Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

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This Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is crazy good – it’s one of my most popular recipes and everyone always asks me for the recipe!  It goes down very easy and smooth but really packs a punch.  It’s a very easy recipe to make and doesn’t have any complicated steps. 

Apple pie moonshine in a mason jar wrapped in  a paper bag.

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The Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is an incredibly delicious cocktail. Every time I make it, it’s always the hit of the party and my friends and family go crazy for it because it tastes just like apple pie.

Plus, you  won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just make sure that you give yourself enough time. This is a great homemade version of Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine but with more flavor.

This recipe is completely legal to make. It’s not real moonshine, per se. Essentially, it’s flavored 190 proof grain alcohol that tastes like grandma’s apple pie. It’s incredibly delicious and everyone will rave about it.

If you want even more fun drinks, check out my other moonshine recipes, including my favorite Peach Moonshine recipe, Pumpkin Pie Moonshine and Pineapple Moonshine. If you want to learn about all the different homemade moonshine inspired recipes, check here.

What I Love About This Recipe

This is truly the best homemade Apple Pie Moonshine recipe you will ever try. It is full of apple pie flavor.  Remember to let it sit and mellow, though as high-proof grain alcohol (190 proof) is used.   

If you try this moonshine too soon, it’s like drinking rocket fuel.  Or, at least I’m assuming that’s what rocket fuel would taste like.  I’ve never really tried it.

  • Quick Prep: It takes only a few minutes to prepare and about an hour to cook.
  • Rest: Will take 8 weeks to mellow and blend.
  • Adaptable: Can make it so many different versions.
  • Makes Great Gifts: This recipe makes a big batch so it makes a wonderful Christmas or party gift.
Apple pie moonshine in a sealed jar.
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Ingredient Notes

It’s easy to make moonshine. There are only a few simple ingredients and some basic steps.

  • Apple Juice – Any variety that you have on hand or enjoy drinking.
  • Apple Cider– A fall staple but now you can find year round in most gourmet sections of supermarkets.
  • Cinnamon Sticks- Provides a warmth to this apple pie moonshine drink.
  • 750 ml 190 proof Everclear grain alcohol or the highest proof vodka you can find: Any grain alcohol will work but Everclear is best. There are two versions, 151 and 190 proof. 190 proof is preferred but use the highest proof you can find at your local liquor store.
Bottles of Everclear grain alcohol showing the proof.

Equipment Needed for Moonshine Apple Pie Recipe

How to Make this Apple Pie Moonshine Drink

These are the basic steps for making Apple Pie Moonshine. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

STEP 1: Cook

First, in a large pot, bring the apple cider and apple juice, sugar, nutmeg, ground cinnamon (the traditional apple pie spice mixture) and 8 cinnamon sticks to a boil, stir and then cover and simmer for 1 hour.

STEP 2: Alcohol

Next, allow the mixture to cool then stir in the grain alcohol. Do not add the alcohol until the mixture cools. If the liquid is too warm, the alcohol will dissipate.

**CAUTION: Do not add alcohol near a flame or heat source. It is highly flammable. Make sure mixture is completely cooled before adding alcohol.

STEP 3: Strain and bottle

Strain the cinnamon sticks out and pour into jars. Divide remaining 6 cinnamon sticks among mason jars. Finally, place lids on jars and allow to sit to blend and mellow in a dry place for 8 weeks before enjoying.

Prep and Storage Tips for this Apple Cider Moonshine Cocktail

Here are a few tips and helpful suggestions see all the information in the Flavored Moonshine Ultimate Guide.

DO YOU HAVE TO WAIT THE 8 WEEKS?

The reason that the recipe recommends the eight weeks is to allow it to mellow, 191 proof Everclear is very strong.

The longer it sits, the better it gets. If you are using a strong vodka or Everclear 151 then you do not have to wait the 8 weeks to enjoy.

HOW TO STORE THIS BEVERAGE RECIPE

Refrigeration is not necessary. Just a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Even after opening, refrigeration is not necessary due to the high alcohol content.

However, you can use the refrigerator if you want to serve it cold.

HOW TO MAKE MY OWN MOONSHINE

If your goal is to make your own moonshine from a still and not this easy apple pie drink recipe, then here is a great website that will give you access to stills and all the equipment that you will need to purchase.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH YOUR APPLE PIE MOONSHINE

Now you have this amazing homemade moonshine, what do you do with it? This apple pie moonshine drink can be enjoyed hot or cold. Mix it with soda or juices, liquor such as vanilla vodka, whiskey or rum or make some fabulous cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flavored Moonshine

SUGAR SUBSTITUTE?

You can make Apple Pie Moonshine with the white sugar listed below in the recipe card, brown sugar or a combination of the two. Certainly you can use less sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer.

CAN I ADD ADDITIONAL ITEMS?

Of course, you can add apple slices to the recipe, some even add whipped cream vodka, fireball or other vanilla bean.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Indeed, this recipe can be adjusted as you need it for your get together. Make the number of batches that you need.

WHY IS MY MOONSHINE CLOUDY?

This can happen from the spices, or sometimes sediment in your sider. You can strain it through cheesecloth or shake it before serving to guests.

IS CANNING NECESSARY?

No, there is no need to can this recipe. Just make sure that your jars and lids are completely clean. Make sure that the lids are applied tightly.

Close up on a jar of apple pie moonshine.

Expert Tips for Making This Recipe

  • Add Less Cinnamon: Not a fan of cinnamon, there is no need to add the cinnamon sticks to the moonshine recipe.
  • Apple Cider: Feel free to make your own if you have a good recipe.
  • Alcohol Content: It is difficult to calculate as it depends on the brands that you utilize. However, for general purposes it is about 30 proof with an ABV of around 15 percent (estimated).
  • Jars: You can use any size canning jars or other jar with a tight fitting lid. 
  • No Canning Needed: You aren’t going to do the entire canning process.  Just fill the jars and make sure they are tightly sealed. Because the alcohol content is so high, there is no need to go through the canning process
  • Time: The eight weeks is a guide, as the alcohol content is very high. If you like strong spirits with a kick or use a less strong proof then you can drink before the 8 weeks. Please drink responsibly.

What to Serve with Moonshine

Apple pie moonshine in a mason jar wrapped in a paper bag.
4.87 from 695 votes

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Yield: 6 quarts
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
This Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is crazy good!  It goes down very easy but really packs a punch.  It’s a very easy recipe that doesn’t require a moonshine still or any complicated steps.  This is really a flavored moonshine recipe
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 64 oz apple juice
  • 64 oz apple cider
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 14 cinnamon sticks, divided
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 750 ml 190 proof Everclear grain alcohol, or the highest proof vodka you can find

Instructions

  • Bring the apple juice, cider, sugar, nutmeg, ground cinnamon and 8 cinnamon sticks to a boil.
  • Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  • Add alcohol to mixture. **CAUTION: Do not add alcohol near a flame or heat source. It is highly flammable. Make sure mixture is completely cooled before adding alcohol.
  • Strain the cinnamon sticks out and pour into jars.
  • Divide remaining 6 cinnamon sticks among jars.
  • Place lids on jars and allow to sit in a cool, dry place for 8 weeks before enjoying.
  • Please enjoy responsibly.

Expert Tips

  • Add Less Cinnamon: Not a fan of cinnamon, there is no need to add the cinnamon sticks to the moonshine recipe.
  • Apple Cider: Feel free to make your own if you have a good recipe.
  • Alcohol Content: It is difficult to calculate as it depends on the brands that you utilize. However, for general purposes it is about 30 proof with an ABV of around 15 percent. (This is just an estimate only, please do not come at me in the comments)
  • Jars: Any size canning jars that you have to store this Apple Pie Moonshine Everclear.  You aren’t going to do the entire canning process.  Just fill the jars and make sure they are tightly sealed.
  • Time: The eight weeks is a guide, as the alcohol content is very high. If you like strong spirits or use a less strong proof then you can drink before the 8 weeks. Please drink responsibly.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 100g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 0.7mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Beverages and Cocktails
Cuisine: American

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