I'm a lot like Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty when it comes to sweet tea- minus the tupperware cup. I could see how trouble would be a distinct possibility.
One of my labmates in grad school distilled his own vodka all the time. It is illegal, unless you are licensed (apparently there are micro-distilleries popping up). However, you would really be fine if you wanted to distill some. I've thought about doing some at home, but I am the most non-German German-thinking person I have ever encountered (i.e., I have a real need to follow the rules).
I use to brew beer in my basement when I was younger just to see what I could create and how well I progressed. It was fun, then responsibilities take over free time and you discover so many delicious craft beers for cheap at most package stores. It ends up becoming more a hassle than anything. As for liquor, I would be afraid I would poison myself or someone else. I have never had moonshine, all I wish for is to find a place in Michigan that carries Pappy Van Winkle whiskey.
You can get a 12 year from around 40-50 bucks on eBay. It's hard to find at liqour stores so I'm not sure the going retail rate. I halved a bottle in Florida with a friend over some holiday festivities. Best I have had, so smooth and tasty.
Blueberries and strawberries floating around in a mason jar for a week or two in the fridge aren't bad either
Theres a fella up the road here just got busted last year for making wine. IIRC it stated that you could make 1 gallon a year per legal drinkin age person in your household. He had brewed up about 1000. And was gettin 20 dollars a jug for it.
My stepdaddy still has a jug he bought when he was stationed at Ft. Campbell during Vietnam. You could strip the paint off cars with it.
Say you are researching potential gasoline alternatives. Use the episode of the Dukes of Hazard where Uncle Jesse's shine won a contest as motivation.