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.
Have you ever placed fresh peeled apples in the jars before curing?
No I have not tried that. If you do let me know how it is.
Absolutely have. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples cut into eights. 3 slices of each per quart. Strained out after aging period. Seems to impart a fuller, smoother body to the beverage.
Or so I’ve been told by most who have tried it
I’m a big fan of Apple Pie moonshine if done properly. It seems all the store bought shines I’ve come across are too sweet. Curious how this compares to most off the shelf brands as far as sweetness. Would 2 cups sugar be okay?
I have only done the recipe as written, however, I would say try it and see.
On here it states 64 oz of cider and juice but what you dumped in for the video was a gallon which is 128 oz. Are the instructions wrong or did you do a double batch?
The recipe is correct. You can follow that.
64+64= lol
If I need this to be ready in 2 weeks should I just use more apple juice?
I have never tried it that way.
Even with 190 proof grain alcohol, after adding the other liquids, this has an overall ABV of about 16%. This is about the same as a glass of wine, so I wouldn’t say it “packs a punch.”
I just made it and wish I had done the math. 32 proof is more of a schnapps potency.
Will canning jars seal , should they be hot before adding cider mixture ?
You do NOT need to can this recipe.
I tasted it and it is great but I do not find it strong at all. Is this just me? I’m wondering if I need to add more alcohol. I was expecting a very strong alcohol taste but I did not taste any at all.
Did you follow the recipe exactly? If you used 190 proof grain alcohol, it should be pretty strong after you made it.
Great recipe, great flavor. I put mine in Mason jars as instructed several weeks ago. Just got them out yesterday and they look perfect! I transferred them to clear wine bottles and today they are cloudy. They still smell the same but very cloudy. Any idea what caused this and is there any thing I can do? Is it safe to drink? Thanks!
my dad also puts Captain Morgan, Apple crown, and pinnacle whipped vodka is his batch. It’s 🔥
One shot of that warms you right up
I wanted to know if I could change it up a bit. Instead of 3 cups of sugar I’ll use 2 and one cup of brown sugar and add 1 cup of vanilla vodka. Would that make it too sweet? I kinda wanted to mix it up a bit off of research I’ve done. Maybe you can give me a heads up if that is a good idea? Thanks!
I have not tried it like this so I don’t have any insight for you.
I always do less sugar because the juice is naturally sweet. I used half cup regular sugar half brown with 1 cup of a local distillery’s vanilla rum and thought it was really good! The vanilla flavoring rounds it out well.
I have used this apple pie moonshine recipe for the past 3 years, and EVERYONE loves it. I made 2 batches this past week but have not yet canned it. Before canning, I store the combined batches in a carboy for a couple of days, then transfer to a 2nd carboy before canning, to filter off the sediment. I took a taste, as I was transferring, and it has a very heavy alcohol taste. I don’t recall if I tasted previous years batches (prior to canning) but I know that the past finished product (a month or two after bottling) did not have this much of a burning alcohol flavor. It is always smooth drinking, and sometimes too smooth… I used Everclear 151. I have read that this drink will mellow, over time but concerned, after tasting it, that it will not be an enjoyable drink, like it has been in the past. I checked all of the volumes and everything is correct. I did simmer one of the 2 batches for 3 hrs. but tasted it prior to adding the alcohol and it tasted fine. Thoughts on if I am good to proceed to canning and in a month or two, it will be fine??
First, you don’t have to can it. Storing it mason jars is perfectly fine. Second, Everclear 151 is not as strong as the 190 proof used in the recipe. It will be much more mellow and won’t need to sit as long before drinking it.
So I did this recipe as it said but was 5 quarts and a half pint. Not sure if something was a miss. But will know to add more next time.
The instructions say use new cinnamon sticks when bottling but in the video you did not do this. Should I strain out the sediment before using?
Either will work. You can strain it if you wish .
Easy recipe! Just curious if 6 weeks will be just as good?
It may be a bit strong yet. But give it a try to see.
I have tried this in mukilteo restaurants and I’ve never come up with the idea that Apple Pie Moonshine can be easily done at home. Definitely, a must-try.
Can you store this in the fridge to age? And is it okay to double the recipe?
You can but you don’t have to. Yes, you can double it.
Very Great recipe, Very flavorful, but do yourself a favor and make your own apple cider, skip that store bought stuff… It adds about 3 hours to the cook time, but that home made apple cider is way better than any of that store bought hocus pocus 🙂 Very nice recipe and I highly suggest you stop looking for recipes, and just use this one!
What is your recipe for homemade apple cider
I don’t have a recipe for homemade apple cider. I buy mine from a local cider mill.
Do you have to boil and seal lids to store? If so how do you can them and not lose alcohol
You want to make sure that your jars and lids are clean with no residue. 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.
Posting this comment since I had a question that a lot of others did but had to dig through these notes to find it. You can drink this right away! Letting it sit just mellows the alcohol sting and really bring out the flavors, but if you don’t mind a strong alcohol bite, this is delicious right out of the pot! I was searching all these comments looking for the answer and anticipating something like “YOU’LL GO BLIND IF YOU DON’T WAIT!!!” but have gathered that it’s just a preference on what kind of punch you’re looking for. 10/10 recommend and will make again.
I couldn’t wait either. Only thing is I do not find it strong at all. Makes me wonder if I should have added more alcohol. What do you think about the alcohol content?
Did you use 190 proof grain alcohol? If you used a lesser proof, it won’t be as strong.
I had the same result as you I doubled the recipe and added a half gallon (1750ml) of 189 proof everclear and its very good not strong tasting all right after adding the alcohol, does anyone know what proof this is supposed to be when finished?
Also make sure you are adding the alcohol AFTER it has cooled. If you add it before, the alcohol will cook off. Just a thought.
Yes…that is mentioned in instruction #3.
If I’m using an 90 proof alcohol should I use double what the recipe specifies, since you’re using 190 proof alcohol? So that the strength is the same.
It wont work like that, 90 proof and 90 proof is still 90 proof… If you cant find Everclear at your local place, perhaps find a military buddy and have them get it for you. Everclear in that strength is carried in most Exchanges or package stores on/off base.