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.
How many quarts will this make?
About 6-7
Your list of ingredients calls for 64oz of apple cider but video shows you pouring 1 gallon. Which is correct?
The printed recipe is correct – I did explain this in the video description.
I like that you have a recipe conversion calculator. This way you can make what you want, it calculates all the measurements.
I calculated 1qt is 125 ml Everclear. So I am going to put the alcohol in the jar first then add the apple cider mix second . This way I can see if I like 75ml, 125 ml, 150 ml or 200ml best!
Gotta love experimenting!! Cheers!
Do you ever run into a pectin problem?? After it sits for a few days it gets an egg white jelly of pectin on top. Shake and goes away but when it sits it comes back. Don’t know how to correct problem. Have you run into this??
I have never had this issue and I have made this recipe dozens of times. Are you following the recipe exactly?
Everybody always forgets to add vanilla? It then becomes apple pie alamode. Social! (clink)
Have you added vanilla to this recipe? If so how much and at which point?
I do not.
2-3 tablespoons added when you add the alcohol. You can also use vanilla or whipped cream vodka along with the everclear. Pinnacle makes a good one, about a cup (or more to taste) of that would do just fine.
Would old smokey blue flame moonshine work instead of everclear? It is 128 proof.
Yes, it would.
Hello. Would this still be good if I don’t let it sot for a few weeks. But instead drink right away?
If you use 190 proof grain alcohol it will be much too strong to drink immediately. It needs to sit for at least 8 weeks to mellow out.
For those asking about the proof of the final result: Roughly 15% ABV (30 proof) when made with 95% Grain Alcohol like Everclear or Graves.
Drink smart. The math is easy enough, understand what you’re enjoying.
750ml = ~25 oz. x 0.95 = 23.75 oz of pure alcohol.
If using something other than grain alcohol, replace 0.95 with the ABV (not proof) of your spirit.
128 oz (apple juice & cider) + 25 oz (booze) = 153 oz total wet ingredients
23.75 / 153 = 15.5% (31 proof) alcohol by volume in the final mixture. (rough, rounded, and not taking into account dry ingredients.)
If you’re doing the math yourself for a variation, all that I did was convert the liquor into ounces. Then multiplied that by the ABV to find the total alcohol content. Add up all your wet ingredients (including the liquor) and divide by the total alcohol content.
I made this recipe but replaced the liquid with fresh squeezed apples. I put a bottle in the freezer and it froze solid. Not enough everclear?
Correct. If the proportions are correct, it will not freeze.
Can I use brown sugar instead
You could, but it may alter the flavor.
Hi! I’m looking at making this in 2oz mason jars as wedding favors for our guests. After jarring it, does it go bad at all or can it stay in the jar and be ok to drink
Because of the high alcohol content, it lasts quite a while in tightly sealed mason jars! What a great wedding favor! I love it!
Made this today can’t wait to try it
What is the end proof?
I do not have the capability to calculate that. Sorry.
The end proof is 24 or 12%. There are dilution calculators on google where you can choose your end volume. For this recipe I based everything on the 6 qt recipe. It’s a lot to type of how I played with the numbers. But knowing end volume, starting alcohol proof and amount of it, you can adjust the numbers and figure out what the proof is. I can explain more if you’re interested.
According to my quick calculation, it would be about 15% by volume or 30 proof.
I did the math and got a final proof of 31.4
((Volume of “Spirit” x ABV %) / Sum of Ingredients) x 100
((25.36 x .95)/ ~153oz.)X100 = 15.7%
This recipe ends up with about 32 proof or roughly 16% ABV.
This awesome j6st dont let son in law drink it right away. The gallon jug was empty in 3 days!!!!
This apple pie recipe looks amazing and simple to make. I can’t wait to try some other flavors of moonshine pie 👍
About how many proof does this come out and if I want it stronger can I just add more alchohol
I do not have the capability of calculating the proof. Sorry.
This recipe is 16% ABV.
I added spiced rum and apple vodka just to give it a bit of a kick!! So delicious.
If the moonshine sits for a long time, will it go bad? What is the shelf life for the moonshine?
It will not due to the high alcohol content. It will last for months.
How long will this stay good in the shelf, or does it need to be refrigerated from the start?
It does not need to be refrigerated and it will last for months on a shelf (if it lasts that long)!
Will this work with Stevia in place of sugar?
Yes, it will!
I am thinking about using the monk fruit sugar in replace of sugar. Purchased a bag at costco. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Can you put apples in the jars and store safely?
Yes!