Monkey Rum

In Appalachian and Southern speech, monkey rum refers to raw, unaged liquor made from sorghum or cane syrup, typically brewed in small farm or backwoods stills.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #FoodandDrink #Southern #Moonshine

synonyms: sorghum liquor, cane liquor, raw whiskey, backwoods liquor

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've only read 'monkey rum,' but we never talked much about drinks like that growin' up.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've only read 'monkey rum,' but we never talked much about drinks like that growin' up.

Pronunciation

[MUNG-kee rum]
/ˈmʌŋ.ki rʌm/

Meaning & Usage

- Raw liquor made from sorghum or cane syrup (noun)

Elmer:

You sure this batch ain’t gonna bite back?

Mae:

If it does, blame that monkey rum somebody slipped in the jug.

variations: monkey-rum

★ If someone whispers "that’s monkey rum," they mean it’s harsh, young, and strong enough to make even seasoned drinkers step back. ★

Origin and Etymology

Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE) as a South Midland term meaning liquor made from sorghum or cane syrup. Although DARE centers it in the South Midland region, the practice and the term appear throughout rural Appalachian and Southern communities with strong sorghum-molasses traditions.

Usage Notes

Monkey rum is a syrup-based variant of moonshine, associated with places where sorghum and cane syrup were readily available. It was considered rougher and less refined than corn-based moonshine, with a sharper flavor and a reputation for potency.

Primary base: sorghum syrup, cane syrup, or molasses.
Typical origin: small farm stills and rural mountain or backwoods operations.
Contrast: harsher than traditional corn mash moonshine.
Register: informal, historical, rarely heard outside Appalachian and Southern contexts.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is it the same as moonshine?

It is a type of moonshine, but specifically made from sorghum or cane syrup instead of corn.

Is it still made today?

Rarely. It is mostly remembered by older generations in Appalachian and Southern rural areas.

Where was the term most common?

Historically in South Midland zones, but known across Appalachian and Southern communities that produced sorghum.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 2). Monkey Rum. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/monkey-rum
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Monkey Rum." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/monkey-rum.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Monkey Rum." HillbillySlang.com. December 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/monkey-rum.