Apple pie moonshine is one of my favorite homemade drinks—it’s sweet, spiced, and has just the right amount of kick. The combination of cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar makes it taste just like a slice of warm apple pie, but with a boozy twist.
I love making this recipe because it’s perfect for sipping, mixing into cocktails, or even bottling up as gifts for friends and family. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in large batches, and the flavors only get better the longer it sits.
The best part? There’s no distilling required—just a few simple ingredients and a little patience. The result is a smooth, flavorful moonshine that’s always a hit at gatherings.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make my apple pie moonshine, along with tips on ingredients, storage, and serving ideas. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand year-round!
If you love this recipe, you’ll definitely want to try my Peach Moonshine Recipe or this easy Apple Boilo (it’s a vintage coal miner recipe).
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Why this Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe is a Keeper
My Apple Pie Moonshine is a keeper because it’s packed with warm, cozy flavors and has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I love how incredibly easy it is to make in big batches, making it great for gifts or gatherings. Plus, it gets even better with time—so the longer it sits, the richer the flavor!
- Quick Prep: It takes only a few minutes to prepare and about an hour to simmer.
- Rest: This recipe will take 8 weeks to mellow and blend (if you use 190 proof grain alcohol). 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. I’ve found that the longer it sits, the better it gets.
- Adaptable: You can make so many different versions and you can even add different spices to create your own custom flavor.
- Makes Great Gifts: Since this recipe makes a pretty decent amount of moonshine, I prefer to give away some, it makes a wonderful Christmas, hostess gift or party gift.
Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After having this at a halloween party one year I’ve always wanted to try making it myself. This recipe is delicious! ~Dana
How long will the Apple Pie Moonshine last?
Due to the high alcohol content (usually above 40% ABV), unopened moonshine can technically last for an indefinite period on the shelf if stored properly. The alcohol acts as a preservative, preventing bacteria growth that would spoil the drink.
Ingredient Notes for this Everclear Drink Recipe
After much testing, I’ve found that there are a few ingredients you need to know about.
- Apple Cider – A fall staple but now you can find year-round in most gourmet sections of supermarkets. But I got fresh apple cider from my local mill.
- Cinnamon Sticks – I like to use the sticks rather than ground cinnamon. They provide a warmth to this apple pie moonshine drink. I place a cinnamon stick in the jars of moonshine so the cinnamon flavor continues to develop as the moonshine rests.
- Grain Alcohol: This moonshine is made with 750 ml 190 proof Everclear grain alcohol or the highest proof vodka you can find. Any grain alcohol will work but I use Everclear. There are two versions, 151 and 190 proof. 190 proof is preferred. If you use the 151 proof, it will only need to rest for a day or so before enjoying.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Flavored Moonshine
Making this moonshine can be adjusted with different substitutions and variations to make your favorite seasonal drink.
- 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.
- Additions: Add a slice of apple to the recipe, some even add whipped cream vodka, fireball or vanilla bean.
- Red Hots: Drop in some red hot candys to give the moonshine a deliciously sweet kick.
- Concentrate: Add apple juice concentrate to make this recipe for apple moonshine.
- Spices: I made the recipe exactly as written last year, but you can try this apple pie moonshine with a touch more complexity with pumpkin pie spice.
Special Equipment Needed for Homemade Moonshine
- Large Stock Pot: Or any saucepan that is large enough to handle a large amount of liquid.
- Funnel: It helps when transferring to jars once the mixture has cooled.
- Canning/Mason Jars: I like to make in quart jars. They are the perfect size for gift giving.
Reader Interaction Pro Tip
Apple pie moonshine isn’t just for drinking! Some bakers use it to add a unique kick to cakes, cookies, or even glazes. A splash of moonshine can enhance the apple flavor and add a subtle warmth to your fall desserts.
How to Make Apple Pie Moonshine
Drinking apple pie moonshine is like eating a slice of apple pie only better. It truly tastes like apple pie but packs a big punch. It is a strong drink but you can add many things to make it less so.
These are the basic steps for making apple pie moonshine drink. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Add Ingredients to a Pot and Bring to a Boil
Bring the ingredients to a boil, stir and then cover and simmer for 1 hour.
2. Stir in the Alcohol
Next, allow the mixture to cool completely then stir in the grain alcohol. 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.
3. Let it Sit
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 at room temperature for 8 weeks before enjoying.
Recipe FAQs for Real Moonshine
Here are a few tips and helpful suggestions see all the information in the Flavored Moonshine Ultimate Guide. After opening, it should last 3 – 4 months in the back of your refrigerator.
The reason that the recipe recommends the eight weeks is to allow it to mellow, 190 proof grain alcohol is very strong.
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.
Due to the high alcohol content (usually above 40% ABV), unopened moonshine can technically last for an indefinite period on the shelf if stored properly. The alcohol acts as a preservative, preventing bacteria growth that would spoil the drink.
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.
Yes, if you want to store for longer, you can freeze the apple moonshine drinks. Just remember to leave headspace at the top as the liquid expands in the freezer.
If you want to serve this warm, you can. Just remember that it might burn off some of the alcohol.
Truly, it is good enough to sip on it’s own. However, 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 fall cocktail recipes.
Expert Tips for Making Moonshine
My homemade apple pie moonshine is incredible. Whether you like apple pie or not. You can add more alcohol if you wish such as fireball or spiced rum to the delicious apple pie moonshine recipe, depending on how strong you want your cocktail.
- 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
- Store the Moonshine: 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.
More Recipes You Might Like
Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Video
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 64 ounces Apple juice
- 64 ounces Apple cider
- 3 cups Sugar
- 14 Cinnamon sticks, divided
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 750 milliliter 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.
Christina’s Notes
- 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.
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.- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Hello, can you add sliced apples to the jars? I’ve seen whole pieces of fruit in some moonshine jars before and was just curious if adding apple slices would be ok, or if it would ruin it. Thanks.
I’ve never tried this. Let me know how it turns out.
Could you just use apple cider and no apple juice?
Yes!
Hi – I am going to make this but put it into pints not quarts. Should I still use 1 whole cinnamon stick per jar or will it be too much? Thanks!
I would but I like cinnamon. You could always break them in half if you’re unsure.
What about putting apples in the mason jars no? I had it before but it had apples
I have not tried. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.
Hello i have 2 small pots how do i divide this up so i dont mess tbe recipe up on the apple Pie Moonshine. Thank you.
I just eyeball the split of the ingredients.
Ok if you really want a sweet treat I add 750ml of fireball, 750 ml of vanilla vodka and 750ml of 151 ever clear in my batch. I wait for 6-8 weeks before sampling. I have quarts that are 2.5 years old and still drinking from them as they are super.
Thanks for the tip I will have to try that!
So this ends up being pretty weak.
If you use 150 proof the resulting mix is just over 12% (or a weak wine/strong beer)
It is more of a cocktail drink than shots.
Thank you for your feedback!
Jason, Do you use this combination (750ml of fireball, 750 ml of vanilla vodka and 750ml of 151 ever clear)
to substitute for some of the ingredients that Christina used in the apple pie moonshine recipe or is this a completely different recipe?
Can you serve it warm
Yes, you can!
Is this a drink or a shot?
this is a cocktail drink!
As a master brewer/distiller, its distilled alcohol, it never go bad.
Store bought liquor sets to age for years in barrels.
Ther is no need to pressure seal.
The longer it sets to age, the better it gets.
Thanks for the pro-tips! This sure is better the longer it sits!
Thank you so much for the comment. Ive been making it a couple years but its gone before I can tell how long its good for. I am always afraid that there is not enough alcohol in it to keep my apple cider from going bad if it sits too long. So your saying there is enough alcohol by the end result that nothing by way of the apples will go bad, right? Lol. I am always so afraid of poisoning someone LOL.
So, you do not have to seal the mason jars at all? The jars can just sit out at room temperature just placing the lids on as if they had already been opened? Even though the proof is not really that high?
As I mentioned previously, if you follow my recipe EXACTLY (using 190 proof grain alcohol), you do not need to process the jars. 190 proof is a pretty high alcohol content. But, again, I can only recommend what to do if you follow my recipe EXACTLY. If you decide to make changes to my recipe, the results may be different.
Do you need to strain out the cinnamon sticks and place new ones in before storage or could you just use the sticks that you previously had in the pot?
I leave them in the jars for extra cinnamon flavor!
Put new cinnamon sticks in the jars before letting sit for a few weeks for best results
That is a great idea thank you for your feedback! Will try that.
I think its amazing. I like the rocket fuel. You can drink it right away.
Hi, I noticed there are a lot of questions about how long to age/rest this before serving. Mostly to dull down the bite of the everclear I imagine. I’ve made a couple batches in the past and just thought I’d lend my knowledge. The recipe I was originally shown you actually add the alcohol while you cook the rest of the ingredients and bring it up to about 160-170 degrees, but don’t let it boil. If you let it boil with the alcohol, it’ll probably cook out. By doing it this way It really blends the flavors and dulls the punch-in-the-face you’d probably get by adding the alcohol in the at the end. I think you might not have to let it sit more than one night this way. We always enjoyed it the following day and it was always a real mellow drink that would be gone very quick! Just a thought that might help, thanks for the recipe! Happy holidays everyone!
Hi there! I tried some apple pie moonshine about a year ago at a close friends wedding and it was incredible. I am trying to find different recipes to see if I can produce the same concoction. Do you find that the longer this sits, the less it burns? I ask because I do not like the strong, burning feeling that alcohol typically gives. The moonshine I had previously tried did not burn at all (one of the reasons I loved it), and it knocked us on our butts very quickly. Is there anything that can be done to reduce the burn from the alcohol? Thanks!
You have to let it sit for at least 8 weeks. THe longer it sits, the more mellow the alcohol taste will be. It will still pack a punch but you won’t get the burn. Patience is the key here.
If I can only find 151 alcohol should I use more? How much more if so?
No, use the same amount. It just won’t need to sit as long before drinking it. You can probably drink it in about 4 weeks, rather than 8 weeks.
How long will it last in a cool dry place does it ever go bad
It will last months. The alcohol content is so high that it becomes quite shelf stable.
If I were to add a bit of vanilla how much should I put in?
I would start adding a small amount at a time BEFORE you add the alcohol. THis way you can taste it to see if you want to add more.
What brand of apple juice and cider do you use?
Whatever brand I can find. I’m not picky.
Hey! So I’m making the peach and apple. I could only find 151 proof everclear. Should I still wait the 8 weeks?
So excited to try these :0
You can probably cut it back to 4 weeks.
I drank mine right away. I like a little kick.
Hi Christina, I’m going to try this recipe this weekend, it sounds really good! In the nutrition section (I’m probably the only one who looks at that…LOL) it says that there is 100g of sugar, is that for one serving or the whole batch?
Thanks,
Bob
The nutrition information is per quart of moonshine. Enjoy!
I have made this a few times and its always worked out and I agree the longer it sits the better it is. I was just wondering, how does it not go bad after that long? Does it not start to ferment. or is that kind of the point?
I’m so glad you enjoy it! I believe the high alcohol content keeps it from going bad.
Hey! Have you tried putting apple slices in the jars? Does the apple slice deteriorate? Thanks!
I have not. Let me know how you make out if you try it.
Can I vacuum seal this to make it last for years?
I’m not sure. I’ve never tried that.
I Vacuum sealed about 3 Quarts to see how it turns out. I will keep you updated.
Alcohol will sit in barrels and age for 40 years in high dollar liquor. The alcohol prevents any bacteria growth and keeps it stable. I’d recommend having a hygrometer of you need to get close accuracy but as long as it’s 35% or more ABV, it won’t go bad for longer than you’ll wait to drink it. 😉
Hi Christina,
I plan on making this recipe in the next couple of day either 12/10/19 or 12/11/19 will it be ready to drink my New Years Eve, also I noticed in your video it looked like you used a gallon of apple cider and 64 ounces of apple juice but the recipe says 64 ounces of both cider and juice, I didn’t want to make a mistake with this, I will be using Everclear 190 proof, my last question is can I use spiced apple cider or should I use plain apple cider. Thank you for your great recipes and I look forward to making this moonshine to give out as gifts. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you Shawn
The recipe calls for 64oz of cider but your video shows a gallon. Which should be used? Also, could brown sugar be substituted for part of the sugar?
Thanks
If you are referring to my video, 1 gallon of cider makes a double batch of moonshine. For a single batch, use 64 oz of cider.