How to make Homemade Moonshine

Using your new Vevor Alcohol and Distilled Water distillery for the first time!

Welcome to another fun-filled post here at With the Bickhams! Today, we’re diving into the world of distilling—but don’t worry, we’re starting with something simple and safe: distilled water. If you’ve recently purchased a Vevor Alcohol Distillery and aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, share some tips we learned along the way, and even talk about how distilling can become a fun and creative hobby for your home.

Why Distilled Water First?

When we got our Vevor Alcohol Distillery, we knew the first thing we wanted to try was making distilled water. Why? Because it’s a safe, simple way to get to know your new still before diving into alcohol distillation. Plus, it’s handy to have distilled water on hand for everything from cleaning appliances to filling your iron. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to mess up their first batch of moonshine!

Distilled water is also a great way to test your equipment and ensure everything is working properly. By starting with water, you can identify and resolve any issues without the risk of ruining a batch of alcohol. It’s like taking a test drive before hitting the highway.

Getting to Know Your Vevor Alcohol Distillery

Before we dive into the process, let’s talk about what makes the Vevor Alcohol Distillery a fantastic choice for beginners and hobbyists alike. This distillery is designed with user-friendly features that make it easy to set up and operate. From its durable stainless steel construction to the efficient coiled copper tubing, the Vevor still is built to deliver excellent results.

One of the standout features is its versatility. Whether you’re distilling water, alcohol, or essential oils, this equipment can handle it all. The included thumper allows for advanced distillation techniques, but don’t worry—we’re keeping it simple today by focusing on the basic setup.

Setting Up the Vevor Alcohol Distillery

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment:

• Vevor Alcohol Distillery
• Coiled copper tubing
• Homemade ice water bucket or similar container (we used an ice cream bucket!)
• Water for distillation
• Heat source (like a stovetop or propane burner)

We decided not to use the thumper for this first run, so if you’re new like us, feel free to skip it for now. Skipping the thumper simplifies the process and helps you focus on the basics.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Distilled Water

1. Clean Everything

Before using your still for the first time, clean it thoroughly. Wash the pot, tubing, and any accessories with warm, soapy water and rinse well. This ensures no residues or manufacturing oils end up in your distilled water.

2. Set Up the Pot and Tubing

Attach the coiled copper tubing securely to the pot. Make sure all connections are tight and leak-free. Double-check the seals to prevent steam from escaping during the process.

3. Prepare the Ice Water Bucket

Fill your homemade bucket with ice and water. Place the pump inside to circulate the cold water through the copper tubing. This helps condense the steam back into liquid form. If you don’t have a pump, you can manually replace the ice as it melts, but a pump makes the process much easier.

4. Add Water to the Pot

Pour about two to three liters of water into the pot. This is your source water for distillation. Be sure not to overfill the pot, as you need space for the steam to rise.

5. Start Heating

Place the pot on your heat source and slowly bring the water to a boil. As the water heats, steam will rise and travel through the copper tubing. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays within the ideal range for water distillation.

6. Cool the Steam

The cold water circulating through the tubing will cool the steam, turning it back into liquid. This is your distilled water! Make sure to collect it in a clean container at the end of the tubing. You’ll notice the distilled water is crystal clear, free from impurities.

7. Monitor the Process

Keep an eye on the temperature and water levels. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady boil without overheating. Consistent heat is key to a successful distillation.

8. Store Your Distilled Water

Once you’ve collected your distilled water, let it cool before storing it in a clean, airtight container. Proper storage ensures the water remains pure and ready for use.

Troubleshooting Tips

While distilling water is straightforward, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Leaky Connections: Check all seals and tighten connections to prevent steam loss.
• Overheating: Use a thermometer to maintain the proper temperature and avoid scorching.
• Slow Distillation: Ensure your cooling water is cold enough to condense the steam effectively.

A Peek Into the Fun Side of Distilling

Now that you’ve mastered distilled water, you’re ready to explore the exciting world of alcohol distillation! Whether it’s crafting homemade moonshine, creating a batch of peach brandy, or experimenting with infused vodkas, there’s a lot of fun (and science) to be had. Distilling can be a creative and rewarding hobby—just make sure you’re following local laws and safety guidelines.

Distilling alcohol at home has a rich history rooted in tradition. It’s fascinating to think about how people have used distillation for centuries to create everything from medicinal tinctures to celebratory spirits. By learning this craft, you’re connecting with a time-honored tradition that’s as educational as it is enjoyable.

Tips for Safe and Successful Alcohol Distillation

When you’re ready to move on to alcohol, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Start Small: Begin with a simple recipe like corn whiskey or apple brandy.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your final product will be.
• Take Notes: Keep a journal of your distillation experiments to track what works and what doesn’t.
• Stay Informed: Research local laws and regulations regarding home distillation to ensure compliance.

Ready to Start Your Own Distilling Journey?

If you’re as excited about this as we are, it might be time to get your own Vevor Alcohol Distillery. This versatile equipment opens the door to endless possibilities, from crafting pure distilled water to experimenting with unique alcoholic beverages. We’ve included a link in the description below for you to check out. Using our link helps support our family and allows us to keep bringing you fun and informative content.

Why Distilling is a Great Hobby

Melissa and I love sharing new adventures with you all, and distilling is no exception. There’s something so satisfying about making something from scratch and knowing exactly what’s in it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to connect with traditions of the past while putting your own modern spin on things.

Distilling can also be a social activity. Imagine hosting a tasting party where friends and family can sample your homemade creations. It’s a unique way to share your passion and create memorable experiences.

What’s Next?

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, consider experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. From flavored vodkas to herbal tinctures, the possibilities are endless. And don’t forget about essential oils! Your Vevor distillery can also be used to create aromatic oils for use in candles, soaps, and more.

As always, we’ve got a quick video tutorial at the end of this post to show you exactly how we made our distilled water. It’s straightforward, beginner-friendly, and a great way to dip your toes into the distilling world.

Thanks for hanging out with us today! We hope you enjoy your Vevor distillery as much as we do. Until next time, happy distilling and stay creative!

Watch the video below and let us know how your first run goes. We can’t wait to hear from you!