Making Your Own Antiseptic with a Copper Moonshine Still
By: Jessica Bunker
Most people hear the word “moonshine still” and immediately think of whiskey, Appalachian bootleggers, or a cold jar of homemade spirits passed around a campfire. But did you know that a still can also be one of the most practical survival tools you can own? With the right setup, you can use it to make clean water, create essential oils, distill fuel — and even make your own antiseptic alcohol in an emergency.
Why Copper Stills Are Perfect for Survival and Self-Reliance
A quality copper still isn’t just a piece of equipment — it’s a lifeline. The stills built by The Distillery Network, Inc. are handcrafted from the purest American copper available. Copper naturally kills bacteria, conducts heat evenly, and reacts with sulfur compounds to produce cleaner, purer distillate. In other words, it helps create safe, usable alcohol — whether for sipping, cleaning, or survival.
In a crisis, that same copper still can turn contaminated water into drinkable water, produce ethanol fuel, and generate antiseptic alcohol strong enough to disinfect wounds. From hurricane zones to homesteads, having one of these units on hand is like having your own personal pharmacy, water plant, and gas pump — all in one.
What Exactly Is an Antiseptic?
According to Healthline and Encyclopedia.com, an antiseptic is a substance that prevents the growth of microorganisms — meaning it helps stop infection before it starts. Common antiseptics include iodine, hydrogen peroxide, and, of course, alcohol. Alcohol has been used for centuries as one of the most effective disinfectants on Earth — it’s simple, safe, and incredibly versatile.
How to Make Antiseptic Alcohol in a Still
If you’ve ever used rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, you’ve already experienced the disinfecting power of ethanol. The difference is that store-bought antiseptic is just purified, diluted alcohol — something you can easily replicate with your own still.
Here’s the basic concept: When you distill a fermented sugar source (like corn mash, fruit, or even leftover bread), you’re separating alcohol from water and impurities. Once collected, that distilled alcohol — properly diluted to around 70% — becomes a powerful antiseptic you can use on wounds, tools, and surfaces.
The key is balance. A higher proof doesn’t always mean more effectiveness. A 70% alcohol solution penetrates bacteria better than pure alcohol, which evaporates too quickly. So “less is more” when it comes to making medical-grade antiseptic at home.
More Everyday Uses for Homemade Alcohol
Your copper still can help in ways you might never expect:
- Toothache relief: Swish or dab a small amount of whiskey or brandy on sore gums (yes, it’s an old-fashioned trick that still works).
- Surface cleaner: Use your alcohol as a disinfectant for countertops, tools, and medical gear.
- Homemade perfume or essential oils: Distill botanicals like lavender, peppermint, or rose for oils and fragrances.
- Cooking and flavoring: Create extracts, marinades, and flavor bases for your favorite recipes.
- Fuel source: Convert your alcohol into ethanol fuel to power small engines or generators in an emergency.
Why Every Home Should Have a Copper Still
Preparedness isn’t about fear — it’s about self-reliance. Owning a copper moonshine still means you’ll always have access to clean water, safe antiseptic, and even fuel when resources run low. It’s a tool for modern survivalists, homesteaders, DIY hobbyists, and anyone who values independence.
With one piece of equipment, you can:
That’s not just smart — it’s sustainable living at its finest.
In Closing
If you ever find yourself in a pinch — no clean water, no store-bought sanitizer, no doctor — your still could be your best friend. From survival situations to backyard projects, a copper still from The Distillery Network, Inc. is an investment that pays for itself in security, versatility, and peace of mind. So whether you’re preparing for the apocalypse or just unwinding with a glass of brandy, you’ll always be ready for whatever comes next.