National Moonshine day
June 5, Thursday
History of the holiday
The term "moonshine" originated in the 18th century and referred to illegally produced alcohol made at night to avoid detection by authorities. Moonshining became especially popular during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920–1933), when the production and sale of alcohol were banned. After the end of Prohibition, moonshine production continued, particularly in rural areas such as the Appalachians.
Since 2014, National Moonshine Day has been officially celebrated on the first Thursday of June.
How the holiday is celebrated
Celebrations of National Moonshine Day include various activities:
* Visiting distilleries that offer legal moonshine
* Tasting different types of moonshine and cocktails made with it
* Hosting themed parties in the style of the Prohibition era
* Learning about the history of moonshining through books, films, and museums
* Preparing dishes with moonshine, such as glazed meats or desserts
Some distilleries, such as Ole Smoky in Tennessee, organize special events and festivals in honor of the day.
Interesting facts
* Moonshine is often called "white lightning", "hooch", or "mountain dew"
* Traditionally, moonshine was made from corn mash
* In the US, alcohol production without a license remains illegal, despite the legalization of certain types of moonshine
* Many modern producers use the term "moonshine" in marketing to highlight the tradition and history of the drink