Belle Isle Moonshine

This month, I had the pleasure of partnering up with one of my favorite spirit companies, Belle Isle Moonshine, and they happen to be local to RVA! Their named developed fro Belle Isle, a little island in the middle of the James River that all the locals love. The product is distilled from 100% organic corn, and made with only the best ingredients. They focus on the highest quality product, using as much local ingredients as possible!

The concept of drinking can get a bad rap but if you’ve been following me for a while, you know I am all about living a balanced lifestyle that doesn’t cut out the things you love that allow you to live the life you want to live. Finding high quality options is always a priority to me as well as just making good choices for your own body. Clear liquors are typically the only thing other than beer and wine that work for me and when I found out about Belle Isle a couple years ago, I knew I had to try it.

My usual produce choice is their Black Label (their “flagship product, Belle Isle Black Label is the base for the rest of our creations and a delicious, versatile spirit on its own. Just as flexible in a cocktail as vodka but without the wicked burn or bad taste, use Belle Isle Black Label for simple sippers or twists on classics), where I usually mix it with a flavored seltzer (my go to drink on most occasions!)

For this collaboration, I decided to spice up their Black Label with my favorite liquor flavor… cucumber! Here is an EASY at home recipe I have concocted for you to try!

Cucumber Infused Moonshine Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle, Black Label Belle Isle Moonshine

• 1 Organic Cucumber

• 1 Airtight Jar (16oz Mason Jar or Weck Jar works best!)

• 1 can Flavored Sparking Water (I recommend the Raspberry Lime Spindrift)

• Lime (optional)

Directions:

1. Fill up jar about 3/4 of the way (about 2/3 of the moonshine)

2. Cut cucumbers into rounds (about half the cucumber)

3. Add cucumber to mason jar and tighten lid

4. Let sit for about 24 hours

5. Taste Taste! To get more flavor, let infuse for another 12 hours. (recommend max infuse time is about 48 hours)

6. Fill glass up with crushed ice, add 2 shots cucumber infused moonshine and top off with sparking water. Add a lime or even one of the infused cucumbers

Buy Black Label here

On a different but very related note, I have used another one of their moonshine creations, Cold Brew Coffee, to create the ultimate coffee lovers cocktail! This will slightly satisfy that sweet tooth and give you a little energy, all while enjoying a cocktail. If you’re a coffee lover, listen up!

Chocolate Cold Brew Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ounces Belle Isle Cold Brew Coffee Moonshine

• Cooled Coffee or Filtered Water

• 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips

• Ice (handful)

• 3-4 tbsp Favorite Creamer

  • optional: milk frother

• Cocktail Shaker

• Optional: chocolate syrup + powdered sugar for topping

Directions:

1. Add Cold Brew Moonshine, your liquid of choice (water or coffee), cacao nibs and ice into cocktail shaker.

2. Shake until combined.

3. Fill up glass completely full of ice and pour mixture in

4. Froth your milk or cream of choice

5. Pour into glass and stir as if it is a cold brew coffee drink

6. Optional to add toppings!

7. Enjoy!

Belle Isle Cold Brew Coffee:

• 70 Proof (same as flavored vodkas)

• Infused with responsibly sourced Honduran coffee beans and locally harvested honey

• 21% less calories and 92% less sugar & carbs than the leading coffee liqueur (Kahlua)

• 62 calories / 1 carbs / 1 sugars (1 oz.)