Moonshining is the illegal production of distilled spirits, typically done in secret to avoid government regulations and taxes. The term originated during the Prohibition era in the United States, when the sale of alcohol was banned. Moonshiners often used homemade stills to create whiskey, rum, or other spirits, leading to a unique culture surrounding this practice. The process involves fermenting a mixture of grains, fruits, or sugar, and then distilling the liquid to increase its alcohol content. While moonshining can be dangerous due to the risk of explosion or toxic byproducts, it has also become a part of American folklore, symbolizing rebellion and independence.