This Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is crazy good – it’s one of my most popular recipes and everyone always asks me for the recipe! It goes down very easy and smooth but really packs a punch. It’s a very easy recipe to make and doesn’t have any complicated steps.
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The Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is an incredibly delicious cocktail. Every time I make it, it’s always the hit of the party and my friends and family go crazy for it because it tastes just like apple pie.
Plus, you won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just make sure that you give yourself enough time. This is a great homemade version of Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine but with more flavor.
This recipe is completely legal to make. It’s not real moonshine, per se. Essentially, it’s flavored 190 proof grain alcohol that tastes like grandma’s apple pie. It’s incredibly delicious and everyone will rave about it.
If you want even more fun drinks, check out my other moonshine recipes, including my favorite Peach Moonshine recipe, Pumpkin Pie Moonshine and Pineapple Moonshine. If you want to learn about all the different homemade moonshine inspired recipes, check here.
What I Love About This Recipe
This is truly the best homemade Apple Pie Moonshine recipe you will ever try. It is full of apple pie flavor. Remember to let it sit and mellow, though as high-proof grain alcohol (190 proof) is used.
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.
- Quick Prep: It takes only a few minutes to prepare and about an hour to cook.
- Rest: Will take 8 weeks to mellow and blend.
- Adaptable: Can make it so many different versions.
- Makes Great Gifts: This recipe makes a big batch so it makes a wonderful Christmas or party gift.
Ingredient Notes
It’s easy to make moonshine. There are only a few simple ingredients and some basic steps.
- Apple Juice – Any variety that you have on hand or enjoy drinking.
- Apple Cider– A fall staple but now you can find year round in most gourmet sections of supermarkets.
- Cinnamon Sticks- Provides a warmth to this apple pie moonshine drink.
- 750 ml 190 proof Everclear grain alcohol or the highest proof vodka you can find: Any grain alcohol will work but Everclear is best. There are two versions, 151 and 190 proof. 190 proof is preferred but use the highest proof you can find at your local liquor store.
Equipment Needed for Moonshine Apple Pie Recipe
How to Make this Apple Pie Moonshine Drink
These are the basic steps for making Apple Pie Moonshine. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: Cook
First, in a large pot, bring the apple cider and apple juice, sugar, nutmeg, ground cinnamon (the traditional apple pie spice mixture) and 8 cinnamon sticks to a boil, stir and then cover and simmer for 1 hour.
STEP 2: Alcohol
Next, allow the mixture to cool then stir in the grain alcohol. Do not add the alcohol until the mixture cools. 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.
STEP 3: Strain and bottle
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 for 8 weeks before enjoying.
Prep and Storage Tips for this Apple Cider Moonshine Cocktail
Here are a few tips and helpful suggestions see all the information in the Flavored Moonshine Ultimate Guide.
DO YOU HAVE TO WAIT THE 8 WEEKS?
The reason that the recipe recommends the eight weeks is to allow it to mellow, 191 proof Everclear is very strong.
The longer it sits, the better it gets. If you are using a strong vodka or Everclear 151 then you do not have to wait the 8 weeks to enjoy.
HOW TO STORE THIS BEVERAGE RECIPE
Refrigeration is not necessary. Just a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Even after opening, refrigeration is not necessary due to the high alcohol content.
However, you can use the refrigerator if you want to serve it cold.
HOW TO MAKE MY OWN MOONSHINE
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.
WHAT TO MAKE WITH YOUR APPLE PIE MOONSHINE
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 cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flavored Moonshine
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.
Of course, you can add apple slices to the recipe, some even add whipped cream vodka, fireball or other vanilla bean.
Indeed, this recipe can be adjusted as you need it for your get together. Make the number of batches that you need.
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.
No, there is no need to can this recipe. Just make sure that your jars and lids are completely clean. Make sure that the lids are applied tightly.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- 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
- Time: 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.
What to Serve with Moonshine
Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 64 oz apple juice
- 64 oz apple cider
- 3 cups sugar
- 14 cinnamon sticks, divided
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 750 ml 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.
Expert Tips
- 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.
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.