This is the best Apple Pie Moonshine recipe. Made with apple cider and Everclear grain alcohol, it packs a punch but still it’s smooth and bursting with apple cinnamon flavor.
Best Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
This Apple Pie Moonshine Everclear recipe is crazy good! It goes down very easy but really packs a punch. If you’re looking to make Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is for you. It’s fairly simple to make – there are only a few easy ingredients.
Make sure, though, you make it a few weeks before you plan to drink it. It needs time to sit and mellow out before you can enjoy it.
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Every fall we have a Fall Fest party. It’s a big, outdoor shin dig with lots of food, drink and games for kids (and kids at heart). For the weeks leading up to Fall Fest, we rake up all of the leaves on our 5 acre property and put them in a big pile in the middle of our field.
Between the leaf pile, tractor rides, silly string fights and other games, the kids stay entertained all afternoon. Which leaves plenty of time for the adults to socialize.
I always make the same thing (see the links at the end of this post) every year. And, every year this Apple Pie Moonshine cocktail is one of the most requested things. I make other flavors too – you can find them all in my ebook How to Make Flavored Moonshine.
It’s very easy to make and I usually make several batches at one time. The hardest part is finding the grain alcohol. I use an entire bottle of 190 proof Everclear for each batch. If you can’t find it, you can easily use a lower proof or even a strong vodka.
This stuff is VERY potent, but oh, so good!
This is truly the best Apple Pie Moonshine recipe you will ever try. Remember to let it sit and mellow, though. If you try this Apple Pie Moonshine everclear 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.
Questions I Get Asked about this Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail
- Use a very large stock pot
to make Apple Pie Moonshine cocktail recipe. Sometimes I even divide the ingredients between my two largest stock pots.
- You can use 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.
- Before sealing the jars place a new cinnamon stick
in each jar – don’t reuse the cinnamon sticks you strained out.
- When you make Apple Pie Moonshine recipe, make sure you store the jars in a cool, dark place to mellow out for a few weeks before enjoying them.
- There may be some sediment from the cinnamon stick in the jar – simple strain it through cheesecloth
.
- Make sure you enjoy this cocktail responsibly.
I have quite the collection of flavored moonshine recipes. You can get them all in my eBook, How to Make Flavored Moonshine. You’ll get 16 moonshine recipes with step-by-step instructions and photos and 34 cocktail recipes you can make with the flavored moonshines. You can find out more about my ebook here.
Looking for More Homemade Moonshine Recipes?
Looking for more? Check out all of the Homemade Moonshine Recipes on It Is a Keeper.
Items You Need to Make Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
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Best Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
This is the best Apple Pie Moonshine recipe. Made with apple cider and Everclear grain alcohol, it packs a punch but still it's smooth and bursting with apple cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 64 oz bottle apple juice
- 1 64 oz bottle apple cider
- 3 cups sugar
- 14 cinnamon sticks divided
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 750 ml bottle 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.
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Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
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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.
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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 1 month before enjoying.
-
Please enjoy responsibly.
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jeff says
my first few batches came out nice & dark & clear, like your picture. my last 2 batches came out light and cloudy & I have no idea why? perhaps I didn’t get the cider & juice hot enough? using the same ingredients as previously. any ideas? thanks!!
Christina Hitchcock says
If you’re using a high alcohol content of grain alcohol, such as Everclear 190 proof, it may be your ratio of alcohol to apple mixture. Try adding more cider or apple juice. Too much may have evaporated during the cooking process.
Debra Labes says
These recipes look wonderful and I’m gonna for sure try them. I’m wondering if you have tried making strawberry moon shine or another berry flavor. I’d love trying those as well. Thanks for sharing.
Christina Hitchcock says
I’m so glad you like them!
Kelli Miller says
As a Southern Girl, I was born and raised on Apple Pie and Moonshine, but I have never thought to combine the two. This was super yummy and I even tried it without the alcohol to see if I could make it kid-friendly. Score! Tastes great both ways! YAY!
Christina Hitchcock says
It’s great without the alcohol too! My son loves it that way. Enjoy 🙂
Taryn says
Delicious! Thank you for this recipe!
Christina Hitchcock says
So glad you liked it!
Natalie says
My sister made this for my husband as a homemade Christmas gift and he loved it! He’s already asked me to make him some more as soon as this batch is done!
Christina Hitchcock says
It definitely makes a great gift! 🙂
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
This sounds so delicious!!! So packed with fall flavours and perfect as we are heading into Fall here in Australia. Not that you would know it at the moment as it is still scorchingly hot. But once it gets cold I am definitely giving this a go. The perfect cold weather drink!
Christina Hitchcock says
We love it all year round! Enjoy!
Nancy Buchanan says
As a cocktail geek, have to admit I’ve never tried making moonshine! Will definitely have to try this soon – based on the ingredients, I can tell it will be fabulous!!
Christina Hitchcock says
I hope you enjoy it! It’s one of our faves!
Ashley Nicole says
This looks like a hit cocktail for my family. We love apple cider and warm drinks so this is a must try.. Love the taste and the healthy benefits and I bet this would sound more flavorful with cinnamon.
Christina Hitchcock says
There is quite a bit of cinnamon in the recipe. But, if you prefer more, you can always add it. Enjoy!
Kyle says
Do you ever use brown sugar for this? Or just normal granulated white sugar?
Christina Hitchcock says
Just granulated, white sugar.
chris says
For those folks that cant find moonshine localy you can buy it from Amazon.
You can get 180, 190 or 200 proof no problem. I bought some 200 proof just because I could.
X-F-B 200 proof ….Very clean very good!
Christina Hitchcock says
Good to know! Thanks for sharing!
chris says
Hello….
I followed this recipe and at first it tasted great but after a 2/3 weeks it started getting bitter taste.
I took the cinnamon sticks from the simmer pot and put them in the jars. Wondering if this was a mistake and should have put in new cinnamon sticks?
I saved them all and made them tasty again by adding a bit of vanilla extract, some more sugar and a little more cider to each jar.
Christina Hitchcock says
Hmmm…I’ve never had it turn bitter. Definitely let me know how it turns out by switching the cinnamon sticks.
Lora says
I made the apple pie moon shine about 3 weeks ago, I kept them in a cool dark room and tasted them today and they taste and smell like apple cider. What did I do wrong. Any help would be appreciated.
Christina Hitchcock says
It should taste like apple cider but with the strong kick from the grain alcohol.
Stanton says
Do I need to sterilize the jars first since they are sitting for a month or does the alcohol content prevent any issues?
Christina Hitchcock says
I always sterilize my jars. 🙂
Richard Barcus says
How long do you actually boil the ingredients and how long does it simmer for or do you just coverand turn the heat off as soon as it starts to boil then after3-4 hours pour in the good stuff
Thanks
Christina Hitchcock says
I bring the mixture to a boil then, #2 in the instructions indicates that it should simmer for 1 hour.
Vicki Finn says
This recipe sounds so good. I don’t drink alcohol but if I did I would make this drink! My grandma always liked one called a “hot toddy” and this Apple cider moonshine reminds me of that.
Denay DeGuzman says
Oh my goodness this recipe looks like so much fun! From the fabulous ingredients I can tell that it’s a real winner. It’s absolutely perfect for a family gathering I’m hosting next weekend.
Ally says
This was the fall cocktail I didn’t know I needed!!! So delicious!
Christina Hitchcock says
It is absolutely amazing!
Cerys says
Perfect Fall Drink – Easy to make and tastes amazing.
Christina Hitchcock says
It’s fantastic! I just love it!
Jill Robbins says
This sounds like a fun recipe for the holidays! It doesn’t get very cold where I live but this would definitely warm me up from the inside!
Christina Hitchcock says
It would definitely keep you warm and toasty!
Cindy says
I have finished my batch 3 days ago I did run it through cheesecloth it however has amount of sediment Is that normal I am giving it away as a party favor and wanted it to be perfect
Jill Robbins says
This looks like something that could warm you up from the inside to the outside!
Christina Hitchcock says
It definitely should! We love it!
Kathy S. says
Can you put this in pint jars instead of quarts? If so would you brake the cinnamon stick in half then? Thanks
Christina Hitchcock says
Of course! If you do use pint jars, I would break the cinnamon sticks in half.
Kathy S. says
Hi I’m confused. The recipe calls for 8 cinnamon sticks. Do I put all 8 in when boiling mixer and than I will need 6 more one for each jar? Or do I put only two of the sticks in when making it and than put remaining 6 one to a jar??? HELP. Thanks
Christina Hitchcock says
There are 2 listings for cinnamon sticks in the ingredient list – 8 for the mixture and 6 for the jars.
SH says
It’s delicious…definitely worth the effort. Apple cider is generally found in produce section of grocery stores but may not be available until fall/winter months. This is a drink you can buy in the taverns in Wisconsin…it will creep up on you though, so be careful!
Christina Hitchcock says
It will definitely sneak up on you 😉
Kaylyn says
This is an added step, but when I make apple pie moonshine I like to make the cider home made. This is the recipe I use!
https://createwithkay.com/drink/homemade-spiced-apple-cider
It’s so delicious. And makes it feel even more home made 🙊
Christina Hitchcock says
Thanks so much for sharing! It sounds delicious!
Cindy says
I was wondering what is the best apple juice to buy
Christina Hitchcock says
I don’t have a preference. Since so much is added to this recipe, I used whichever is economical.
Autumn says
3 questions. What size pot is best? Do you HAVE to strain it before canning ? How many mason jars should I buy and what size?
Christina Hitchcock says
1. I use my biggest stock pot when making this recipe. It’s about 5 quarts. You could also divide the recipe evenly between 2 pots.
2. Straining depends on how much sediment you have. I’ve made it where there is a lot (and I strained it through cheesecloth) and I’ve also made it where it wasn’t so bad so I didn’t strain.
3. You can use whatever size mason jars you want. It makes about 145 fl ounces of liquid so you’ll need to figure the number of mason jars based on that. There’s about 32 oz to a quart.
Lori says
We made this today. How long is awhile that it will last for? 6 months or more? You don’t need to seal it at all?
Christina Hitchcock says
It will last for a long time. I’ve had some in the cabinet for over 12 months. No you don’t need to seal it. The alcohol content is very strong.
Lori says
So you don’t need to seal the lids? How long is awhile it last? We just made it so will it be good for 6 months or longer?
Robert says
I used 1 half gallon of apple sider, 1 half gallon of apple juice,1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of reg white sugar, 6 cinnamon sticks, 1 clove and brought that to a boil then simmered for half hour. I let completely cool for 2-3 hours then poured 1 bottle of evercler in and 2 cups of whipped vodka. Mixed all up put a cinnamon stick in each pint mason jar and now it’s all sitting in a closet nice cool and dark.
Christina Hitchcock says
Definitely let me know how it turns out 🙂
Lance says
I’ve done this a couple of times. I’d recommend drinking it within a few months, other wise the apple starts to break down and clouds the mix. What I’ve noticed is the apple slice will absorb the alcohol so who ever gets the last shot get a real kick by eating the apple!
I’ve also added a couple of shots of rye whiskey in each jar, really gives it an enjoyable twist!
Christina Hitchcock says
Great suggestions!
Michelle says
If I can’t find Everclear I can just use vodka…….will it be the same taste? Apple cider is found where…..grocery store or liquor store…..i’m in Canada? Thankyou.
Christina Hitchcock says
Use the strongest vodka you can find (highest proof). The taste should be similar. I get my apple cider at a local cider mill or at the grocery store. Enjoy!
Oj says
Can I slice up apples and put them in the jar and have them sit or will the apples go bad?
Christina Hitchcock says
i’m not sure. I’ve never tried doing that. They might ferment.
Lance says
I’ve done this a couple of times. I’d recommend drinking it within a few months, other wise the apple starts to break down and clouds the mix. What I’ve noticed is the apple slice will absorb the alcohol so who ever gets the last shot get a real kick by eating the apple!
Nicole says
Did you mean 1 bottle cause a you put 1ml and it doesnt make sense because a normal bottle is 750ml
Christina Hitchcock says
It’s a 750ml bottle. When my recipe transferred over, things got mixed up but it’s fixed now. Thanks! 🙂
James says
Is it 64 ounces of apple cider and apple juice?
Christina Hitchcock says
Yes, 64 oz of each 🙂
Becky Mathis says
I made this last night, however I tasted a small spoon full and it was so strong! Is that normal?
Christina Hitchcock says
Yes. It’s like rocket fuel when you first make it. It has to sit for about 4 weeks to mellow out. It gets better the longer it sits. But, keep in mind it will still be pretty strong because the grain alcohol is 190 proof.
Adam says
Is the apple cider apple cider vinigar ?
Christina Hitchcock says
Apple cider – definitely NOT vinegar.
billy says
does it need to be refrigerated while sitting for a month? wasn’t sure because of the cider…
Christina Hitchcock says
It does not 🙂
Megan says
Do I have to let it sit for a FULL month before enjoying?
Christina Hitchcock says
While I understand it may be hard to wait, you really should. The grain alcohol really needs the time to mellow. If you try it before it’s ready, it will be like rocket fuel 🙂 this stuff gets better the longer it sits. Enjoy 🙂
Marion says
What does ‘strain the cinnamon sticks out’ mean?
Christina Hitchcock says
Remove the cinnamon sticks from the mixture.
Beverly says
How do you strain it. Trying coffee filter but not working.
Christina Hitchcock says
I use cheesecloth.
Ali says
I am currently making this as I type… is it supposed to be cloudy with little specks of cinnamon in it? I dont know if i cooked it on too high of a temperature or what… hoping it still turns out okay.
Christina Hitchcock says
Since apple cider is more “cloudy” than apple juice, the moonshine will have a bit of cloudy appearance. And, I usually do have little specks of cinnamon in mine. If these bother you, you can filter the moonshine through some cheese cloth. Enjoy! 🙂
Deena says
Has anyone tried this? I want to make it but I’m scared it won’t turn out.
Christina says
I make it all of the time and it turns out perfectly.
SH says
It’s delicious…definitely worth the effort. Apple cider is generally found in produce section of grocery stores but may not be available until fall/winter months. This is a drink you can buy in the taverns in Wisconsin…it will creep up on you though, so be careful!
Regina says
How long is the applepie moonshine good for sitting on the shelf?just curious cuz its not sealed. please reply thank you
Christina says
Mine has been on the shelf for several months — but it rarely lasts that long 🙂
Matt says
Being new to canning, I a probably overcautious about bacteria growth. I placed this shine in “unsealed” mason jars with lids and placed them in my cool basement. They have been there for ~ 3 months. When I grabbed one off the shelf there was some murkeyness (possible sediment) on the bottom around the cinnamon. Is this normal and safe or should I get rid of it? Thanks.
Christina Hitchcock says
It’s most likely sediment. I get it from the cinnamon sticks. A good shake should get everything mixed back up. Mine has been in my cabinet for quite some time and it’s still good to drink.
Lisa Robertson says
I’m pretty sure the amount of alcohol in the Everclear would kill anything in it that might go bad ! Just shake it up. We’ve had Moonshine sit for years, hasn’t killed us yet.
Christina Hitchcock says
You are correct! The alcohol content is very strong. We’ve had some in our cabinet for over a year too.
Kim says
Everclear is illegal in my state, If I use Vodka is the shelf life/storage the same
Christina Hitchcock says
Yes, you can use vodka. It should still have a good shelf life.
Calleigh says
Thank you so much for posting this, I love, love apple pie moonshine. Ok now I sound like a drunk, which I am not lol. I tasted it once and fell in love with it.
Lola says
im going to try this recipe one day soon .My landlady went to tennessee smokey mountains for xmas and brought me back a quart of smky mtn apple pie moonshine it tasted just like i was eating a piece of apple pie i done drank my quart so im gonna make me some more goes down good on a cold winters noght right before bedtime sweet dreams!
Janice McCarthy says
Sounds great can not wait to try it. I
will have to come. back. I have no way of coping it.
louise says
Thank you for posting this recipe. I thought it was more complicated than that. Ever since hubby tasted some at a Christmas party last year, he’s been wanting some. Now I can make it. I think your recipe must be close to what he/we drank because, to me it burned going down, but he drank 3 drinks! It did taste good.