Prison hooch, is an illicit alcoholic beverage that is often made by inmates using ingredients that are readily available within the prison environment. It is  important to note that the production and consumption of homemade alcohol is illegal and prohibited in UK prisons.

Prison hooch is typically made by fermenting a mixture of fruit, sugar, water, and other ingredients over a period of time. Inmates may use items such as fruit juices, fruit cocktail, bread, sugar, yeast, and water to create the concoction. The mixture is then sealed in a container and left to ferment, usually hidden away in a cell or other discreet location.

The fermentation process allows the natural sugars in the fruit or added sugar to be converted into alcohol by yeast, producing an alcoholic beverage with varying degrees of potency. The resulting product can have a strong, unpleasant taste and is often consumed by inmates seeking to obtain the effects of alcohol within the confines of the prison.

It’s important to highlight that the production and consumption of prison hooch is considered a serious offence within the prison system. Inmates caught manufacturing or possessing homemade alcohol can face disciplinary actions, loss of privileges, and additional criminal charges. Furthermore, the consumption of prison hooch can pose significant health risks, as the homemade nature of the beverage may lead to contamination or the production of harmful substances.