Add the Alcohol
When the mixture is fully cooled to room temperature, it’s time to slowly pour in your grain alcohol or vodka. Stir gently and thoroughly, making sure the moonshine is silky and homogenous. Taste and adjust if you’d like it a bit bolder or milder, depending on who’ll be sipping.
Step 5: Bottle and Chill
With your Orange Creamsicle Moonshine ready, use a funnel to pour it into clean, airtight mason jars or bottles. Leave a little space at the top, seal them tightly, and get them into the refrigerator. Let the flavors mingle for at least 24 hours—believe me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Moonshine
Garnishes
Presentation matters! Serve your moonshine over ice in small glasses, then dress them up with a slice of fresh orange, a twist of zest, or even a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry for an extra-fun nod to those old-school creamsicle bars.
Side Dishes
This sweet, boozy treat pairs beautifully with light snacks like vanilla wafers, fresh berries, or a soft sugar cookie—it’s all about complementing the star, not overshadowing it. Cheese boards with mild cheeses can also be a surprising and delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or entertaining, pour your Orange Creamsicle Moonshine into pretty swing-top bottles and tie on handwritten labels. For parties, consider creating a moonshine flight with small sample glasses, or dunk mini popsicles right into each serving for a whimsical touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Orange Creamsicle Moonshine in the refrigerator, tightly sealed, and it will stay dreamy and delicious for up to two months. Always shake well before pouring, since a little separation is totally normal with creamy liqueurs.
Freezing
While it’s not recommended to freeze moonshine (the alcohol content keeps it from freezing solid, but the dairy can separate oddly), you can stash a bottle in the back of a very cold fridge or cooler if you want it extra chilled for serving.
Reheating
This drink is made to be served cold and creamy—no reheating required! If you do find your moonshine has thickened up too much in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a little while, then shake well to bring back the perfect pourable texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular orange juice instead of concentrate?
Stick with frozen orange juice concentrate for the best flavor punch—regular juice will make your Orange Creamsicle Moonshine taste more watery and less vibrant. The concentrate is already reduced and packed with citrusy zing, which is what makes this recipe pop.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely! You can use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and luscious. Just note, the finished moonshine will pick up a hint of coconut, which is honestly pretty fantastic.
How strong is Orange Creamsicle Moonshine?
The strength depends on the alcohol base you use. Everclear is very potent, while vodka offers a more mellow kick. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste—just remember to label your jars if you make it boozier or lighter than usual.
Can I give this moonshine as a gift?
Yes, and it makes the cutest homemade treat! Use pretty bottles or standard mason jars, label with name and alcohol content, and include refrigeration and shake-before-serving reminders. Your friends will be so impressed!
Why does my moonshine separate in the fridge?
It’s totally normal for a bit of separation to occur since there are creamy and citrusy components. Just shake the jar well before pouring and it’ll be as smooth and lovely as when you first made it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a conversation-starting, outrageously tasty homemade treat, it doesn’t get better than Orange Creamsicle Moonshine. It’s whimsical, wonderfully nostalgic, and far easier to make than you’d expect. Treat yourself, surprise your friends, and let every creamy, citrusy sip bring a little joy and a lot of fun to your table!
Print
Orange Creamsicle Moonshine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook (post-simmer), Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, creamy goodness of Orange Creamsicle Moonshine, a delightful homemade liqueur that captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic creamsicle treat with a boozy twist.
Ingredients
Syrup:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
Moonshine Base:
- 1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
Alcohol:
- 2 cups 190-proof grain alcohol or vodka
Instructions
- Create Syrup: In a saucepan, dissolve sugar in water over medium heat. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add orange juice concentrate, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and optional orange extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add Alcohol: Stir in the alcohol once the mixture cools. Mix thoroughly.
- Bottle: Pour the moonshine into jars using a funnel. Seal and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Shake well before serving.
- Consider using half-and-half for a creamier texture, but note the impact on shelf life.
- Label jars with contents and alcohol strength for gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
