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.
I’ve made this 3 yrs in a row. Everyone waits for their Christmas moonshine. I do add 1/2 bottle of of Whipped Cream Vodka for each batch, It’s a great add. Have two batches cooling right now.
Do I have to let my apple cider ferment?
My husband is telling me to let the apple cider ferment and then make it using your recipe but I’ve never had fermented cider and I’ve never made moonshine
No there is no need to ferment the apple cider.
In the video you use a 1 gallon container of apple cider but the recipe only calls for 1/2 gallon. Would it hurt to use a gallon you think? And then maybe 1/2 gallon apple juice?
Thanks!
Use the measurements that are in the recipe card and you will be fine. The link is in the video bio or on the website.
So far, I can say it is very easy to make this recipe and it made the house smell great as it was simmering. One question though, does anyone know the shelf life of the final product?
It should be good for several months.
I just found a jar that was lost in the back of our closet from two years ago we drank it and it was sooo good
Verclearis stuff Is great, I have bumped it up in that the last batch I did had a half bottle is apple crown royal in it and the apple slices for muching. The batch I’m doing now is the samebut with Apple captin morgan rum. Well see. Ohhh wally world sells the 190 everclear for 15 bucks
This stuff Is great, I have bumped it up in that the last batch I did had a half bottle is apple crown royal in it and the apple slices for muching. The batch I’m doing now is the samebut with Apple captin morgan rum. Well see.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
I have never done it with reduced sugar, therefore I would follow the recipe as directed for best results.
I am excited to try this. Thanks for sharing – Nori bento
You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy:)
Do you happen to know the ABV on the completed batch?
I believe that someone did the calculations and left it in the comments.
There is no way it’s only 15.5% ABV 👀👀👀
Is that assuming none of the liquid evaporates after a while hour of simmering?
I’m confused by video directions vs. written directions. In the video you use the cinnamon sticks that were boiled and simmered for an hour. In the written directions and expert tips it states to not do that and to strain it, and use a fresh cinnamon stick in each jar. Which is it? Video directions or written directions?
Please follow the written directions. Thanks 🙂
Are you using Apple Cider Vinegar?
This recipe does not use vinegar. The full list of ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card. 🙂
Why do you have to wait 8 weeks
The recipe calls for 190 proof alcohol which is quite strong. You need to let it sit and mellow for at least 8 weeks before enjoying. If you use a lesser proof alcohol, you don’t have to wait as long.
You don’t have to wait but the flavors may blend together , kind of like soup taste better the next day , enjoy
Has anybody tried using brown sugar instead of just white sugar? Also I saw Vanilla being asked about in previous comments. When would that be added in and how much?
I have never made it with either brown sugar or vanilla. The brown sugar would definitely change the taste due to the molasses.
I used 1 1/2 brown sugar and 1 1/2 white!!! It is delicious!!!
And I have also added vanilla to mine…yummy!!!!!
I too was wondering about brown sugar maybe giving it a deeper flavor. Have you done it both ways and which is better?
I have not tried brown sugar.
If I do not have a cool dark place can I put it in the fridge to curr
Yes but it will take up a lot of room for 8 weeks. Try and find a nice dark place.
Why 8 weeks? Can it be enjoyed earlier? Haven’t made it yet but was curious.
This question was answered in the blog post.
I love this recipe! My friend made it for an outdoors Halloween party and served it warm out of a crock pot! Soooo good. <3 I've made this recipe for two years now, but I have a question. What's the shelf life for these? I found some I made in December at the bottom of the pantry and everything in me says throw it away, but it's been sealed the whole time. Just wondering!
Thanks!
It is a strong proof it should be fine for months.
Just to clarify for a rookie – do I ONLY need to make sure the jars/lids are clean before filling with the moonshine? Or do they need to be boiled/sterilized as though I was canning jelly/jam?
No need to boi or sterilize unless you think you have residual matter from the last use.
I am making applepie moonshine for my wedding in August. I have read so many articles that say to seal the mason jar lid and also articles that say you do not have to. I have made two large batches so far and have run out of room in my fridge. Has anyone sealed the mason jar lid? What temperature do jars need to be kept at if not refrigerated?
If you follow my recipe exactly, you do NOT need to process the jars to seal them. You simply screw on the lid and store in a cool, dry place for 8 weeks.
Thank you!!!
How long will it be good for before it goes bad
I have had it last 8 months and it is fine.
Does it need to be refrigerated once made? Many recipes say to refrigerate, this one implies it does not.
It does not.