When it comes to drinking , Arkansas has always had an angel and a daemon weighing on its shoulders . On one manus , the state is known for their old - fashioned soda spring — an emblem of whiteness . On the other manus , Arkansas has a foresightful history of outlaw moonshine consumption and yield in the Ozarks . Rather than reach in to the will of one side , Arkansas resident physician are embracing both with moonlight - spike soda fountain dessert .
Leading the charge in adult milkshakes and floats in Arkansas isPurple Cow , a local chain of dining car known for its retro 1950s style . lustrous purple swivel stools palisade the soda water fountain legal profession , where servers immix up kid - pleasing favorites like Cherry Coke floats and malt chocolate shingle . But grown - ups are more interested in creme de menthe - spiked Grasshopper shakes and Baileys - lace coffee milk shake from Purple Cow ’s adult soda ash fountain menu .
The most iconically Arkansas offering is the Apple Pie Lightning , a float made with vanilla extract deoxyephedrine pick , chunks of fresh - baked orchard apple tree pie and Apple Pie Arkansas Lightning — apple pie - flavored moonshine . The corn liquor is made by small Rock’sRocktown Distillery , which proudly calls itself “ Arkansas ’ first legal distillery , ” a necessary distinction in a res publica illustrious for bootleg strong drink .
Arkansas ’ original moonshiners took their trade very seriously , choke distillment secrets down to their children long after Prohibition ended . Some folk were such sticklers that they ’d call you out for not touch to the hooch by its right sobriquet . “ Moonshine ” was made at night , while “ lightning ” was made during the day , and “ bloodless mule ” was made so cryptical in the hills , you needed a mule to get it out .
Even though it is now legal to produce corn liquor with a permit in the land , the mellow - proof , typically corn - base spirit is still control as uncomely by many . Purple Cow and Rock Town Distillery hope to switch the liquor ’s unsavory , backroad reputation by showcasing the sprightliness ’s seraphic side with flavors like peach , blackberry cobbler , grape , cinnamon and , of grade , apple pie — all of which are milkshake or ice pick float appropriate .
By the way , if you now have a hankering for apple pie , examine ourapple pie moonshine , instill to perfection .
