Belle Isle Moonshine

Replace your vodka with something better.

Celebrate International Women's Day with Cocktails by Some of our Favorite Female Bartenders

CocktailsStephanie StantonComment

The ladies are here to shake things up.

All cocktail photos in this feature are by Kate Magee. Bartender photos provided by the subject.

This International Women’s Day (March 8), we wanted to pay tribute to all of the female bartenders shaking things up across the country. We here at Belle Isle Moonshine appreciate all your hard work, long hours, and dedication to your craft. Here are just a few recipes from some of those amazing bartenders. Cheers to you, ladies! We see your ‘shine.

Belle of Harrison County

“For a while now I've really enjoyed how Cynar pairs with coffee, so naturally Belle Isle Cold Brew Moonshine and Cynar is a combo I love. This International Women's Day, I'd like to honor my mother, Dianna. A coffee lover herself, she has taught me strength and resilience while working hard and tirelessly being there for her family and friends. This strong cocktail is inspired by the Little Italy cocktail by Audrey Saunders.”

Ingredients:

Preparation: 

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Brittany Urse // Bartender, Brenner Pass

Richmond, VA

A Toast to Mrs. Holder

“My cocktail is inspired by and dedicated to my mom. She is the beautiful southern woman with nerves of steel and a heart of gold. I am inspired by her daily. Pear is her favorite fruit, she's a southern belle, and orange is her favorite color. This was a match made in heaven.”

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Belle Isle Blood Orange

  • 1 oz. Looza pear nectar 

  • ¼ oz. Merlet Crème de Pêche

  • ¾ oz. lemon juice 

  • ¾ oz. simple 

  • 1 egg white 

Preparation:

Add all ingredients to a mixing tin and dry shake vigorously. Add ice to tin and shake for another 15 seconds. Double-strain into a coup glass and garnish with a half slice of blood orange.

Keyatta Mincey-Parker // Bartender, Bon Ton

Atlanta, GA

The Spicy Start

“The Spicy Start is inspired by Sunday brunch with friends. It brings the heat of the night before to the sweetness of the brunch table!  It is dedicated to every friend in need of a recovery brunch.”

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Belle Isle Honey Habanero 

  • 1 ½ oz. silver tequila

  • ¼ oz. fresh lime juice

  • ¼ oz. maple syrup

  • 1-2 fresh jalapeño slices without seeds

  • Tajín Clásico Seasoning

  • Sugar

     

Preparation:

Mix equal parts seasoning and sugar together on a plate.  Set aside. Add all other ingredients to a mixing tin with ice. Shake vigorously. Rim a rocks glass first with lime juice and then with the Tajín-sugar seasoning. Strain cocktail into rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and jalapeño slice.

Katherine Buenaflor Dillon // Owner + Operator, Kilo Bravo

Brooklyn, NY 

POM Power Martini 

“This one goes out to a woman that is a creator, friend, mentor, and powerhouse! She is consistently pushing Dallas creatives and bringing something to this city we love that no one else has. I am lucky enough to also call this woman, Jencey Keeton, my boss. Jencey and Sweet Tooth Hotel have given me an opportunity to really push the limit and create experiences and memories through a cocktail.”

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Belle Isle Black Label

  • ¼ oz. Chambord

  • ½ oz. white grape juice

  • ½ oz. cranberry juice

  • ½ oz. lemon juice 

Preparation:

Add all ingredients to a mixing tin with ice. Shake vigorously and double-strain into a martini glass. 

For foam garnish: dry shake egg white, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice vigorously until foam is formed. Layer on top and garnish with pomegranate seeds. 

Becca Hummel // bar manager, Sweet Tooth Hotel

Dallas, TX

Honey Halla

“Belle Isle’s Honey Habanero moonshine is the perfect base for this tangy summer cocktail. It’s all in the name! Natural honey flavor is infused with fresh jalapeños and cilantro to create an ongoing battle between subtle and spicy. Pair it with a hearty meal for some extra flavor. You need this spice in your life!”

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Muddle honey, jalapeño, and cilantro in a mixing tin. Add Belle Isle and lime juice, then shake with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and jalapeño slice. 

Victoria Owens // bartender, the Blind Goat food & drink co.

Tampa, FL

Mama Belle 

“This cocktail is dedicated to my Mom, Barbara Taylor. She isn’t much of a drinker, so when creating this cocktail I wanted to make something that she would enjoy. That’s why I stayed simple and only added a few ingredients with the Belle Isle Ruby Red Grapefruit. She has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for more than 20 years, and everyday she pushes herself to do things that sometimes seem impossible. But she does them, and it inspires me everyday to push myself further. I’m very thankful that such a strong woman raised me.“

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain and pour into a small coupe glass with no ice. Garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit.



Brittany Taylor // Bar manager, Oyster House & O BAR

Charleston, SC




happy international women’s day!

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

What's Your 'Shine? // Pisces

What's Your 'Shine?Stephanie StantonComment

You’re not dreaming–the Mint to Be is tasty enough to bring even the most fanciful Fish back to reality.

Photos by Joey Wharton.

Let the stars and Belle Isle Moonshine be your guides to cosmic cocktailling. Each month, our resident amateur astrologer (and Director of Marketing) Brandon Day gives you the transcendental tea based on your zodiac sign. We’ll also share a Sun sign-inspired cocktail recipe that will get you through your birthday season in one piece–no matter what retrogrades come your way.

PISCES

THE FISH // February 19-March 20

"Hiya Pisces! This season, we’re learning how to disconnect from the wrong people and reconnect with the ones that matter, including yourself. We start off your season in the midst of a Mercury retrograde, making it a difficult time to read into the hidden intentions of others. I’m not saying you can’t trust anyone, but like... just don’t take what people say at face value for now. If something’s not making sense, just leave it alone for a while. It’ll sort itself out later.

We see Venus enter Taurus at the beginning of March, increasing our desire for sensual, secure, and long-lasting love. Cute! This is a great time to focus on tangible and physical expressions of love. If your friend or partner’s love language is Physical Touch or Gifts, this is your time to shine! Mercury returns direct in early March as well, finally opening up the opportunity to heal and reconnect. Practice self-care here by setting and communicating boundaries with others, keeping in mind that your time and energy are finite resources.

On March 16, Mercury moves into Pisces, where your sign’s energy will impact everyone’s thinking and communication. Our thoughts will become more intuitive and imaginative, and our communication will be more rooted in emotion and empathy. Use the last part of Pisces season to open your third eye and tune into your higher consciousness. Things are never black and white, so being able to read between the lines will make navigating the world so much easier."




Brandon Day is the Director of Marketing at Belle Isle Moonshine. He has no actual astrology credentials, but he checks his Co-Star religiously.



MINT TO BE

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Belle Isle Black Label

  • ½ oz. creme de cacao

  • ½ oz. lemon juice

  • ½ oz. simple syrup

  • 4-5 drops Fee Brothers Mint Bitters

  • 1 egg white

    Preparation:

    Add all ingredients to a mixing tin with ice. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain out ice, then dry shake for another 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

There's No Wrong Way to V-Day: Four Belle Isle Cocktails for Whatever Your Valentine's Day Looks Like

CocktailsStephanie StantonComment

Love means never having to say you’re sorry for hogging all the lo mein.

All photos by Joey Wharton.

Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of different things depending on your current relationship status. Romantic night with a special someone? Sure. Corporate bonanza built on consumerism? Maybe. An excuse to eat a bunch of heart-shaped candy? Big time.

No matter if you’re Single AF or in an LTR, we can all agree on one thing: Valentine’s Day is a great reason to eat and drink well. Here’s our list of cocktails perfect for whatever your V-Day holds.

NEW RELATIONSHIP ENERGY

Cocktail: Check Yes or No

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Belle Isle Blood Orange

  • 1 oz. Cocchi Rosa

  • 1 oz. Aperol

    Preparation:
    Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Ah, the excitement of new love. I think we can all agree that a relationship really hits its peak when you’re comfortable enough with a person to talk about your feelings, but not so comfortable that you pick a fight about them after one too many cocktails. This beautiful, intoxicating NRE status deserves an equally stirring cocktail pairing. Try our Blood Orange negroni variation Check Yes or No to elevate your evening with that special someone.

GALENTINE’s Party

Cocktail: Ring of Fire

Ingredients:

Preparation: 
Add ingredients to a mug and top with whipped cream and dried chilies.

**Mexican Hot Chocolate: Over medium heat, stir 3 cups whole milk
2 tbsp. cocoa powder, 4 oz. chopped bittersweet chocolate, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 2 tbsp. crushed cinnamon sticks, 1/4 oz. cayenne pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt. Simmer for 5-10 mins., then remove from heat and let cool.

Spend the holiday that’s all about love doing what you actually love the most: drinking cocktails and talking trash with your BFFs. We highly suggest whipping up our coffee-tinged Mexican hot chocolate, Ring of Fire, to invite in some old school slumber party vibes. Whipped cream is mandatory; casting spells is optional.

LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP

Cocktail: Islands in the Stream

If you’ve been in an LTR for a few years, you probably said goodbye to pretense a long time ago. You just want to cut the filler and skip right to the good stuff: a box of chocolates, cuddling on the couch, and a few simple, delicious cocktails. Try Islands in the Stream, our spicy play on a strawberry margarita, to heat things up a bit.

Ingredients:

Preparation: 
Add all ingredients to mixing tin with ice. Shake and double-strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

SOLO NIGHT IN

Cocktail: Rose Garden

The absolute best part of being single is that you never have to share. Celebrate your independence and whip up two of these spritzy Rose Garden cocktails–then drink both yourself.

Ingredients:

Preparation: 
Add all ingredients to a wine glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

happy valentine’s day!

Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

What's Your 'Shine? // Aquarius

What's Your 'Shine?Stephanie StantonComment

Aquarius season means it’s finally time for some fun, friends.

Photos by Joey Wharton.

Let the stars and Belle Isle Moonshine be your guides to cosmic cocktailling. Each month, our resident amateur astrologer (and Director of Marketing) Brandon Day gives you the transcendental tea based on your zodiac sign. We’ll also share a Sun sign-inspired cocktail recipe that will get you through your birthday season in one piece–no matter what retrogrades come your way.

AQUARIUS

THE WATER BEARER // January 22 - February 19

“HBD Aquarius! Last month was intense, but we’re charging forward! If you felt isolated by conflict recently, Aquarius season is your moment for a fresh start. Your batteries are recharged and you’re ready to start making small steps that will lead to big changes. At the beginning of February, we will see Mercury enter Pisces, making our thinking and communication more emotional and intuitive. You’ll feel a natural inclination towards visual expression and thought-provoking concepts, so take advantage of this by moodboard-ing out your 2020 goals. Start with the realistic stuff, then work up to your most insane ideas. Your wild ones are always your best.

On February 7, Venus enters Aries. Love will become serendipitous and intense. No more dwelling on past heartbreak - this is your time to chase down something (or someone) new and exciting. You deserve to feel the rush of romance! Just remember to have some brutally honest check-ins with yourself to make sure you aren’t getting played, you clown. Aquarius season ends with Mercury entering retrograde, so get ready for everything and everyone to be back on their bullshit. However, that same day we will see Mars enter Capricorn, meaning your energy will naturally become more reliable and tactical. This shift will help you combat the confusion of a Mercury retrograde, so lean into that desire for deep consideration before making any money moves. ILY, baby! Let’s get weird”




Brandon Day is the Director of Marketing at Belle Isle Moonshine. He has no actual astrology credentials, but he checks his Co-Star religiously.



TURNING TIDES

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Belle Isle Honey Habanero

  • 1 oz. pomegranate juice

  •  ½ oz. lime juice

  • 3 oz. Jarritos Tamarindo

    Preparation:

    Add first three ingredients to a mixing tin with ice. Shake and double-strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice. Top with Jarritos. 


Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

Lighten Up: Five Low-Calorie, Low-Carb, and Low-ABV Cocktails for January

CocktailsStephanie StantonComment

Belle Isle Canned Cocktails: part of a healthy, balanced diet.

All photos by Joey Wharton.

With all this talk of Dry January and resolutions, we felt the need to pop in here with a quick PSA:

January is all about balance, not deprivation.

You know what they say: moderation is the spice of life. Well, maybe they don't say that–but they should! You don't need to completely cut yourself off from cocktails, carbs, or cupcakes to start your 2020 off the right way. There is a better way to eat and drink responsibly that doesn't include any fasts, cleanses, or dry periods. Because, let's be honest, who wants to be around someone who's sober, hungry, AND sugar-deprived? Not us! We're sharing five low-calorie, low-carb, and low-ABV January cocktails to help you cut down on the bad stuff while still having some fun.

Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

Actually Keep Your New Year's Resolutions This Year With These Six Cocktails

CocktailsStephanie StantonComment

2020 is gonna be the ‘shiniest year yet.

All photos by Joey Wharton.

New Year’s Resolutions: Everyone makes ‘em, and everyone breaks ‘em. While we fully condone trying to better oneself, we think realistic, approachable goals are the way to go. Instead of breaking your back trying to get a Marvel-level body or vowing to participate in Dry January (truly our least favorite pastime), why don’t you take a few “new year, new me” suggestions from your friends at Belle Isle Moonshine? Here are our six totally doable New Year’s Resolutions, along with six cocktails to help you stay on track. Cheers to 2020, y’all!

happy new year!

STILL THIRSTY?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

What's Your 'Shine? // Capricorn

What's Your 'Shine?Stephanie StantonComment

The Golden Goat gets the job done–just like any self-respecting Cap.

Photos by Joey Wharton.

Let the stars and Belle Isle Moonshine be your guides to cosmic cocktailling. Each month, our resident amateur astrologer (and Director of Marketing) Brandon Day gives you the transcendental tea based on your zodiac sign. We’ll also share a Sun sign-inspired cocktail recipe that will get you through your birthday season in one piece–no matter what retrogrades come your way.

CAPRICORN

The MOUNTAIN GOAT // December 22-January 20

“Ah, Capricorns. I literally cannot believe we made it through this year. And there is no better sign to lead us into next year than you, the Dad of the zodiac. At the beginning of this season, you will have a heightened ability to determine what is actually essential - use this to declutter your life before setting those New Year's resolutions. Believe in a clean slate! 2020 is going to be a good one for you. Just remember - slow and steady wins the race, but the ride isn't nearly as fun.

Come middle of January, you'll feel a shift in your relationships as Venus enters Pisces. You will feel a natural inclination towards tenderness and affection - embrace it! Give into your desire to be fully vulnerable - to be both seduced and seductive. You're allowed to feel good. Have fun, buddy!”




Brandon Day is the Director of Marketing at Belle Isle Moonshine. He has no actual astrology credentials, but he checks his Co-Star religiously.



GOLDEN GOAT

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Belle Isle Blood Orange

  • ¾ oz. ginger syrup**

  • ¾ oz. lemon juice

  • 2 oz. dry cider (we used Potter’s Farmhouse Dry)

    Preparation:

    Add first three ingredients to a mixing tin with ice. Shake and double strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube. Top with 2 oz. dry cider and garnish with candied ginger. 

    **Ginger Syrup: Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 peeled and sliced ginger root to a saucepan and boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out ginger.

Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

'Tis the Season for Four New Holiday Cocktails

CocktailsStephanie StantonComment

‘Tis the season to be shiny.

All photos by Kate Magee.

To be honest, this has already been a pretty good holiday season so far. We haven’t stopped eating cookies since Thanksgiving, many parts of the country have already seen snow, and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” has FINALLY reached #1 on the Billboard charts, What more could we possibly ask for from the most wonderful time of the year?

We’ll tell you: holiday cocktails, duh! Drinking in December is different than any other time of year. Everything is festive, candy is an acceptable cocktail garnish, and it’s basically the only month eggnog exists. In short, we love holiday cocktails. That’s why we’re sharing a few of our seasonal favorites, perfect for family dinners, fireside chats, caroling, and other general forms of merriment. Check out our holiday cocktail recipes below, and get jolly, friends!

happy holidays, y’all!

Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

What's Your 'Shine? // Sagittarius

What's Your 'Shine?Stephanie StantonComment

Rich, sweet, and bold. Wait, are we talking about this cocktail or our Sagittarius friends?

Photos by Joey Wharton.

Let the stars and Belle Isle Moonshine be your guides to cosmic cocktailling. Each month, our resident amateur astrologer (and Director of Marketing) Brandon Day gives you the transcendental tea based on your zodiac sign. We’ll also share a Sun sign-inspired cocktail recipe that will get you through your birthday season in one piece–no matter what retrogrades come your way.

SAGITTARIUS

The ARCHER // NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21

“Wow hello to all my Sag buddies and goodbye to Scorpio season! Right now feels like a second chance at life, revitalized by Sagittarius’ bold and adventurous energy. This is a time to capitalize on your gambling nature and shoot your shot - who knows what might come of it! You may feel a bit more practical when Venus shifts to Capricorn in a few days, meaning relationships in work and business will be easier. Double down on this energy by forming deeper connections with people who support your ambitions and goals.

Are you ready for the gag of the season? After a five-month retrograde through Pisces, Neptune finally returns direct at the end of November. So that intense feeling that life has been too heavy, maybe even too real? Expect a release from all of that as we regain our capacity to dream again. Our thinking becomes more optimistic and our relationships more expressive and experimental. Here we go, Sag. Buckle up!”




Brandon Day is the Director of Marketing at Belle Isle Moonshine. He has no actual astrology credentials, but he checks his Co-Star religiously.



BUTTER ME UP

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Belle Isle Cold Brew Coffee

  • ½ oz. cinnamon syrup**

  • 4 oz. hot coffee

  • 1 tsp. melted butter 

    Preparation:


    Add all ingredients in listed order to a mug or toddy glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or star anise.

    ** Cinnamon Syrup: Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 4 cinnamon sticks to a saucepan and boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out cinnamon sticks.

Still thirsty?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.

Friendsgiving: A Step-by-Step Guide to Impressing Your Crew with Five Cocktails

CocktailsStephanie StantonComment

Your turkey deserves a better cocktail.

All photos by Joey Wharton.

Hosting a Friendsgiving bash this year, but don’t know the first thing about cooking a Turkey Day feast? If you’re like us and would rather just hit up the hot bar at Whole Foods than roast a bird for 10 hours, you’ll need another way to impress your friends with some good old-fashioned hosting skills. We highly suggest whipping up these five Belle Isle cocktails–one to complement each perfectly planned part of your shindig. From pre-dinner apertifs to post-dinner ‘tinis and all the stuffing in between, here’s a cocktail menu that will have your buds thinking you’re a cooler, younger version of Martha Stewart.

happy thanksgiving!

Need more Turkey Day tips?

Belle Isle Moonshine is a premium, handcrafted spirit proudly hailing from Richmond, Virginia.

We take the name Belle Isle from a small, 540-acre island located smack dab in the middle of the James River where Civil War soldiers used surplus corn rations to make moonshine in copper kettles.

Belle Isle Moonshine is distilled from 100% organic corn, grown by three family farms and responsibly sourced. Once triple-distilled, we charcoal filter Belle Isle four times over. Then, we cut it with purified water right from the James River. Our infusions are made with 100% real ingredients, never artificial flavors or color. We use real grapefruits sourced from Texas and California, local honey from the Shenandoah Valley, organic habaneros grown an hour away, and freshly roasted coffee beans from the most socially conscious roastery in Richmond, Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co.

From there, each bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine is filled, corked, labeled, and packed by hand by our Production team, who check each bottle and batch for quality assurance. Since Belle Isle is made in small batches, you can find the batch number handwritten in the bottom right corner of each bottle.

Distilled from good times and 100% organic corn.