Moonshine BBQ Rub – White Lightning for Meat, Poultry and Fish

Moonshine BBQ Rub

There’s something wild and wonderful about the moonshine lore tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina and Arkansas. Inspired by that bold spirit, here’s my Moonshine BBQ Rub—a smoky, sweet, and seriously spicy mix that’ll leave you with a grin and maybe a bead of sweat.

Whether you’re grilling chicken, smoking pork, roasting vegetables, or giving shrimp a fiery kick, this rub is your go-to for that perfect balance of heat, smoke, and sweet.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup paprika
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp Turkish cumin (or regular ground cumin)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp fine-ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (double it for full “white lightning” effect)
• 1 tsp hot curry powder (optional—skip the extra cayenne if you use this, unless you want full-fire mode)

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients
   Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until evenly blended.
2. Adjust the heat
   Taste a pinch—add more cayenne or curry powder for more heat, or cut the cayenne in half for a milder blend.
3. Store it right
   Pour into an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

How to Use Your Moonshine BBQ Rub

• For Meat & Poultry: Rub generously on chicken, pork, or beef before grilling, smoking, or roasting.
• For Fish: Brush fish with a light coat of olive oil, then sprinkle with the rub before cooking.
• For Veggies: Toss chopped veggies with olive oil and a light sprinkle of rub, then roast until caramelized.
• For Snacks: Shake over popcorn, fries, or nuts for a bold twist.

Heat Levels

Why “Moonshine”?

Named with a wink to the old distilleries hidden in the hills, this rub channels the bold, untamed spirit of moonshine. Just like a shot of backwoods firewater, it’s got heat, sweetness, and a little mischief in every bite. Learn about the KING of moonshine here.

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Yield: 8

Moonshine BBQ Rub

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Moonshine BBQ Rub – White Lightning for Meat, Poultry and Fish: A bold, smoky-sweet, and spicy rub inspired by Appalachian moonshine traditions. Perfect for grilling, smoking, and roasting.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup paprika
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp Turkish cumin (or regular ground cumin)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp fine-ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (double it for full “white lightning” effect)
• 1 tsp hot curry powder (optional—skip the extra cayenne if you use this, unless you want full-fire mode)

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients
   Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until evenly blended.
2. Adjust the heat
   Taste a pinch—add more cayenne or curry powder for more heat, or cut the cayenne in half for a milder blend.
3. Store it right
   Pour into an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. (in a old timey Mason jar!)
   

Notes

Double the recipe for ribs!