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Apple Cranberry Boilo

Apple Cranberry Boilo

Published: January 17, 2019 Last Updated: January 9, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links.  For more information, read my disclosure policy here.   

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JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

I love to keep traditions alive. It is even better when I can incorporate them into our family meals and parties. Boilo is a delicious alcoholic beverage that will warm your nights and keep a coal mining tradition alive.

Boilo in a mason jar without lid

What is Boilo?

Boilo is one of those fabulous recipes that are passed down from generations to generation. A closely guarded secret that your family treasures. It is made most often during the Christmas holidays. Here is a great article on the origins of Boilo. My take kicks up the recipe even more by adding the alcohol to the cooled punch to preserve all its potency.

The History of Boilo

The amazing punch was made by Coal Miners in Pennsylvania around the holidays. This moonshine was recently featured on a local Northeastern Pennsylvania news magazine, WNEP Home & Backyard, which you can view here. This Bolio is very similar to my Apple Pie Moon Shine. You just have the addition of whiskey, more fruit and spices.

How to Make Boilo – Step by Step

  • Step One: Cut apples, lemons, oranges.  (Photo 1 below)
  • Step Two: Add the Apple Cider into the slow cooker.  (Photo 2 below)
  • Step Three: Pour in the Cranberry Juice.  (Photo 3 below)
  • Step Four: Place the sliced fruits and the cranberries into the slow cooker.  (Photo 4 below)

Step by step photos for making boilo

  • Step Five: Add your Honey to the crock pot.  (Photo 5 below)
  • Step Six: Place your mulling spices into the pot.  (Photo 6 below)
  • Step Seven: Grind fresh nutmeg into your punch.   (Photo 7 below)
  • Step Eight: .Finish off with the cinnamon sticks on top  (Photo 8 below)

Step by step photos for making boilo

  • Step Nine: Cook mixture for 4 hours and allow to cool. Strain mixture.  (Photo 9 below)
  • Step Ten: Add the Everclear or other grain alcohol .  (Photo 10 below)
  • Step Eleven: Pour in the Four Queens Whiskey or other whiskey of your choice. Stir and it is ready to serve.  (Photo 11 below)

Step by step photos for making Boilo

What Kind of Alcohol is Used to Make Boilo?

Like all homemade traditional drinks, there are a few constants in how it is constructed. In the Northeastern Pennsylvania region it is a custom to use Four Queens whiskey. Sales spike around the holiday time for this unique brand but you can use any kind of whiskey that you have on hand.  This drink is not for the faint of heart, as it also includes grain alcohol. I use Everclear.

Four Queens Whisky and Everclear Grain Alcohol bottles

How the Coal Miners Used Boilo

The coal miners used the Boilo for everything from staving off the common cold to giving as gifts around the holidays. Mining was a tough job, so finishing off a tough day with this unique drink was always a pleasurable way to end the day. A whole cottage industry has sprung up around this drink popular to the Schuylkill County. You can find some great accessories at Mud and Maker.

Boilo in a mason jar without lid

Expert Tips for Making the Best Boilo

Boilo is unique to the maker. However, here are some variations that you can try to make this recipe different.

  • Try not using Alcohol: If you are having an all ages get together you can make this toddy without the alcohol.
  • This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd.  Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and you can present a mason jar for your guests to take with them.
  • Prepare with Different Fruits or Juices: Feel free to change up the fruits for a different taste. Blueberries would be great.

Shop This Recipe

  • Boilo Shot Glass from Mud and Maker
  • Boilo Scented Candle
  • Mulling Spices
  • Crock Pot

More Recipes You Might Like

  • Apple Pie Moonshine
  • Peach Moonshine
  • Winter Sangria

Looking for more?  Check out all of the Easy Cocktail Recipes on It Is a Keeper.

⭐  Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! ⭐ 

Boilo in a mason jar without lid

Boilo

I love to keep traditions alive. It is even better when I can incorporate them into our family meals and parties. Boilo is a delicious alcoholic beverage that will warm your nights and keep a coal mining tradition alive.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Cooling1 hr
Total Time4 hrs 10 mins
Course: Beverages and Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: boilo, coal miner cocktail, whiskey cocktail
Servings: 6 quarts
Calories: 988kcal
Author: Christina Hitchcock
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.64 from 11 votes

Ingredients

  • 4 Granny Smith apples - sliced
  • 4 oranges - sliced
  • 4 lemons - sliced
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 8 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup mulling spices
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 32 ounces cranberry juice
  • 32 ounces apple cider
  • 750 ml whiskey - traditionally Four Queens Whiskey is used
  • 750 ml grain alcohol - such as Everclear

Instructions

  • Place fruit, spices, honey, apple cider and cranberry juice into a large slow cooker.
  • You may need to use two slow cookers to get everything to fit - if so, evenly split all of the ingredients between the two slow cookers.
  • Cook on high for four hours or until fruit is broken down.
  • Strain fruit and mulling spices from the mixture.
  • Cool to room temperature.
  • Add whiskey and grain alcohol once mixture is completely cooled.
  • Transfer Boilo to mason jars with tight fitting lids and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Boilo can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Notes

Try not using Alcohol: If you are having an all ages get together you can make this toddy without the alcohol.
This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and you can present a mason jar for your guests to take with them.
Try Different Fruits or Juices: Feel free to change up the fruits for a different taste. Blueberries would be great.
*PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

Nutrition

Calories: 988kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 113.5mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1.9mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Show me on Instagram! Mention @itsakeeperblog or tag #itisakeeper! I'd love to see what you're up to in the kitchen!
Helpful Tips for All Recipes on It Is a Keeper
  • Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust! 
  • When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.  
  • I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
  • I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat.  This one is my favorite.  
  • When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
  • The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate.  Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.

 *This recipe was adapted from the recipe found on WNEP’s Home & Backyard from Mud and Maker

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Comments

  1. Linda says

    June 3, 2020 at 8:30 am

    How long is Boilo good for ?

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      June 18, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      I’ve had mine for about 6 months. It doesn’t last too long at our house.

      Reply
  2. Vicki L Becker says

    March 30, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    I’ve made this recipe and one with different fruit in it. Turned out really good except it got thick both times after it cooled. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. I did strain it before adding the alcohol. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      April 8, 2020 at 10:39 am

      I’m not sure why it would get thick for you. I’ve made it a number of times and it’s never gotten thick.

      Reply
  3. Susan says

    January 23, 2019 at 11:31 am

    If I could, I would say that I grew up on boilo, but I grew up around it! Always had an uncle or two that made it and it was a (Russian) Christmas staple. And weddings! The bridal dance always ends with a shot of boilo!

    Reply
  4. Tara says

    January 23, 2019 at 9:42 am

    I’ve never heard of it, but I love the backstory on this beverage! My husband is from the Pittsburgh area, so I’ll have to ask him about it.

    Reply
  5. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

    January 23, 2019 at 8:56 am

    This would be the perfect drink for winter parties and gatherings. It’s so easy and bet the house will smell great!

    Reply

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