DIY Guide to Making Prison Hooch: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Making prison hooch may not be the safest choice, but it’s one way to get a buzz behind bars. The process of making this fermented drink involves using everyday items that are readily available in the commissary. It’s a learned skill, passed down from one inmate to the next, and it often becomes a point of pride for those who can create the strongest hooch with the best taste.

If you’re locked up and seeking a way to “escape” your surroundings, making hooch may be the way to go. But before you begin, it’s important to keep in mind that creating and consuming homemade alcohol is against the rules. If caught, you can face serious consequences, and the hooch itself can be dangerous if not made correctly. With that said, if you’re willing to take the risk, here’s a guide on how to make your own prison hooch.

How to Make Prison Hooch – A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you find yourself in prison and the only way to get a buzz is by making prison hooch. Fear not, making this alcoholic brew is easier than you might think, but it requires a bit of patience and some very basic equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make prison hooch, based on our research and interviews with former inmates.

Ingredients

Before getting started, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

1. Fruit: You can use almost any fruit to make hooch, but some are better than others. Apples, oranges, and grapes are good choices, but avoid using citrus fruits like lemons or limes.
2. Sugar: You can use either white or brown sugar, but brown sugar tends to give the hooch a richer flavor.
3. Water: You’ll need a good amount of water to dilute the alcohol and make the hooch less potent.

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy equipment to make prison hooch, just the following items:

1. Plastic bag: Most inmates use a trash bag or a sandwich bag to make their hooch.
2. Juice or soda bottle: You’ll need a bottle to ferment the hooch in. Some inmates prefer to use a bottle that’s already been emptied, while others use a new bottle.
3. Balloon: You’ll need a balloon to cover the opening of the bottle. This will allow the hooch to ferment without letting in any oxygen.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cut the fruit into small pieces. If using apples or grapes, you’ll need to remove the seeds.
2. Put the fruit into the plastic bag and add sugar. The ratio of fruit to sugar should be roughly 2:1.
3. Seal the bag and place it in a warm, dark place. The warmer the location, the faster the fermentation process will be.
4. After a few days, the bag should start to inflate as gas is released from the fermentation process. Once it stops inflating, the hooch is ready for the next step.
5. Pour the contents of the bag into the bottle and add water. The ratio of hooch to water should be roughly 1:3.
6. Stretch the balloon over the opening of the bottle, making sure it’s airtight.
7. Place the bottle back in the warm, dark place and wait for the fermentation process to start again. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
8. Once the balloon stops inflating, the hooch is ready to drink. You can pour it into a cup or drink straight from the bottle.
9. If the hooch is too strong, you can dilute it with more water.
10. Enjoy your homemade prison hooch, but be careful not to get caught. Prison authorities take a dim view of inmates brewing their own alcohol.

Conclusion

Making prison hooch is a skill that many inmates learn while serving their sentence. It’s a way to pass the time, socialize with fellow inmates, and get a buzz without having to pay exorbitant prices to buy alcohol from the black market. Keep in mind that brewing alcohol is illegal in most prisons, and getting caught can result in serious consequences. Be smart, be safe, and enjoy your homemade hooch responsibly.

Materials Needed

When it comes to brewing your own prison hooch, the materials you use can make all the difference. You want to make sure you have everything you need before you start the brewing process. Here are some of the necessary materials you’ll need:

1. A large container or plastic bag
2. Sugar
3. Water
4. Yeast
5. A thermometer
6. A stirring utensil
7. Fruit or juice (optional)
8. A straining device
9. A clean towel or cloth
10. Plastic bottles or containers for storage

The container you use should be food-grade and large enough to hold your mixture. A plastic bag can be a good substitute if you don’t have a container on hand. You’ll also need a way to measure the temperature of your mixture, which can be done with a cooking or candy thermometer. It’s important to use a clean stirring utensil to avoid contaminating your brew.

Choosing Your Ingredients

When it comes to making prison hooch, there are a few ingredients you can choose from. Sugar is the most important ingredient, as it provides the food source for the yeast to ferment. You can also use fruit or juice to give your hooch some flavor. If using fruit, make sure it’s ripe and free from any mold or rot. If using juice, avoid any with preservatives or additives.

Mixing Your Ingredients

Once you have your materials and ingredients, it’s time to start mixing them together. Begin by heating up your water to around 110-115°F. Mix your sugar and fruit/juice (if using) into the warm water and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before adding your yeast. You don’t want the yeast to die from the high temperature of the water.

Adding the Yeast

When adding the yeast to your mixture, you want to be gentle and avoid stirring too vigorously. Sprinkle the yeast onto the top of the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and start fermenting the sugar. After a few minutes, gently stir the mixture to distribute the yeast evenly.

Fermentation

The fermentation process will take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the temperature and amount of yeast used. The mixture should start to bubble and produce a sour smell, which is a good sign that the yeast is working. You can cover the mixture with a clean towel or cloth to keep out any contaminants.

Straining the Mixture

Once the fermentation process is complete, it’s time to strain the mixture. Use a straining device to remove any fruit or solid particles from the liquid. You don’t want any chunks in your finished hooch.

Bottling Your Hooch

After straining, it’s time to bottle your hooch. Use plastic bottles or containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent air from getting in. You can also add more fruit or juice to the mixture at this point if you want more flavor.

Aging Your Hooch

Let your hooch sit for a few days before drinking. This allows the flavors to meld together and for the alcohol content to increase. You can also age your hooch for longer if you prefer a stronger taste.

Drinking Your Hooch

When it comes time to drink your hooch, be careful. It’s likely to be very strong and can have a high alcohol content. Start with just a small amount to see how it affects you, and be sure to drink responsibly.

Cleaning Up

After you’ve enjoyed your homemade prison hooch, it’s important to clean up properly. Make sure to wash all your containers and utensils thoroughly to avoid any contamination for the next brew.

Important Tips for Making Prison Hooch

Now that you know how to make prison hooch, it’s important to keep in mind some tips to ensure success and safety.

1. Choose the Right Ingredients

The ingredients you choose will affect the taste and potency of your hooch. It’s best to use fruits or vegetables that are in season as they will contain the highest levels of natural sugars. Choosing the right yeast is crucial as well – baker’s yeast or ale yeast will work best for making hooch.

2. Sanitize Everything

Sanitation is key when making prison hooch. You don’t want any unwanted bacteria, mold or other contaminants getting into your batch. Clean all of your equipment thoroughly before you begin, and sanitize anything that will come into contact with the hooch during the brewing process.

3. Use the Right Amount of Sugar

The amount of sugar you use will determine the alcohol content of your hooch. Using too much sugar can lead to an overly sweet taste, while using too little will result in a less potent drink. Use a hydrometer to measure the sugar content and adjust accordingly.

4. Be Patient

Making prison hooch takes time and patience. It can take several days or even weeks for the fermentation process to complete. Resist the temptation to open the container and check on its progress – doing so can introduce oxygen and disrupt the fermentation process.

5. Store Properly

Once your hooch is ready, it’s important to store it properly. Transfer it to a tightly sealed container and store it in a cool, dark place. If you plan on drinking it later, you can age it for a few months to improve the flavor.

Ingredients	Amount
Fruit	2 lbs
Water	1 gallon
Sugar	1.5 cups
Yeast	1 packet

Remember, making prison hooch is not without risks. Consuming homemade alcohol can be dangerous, and the process of making it can be volatile. Use caution and follow these tips to ensure success and safety when making your own hooch.

Bottoms Up!

That’s all folks! Thanks for joining me on this wild ride through the world of prison hooch. Whether you’re a curious reader or a bona fide inmate, I hope you found this article informative and entertaining. Remember, making hooch is dangerous and illegal, so definitely don’t try it at home. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with a little imagination, right? Keep coming back for more articles about the many fascinating and sometimes bizarre aspects of prison life. Until next time, cheers!