Growing up in North Carolina, moonshine was known at an early age as a necessary rite of passage for Southerners, even if you were silently scared to drink it. So when I heard that the hooch, or “white lightning” as it’s often called, was on the menu at the DC southern eatery, Art and Soul, I was full of glee.

Art and Soul’s “Artini” -winning mixologist, Ronald Flores, crafted the moonshine menu which includes three delectable, and might I add, strong, cocktails served in small jelly jars similar to the traditional mason jars used by moonshine-loving revelers. I started with the “Mark Up” – lime-infused white lightning, Yuzu juice, simple syrup and fresh lime juice – the perfect cocktail for that warm day on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. Next up was the “Mistress” – a delicious combination of dried fig and rosemary infused white lightning, simple syrup and fresh squeezed lemon. The fig and rosemary combination with a flambéed fig garnish (swoon) provided a warmth that made me wish for a cool fall evening. Can I say, heaven?

The final sampling was my favorite of the bunch – the “Baseline” – roasted kumquats and star anise infused white lightning, St. Germain, Hum liqueur and fresh lime juice. It was impeccable, and Ronald’s inclusion of chopped kumquats provided a tasty garnish. Add in the crab beignets and fries (hey, one needs food to get through such strong cocktails) featured on the fabulous 4-7pm Happy Hour menu, and I didn’t want to leave.

Before Ronald had to go, he made me his 2012 Artini cocktail (he won last year). Warning to those also in this year’s contest – look out – this guy knows what he is doing. Check out this video to see Ronald at work.

Heed my advice: run, don’t walk to Art & Soul to sample the moonshine menu STAT. The restaurant has kicked off a seasonal bar program and it will soon change to artisanal tequilas for spring. Summer brings a gin menu, perfect for those warm evenings, and scotch whiskey will be on the menu come winter. I secretly hope Ronald will keep the fig and rosemary moonshine on the menu for fall, but if not, he will have small-production rums in November.

For more information about Art and Soul, be sure to check out their Facebook and Twitter pages. I promise you it is an A+ restaurant/bar experience!