Pomelo Moonshine Punch

The Pomelo Moonshine Punch is tart, bold, and citrus-forward with just the right edge. It combines the raw, clean kick of moonshine with the bittersweet depth of grapefruit bitters and the bright, juicy taste of ruby red grapefruit juice. Fresh pomelo adds a touch of sweetness and texture, mellowing the sharpness without losing that citrus bite. This drink is simple but full of flavor, great for fans of sour-forward cocktails or anyone looking for a refreshing change of pace. Serve it over ice with a wedge of pomelo or grapefruit for a crisp, no-nonsense finish.

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Tasting Notes

This Pomelo Moonshine Punch is crisp, citrusy, and just a little sharp. The moonshine gives it a bold, grain-forward kick that settles nicely behind the bright punch of ruby red grapefruit juice. A small amount of simple syrup helps smooth the edges, while the grapefruit bitters boost the citrus without adding weight. The pomelo slice adds a touch of aroma and a subtle bitterness if you squeeze it in. It’s light enough to enjoy on a warm day but still has a good bite. If you like your drinks tart, clean, and refreshing, this one hits the mark.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a jigger, shaker, strainer, and a glass for serving. A fine mesh strainer is optional if your juice has pulp. A rocks glass or lowball glass works well it keeps the pour tight and lets the pomelo garnish stand out. If you want a slightly longer drink, a highball glass works too. Chill your glass ahead of time to help keep the drink cold longer. No blender or fancy tools required just basic gear and fresh ingredients. A citrus knife and cutting board will help prep the pomelo cleanly.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz moonshine
• 3 oz ruby red grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 dash grapefruit bitters
• Garnish: slice of fresh pomelo

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the moonshine, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
• Shake for about 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a slice of pomelo.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh grapefruit juice if you can it’s brighter and cleaner than bottled.
• For simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and water until fully dissolved.
• You can also infuse the syrup with a bit of pomelo peel for an added citrus layer.
• If your moonshine is high-proof, you might want to shake a little longer to mellow it out with dilution.
• A chilled glass helps keep the balance without too much ice melt.
• Grapefruit bitters are a small detail but add a lot they help the flavor linger longer between sips.

When to Serve

This Pomelo Moonshine Punch is perfect for warm afternoons, outdoor get-togethers, or any time you want a refreshing option with some bite. The citrus keeps it lively, while the moonshine gives it just enough kick. It works well with grilled food, fresh salads, or salty snacks. Serve it as a day drink or an early evening pick when something heavier doesn’t feel right. It’s a good break from overly sweet or boozy cocktails and fits right into casual parties, porch hangs, or backyard dinners. Serve cold, over ice, with the pomelo on full display.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• For moonshine, go with something smooth but still true to style Ole Smoky, Sugarlands, or Midnight Moon are all solid choices. Avoid flavored versions unless you want to tweak the drink.
• Use fresh ruby red grapefruit juice if you can find it brands like Simply or fresh-pressed options from the grocery store work great.
• Grapefruit bitters from The Bitter Truth or Scrappy’s add just the right kick without being too intense.
• Keep your syrup light and clean homemade is quick and easy.
• Always use fresh pomelo if it’s in season look for firm, fragrant fruit with bright skin.

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