Ole Smoky Mandarins Moonshine 750ML

Ole Smoky Mandarins Moonshine 750ML is a 20% ABV (40 proof) fruit-infused corn moonshine packed with real mandarin orange slices. Distilled at Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine in Gatlinburg — named Distillery of the Year at the 2023 PR%F Awards — this expression stands apart from typical flavored spirits because the jar contains actual edible mandarin slices soaked in moonshine, creating a dual-consumption experience that goes well beyond flavoring alone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 20% (40 Proof)  |  Origin: Gatlinburg, East Tennessee, USA  |  Flavored Corn Moonshine  |  Distillery: Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine

Production & Heritage

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine operates out of "The Holler" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where the distillery runs copper pot stills and draws on Appalachian moonshining traditions. The base spirit is distilled from a corn mashbill, then infused with natural mandarin flavors and whole mandarin slices that steep directly in the moonshine. This immersion technique distinguishes the Mandarins expression from artificially flavored competitors — the fruit absorbs the spirit over time, becoming as much a part of the drinking experience as the liquid itself.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright, zesty citrus leads immediately, followed by a sweet orange peel character and faint undertones of corn sweetness from the base spirit. The nose is direct and inviting, with no harsh alcohol bite at this lower proof.

Taste: Juicy mandarin orange flavor arrives on entry, ripe and naturally sweet without tasting artificial. At mid-palate, a subtle tanginess develops alongside the gentle warmth of the corn moonshine base, keeping the sweetness in check. The balance between fruit and spirit stays controlled throughout.

Finish: Crisp and clean, with lingering fresh citrus that fades gradually. There is no heavy burn or cloying sweetness — the finish stays light and refreshing.

How to Drink Mandarins Moonshine

At 20% ABV, this moonshine drinks easily straight from the jar, chilled or over ice, and the mandarin slices can be eaten alongside each pour. It also works as a versatile cocktail ingredient thanks to its pronounced fruit character and moderate proof.

• Moonshine Mule: Substitute for vodka in a Moscow Mule — the mandarin sweetness pairs naturally with ginger beer and lime.
• Citrus Punch: Combine with lemonade and fresh mint for a crowd-friendly warm-weather punch where the real fruit slices double as garnish.
• Sparkling Mandarin Spritz: Top with prosecco and a splash of club soda for a low-proof brunch cocktail with genuine citrus depth.

Best For

• Sharing at backyard gatherings or tailgates where the jar-and-fruit format sparks conversation
• Introducing non-whiskey drinkers to moonshine through an approachable, fruit-forward entry point
• Building low-proof batch cocktails for summer entertaining
• Gifting to someone who collects flavored moonshine or Smoky Mountain souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mandarins Moonshine taste like? It delivers bright, juicy mandarin orange flavor balanced by subtle corn sweetness and a mild tangy finish. The profile is refreshingly fruity rather than overly sweet, with a clean citrus character throughout.

How does Mandarins Moonshine compare to Ole Smoky Peaches Moonshine? Both are fruit-infused corn moonshines at the same 20% ABV and feature real fruit in the jar, but the Mandarins expression leans toward zesty citrus brightness while the Peaches version delivers a rounder, stone-fruit sweetness. Choosing between them comes down to a preference for tangy citrus versus softer, riper fruit flavors.

Is Mandarins Moonshine good for beginners? Yes — at 20% ABV it is significantly lower in alcohol than traditional moonshine or whiskey, and the pronounced fruit flavor makes it one of the most approachable spirits in the Ole Smoky lineup.

Where is Mandarins Moonshine made? It is produced at Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine's distillery in Gatlinburg, East Tennessee, commonly referred to as "The Holler." Gatlinburg sits at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, a region with deep historical ties to Appalachian moonshining.

What foods pair well with Mandarins Moonshine? Grilled shrimp skewers work well, as the citrus complements seafood. Spicy Asian-style chicken wings benefit from the mandarin sweetness cutting through the heat. Vanilla bean ice cream or orange creamsicle desserts echo the citrus profile. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette create a harmonious pairing, and mild, creamy cheeses like brie offer a clean contrast.

What sizes does Mandarins Moonshine come in? The standard offering is a 750ml jar, consistent with most Ole Smoky moonshine products.

Is Mandarins Moonshine worth the price? It positions as an entry-level flavored spirit with the added distinction of containing real mandarin slices in every jar — a tangible value beyond what most flavored liqueurs or moonshines at a similar tier provide.

Why Mandarins Moonshine?

The defining feature here is the real mandarin slices sitting in every jar, fully soaked in moonshine and completely edible. That is not a gimmick — it creates a genuinely different experience from standard flavored spirits, where flavor comes only from added extracts or essences. The corn-based spirit underneath is copper-pot distilled using traditional methods at a distillery recognized as Distillery of the Year at the 2023 PR%F Awards. At 20% ABV, it occupies a practical sweet spot: flavorful enough to sip straight, versatile enough to anchor cocktails, and approachable enough to share with guests who might otherwise never reach for a jar of moonshine.