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.
Can I add sliced apples?
ll questions about moonshine can be answered here.https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/
How long will the Apple Pie Moonshine keep if stored properly?
https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/
I want to do a meal with some old family recipes. I want to use this as cocktail. I am thinking to do celery sticks stuffed with cream cheese and olive spread and also pimento cheese. Main dish is Chicken and Dumplings with peas and carrots. Cupa, Cupa, Cupa, Cobbler as desert. Do you think stuffed celery would be good with the Apple Pie Moonshine?
Sounds amazing. How could you go wrong with a menu like that?
What’s the yield? Usually an important piece of info.
All those questions are answered in the https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/.
is there a way to calculate the proof on recipes like this? I have seen the equation online but it’s confusing. is there an app or calculator online somewhere that will take all of the ingredients used to get the alcohol content for that recipe? something to make it easier? I made this recipe but added one cup of brown sugar and one bottle of whipped cream vodka
Check out the comments, many have done it or look here.https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/.
How many ounces is considered one serving?
Here is where you can find all the answers about moonshine. https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/
Can anyone tell me, in making this recipe, what would be the difference if I used a fresh apple cider or if I used a spiced apple cider? Has anyone tried both. If so, which did you prefer? It seems there is quite a difference, I just am not quite sure which one makes a better moonshine.
It would be a matter of preference. Do you want it spicier or do you want the apple flavor more.
I understand an ad or 2, but this is pathetic, not even worth scrolling to find the recipe. Pinterest really sucks now. I’m done with it. Can’t even see the recipe without stupid ads popping up on the way!!
There is a button at the top of the page that says jump to recipe that takes you to that recipe.
Can this go bad if left sitting around too long?
No, check out this link where I answer all your moonshine questions.https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/
What would the proof be if I added 1.75L of 190 everclear to the recipe instead of the 750ml?
After having this at a halloween party one year I’ve always wanted to try making it myself. This recipe is delicious!
Wow I had no idea I could make this at home.
Thank you so much for all the food blog options.
I found some amazing ones thanks to you !
Keep up the good work !
https://www.your-spiced.co.uk/menu.php
An excellent resource for a foodie like me. I love exploring new cultures, making new recipes, trying out new cuisine.
Now more than ever while stuck at home, I am appreciating this helpful list so much more. Thanks.
https://www.your-spiced.co.uk/menu.php
The recipe calls for 64 Oz. Cider, but video used gallon. The video also used more sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Help!!!!!
Please follow the written recipe that is listed below the video or on the itisakeeper website. Thank you.
I have not tasted mine yet I’m still waiting the 8 weeks. How many calories in a cup. Reading some of the reviews would you suggest to add an additional shot of vodka if you want more kick?
Calories vary by brands used, however the nutrition information for the products I used are in the recipe card. I think it is strong enough, however you can add whatever you wish.
Lovely and comprehensive article. Will love to read these food blogs patiently and make my own writings better.
I write my own food blog and the learnings from this article will surely allow me to become better.
https://www.your-spiced.co.uk/
Thank you for your kind words. I can not wait to read your blog.
I did the real math and if you use this recipe and assume no volume loss to evaporation, 2(128+n25.6)/(n24.32)^{-1} you should end up with 31.7 proof you can add n number of bottles of Everclear and use this equation to find the proof.
Simple serial dilution (C1*V1)/(C2*V2). C1 is your starting concentration and V1 is your starting volume. C2 is your final concentration and V2 is your final volume. If you want a 30% or 60 proof beverage from 95% or 190 proof, then (0.95*750)/(0.3*V2); (712.5)/(0.3V2); V2=1625ml or ~54oz. If you subtract your initial volume 750ml or ~25oz, then you need 875ml or ~29oz of juice. You would need 2 750ml bottle of 95% or 190 proof of diluting with 128oz of juice.
Hi thank you for trying to explain that but I’m 12sorry you lost me with the equation. If you follow the recipe as written what do you calculate the alcohol content to be?
About 32 proof, or 16% alcohol.
Hahaha! I love that you got this down to a science! But I’m totally lost. I haven’t done algebra in forever. Your going to have to break down those steps. My 5th grade mind just popped!
There is a video on my youtube channel and a guide here.https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/.
I love the recipe, just hate waiting 😞
its better if you add 1 bottle 190 proof everclear and 1 bottle vanillia flavored vodka.I have seen these recipes for over 45 years. you have to put the everclear or moonshine if you have it, plus a flavored vodka watever flavor you are using.
peach, cranberry, apricot, ECT. vodka comes in a lot of diffrent flavors. but you have to use the everclear or moonshine. or its not a moonshine drink. with just the vodka in it you have just a cocktail.
Nice idea. Thanks for sharing.
I added Fireball whiskey to mine with Everclear 151. Adds more cinnamon flavor and an added kick
It is great to see all the variations. Thanks.
How much fireball did you add?
How much fireball did you add?
It is truly a matter of taste. Find out all about flavored moonshine here,https://www.itisakeeper.com/76351/flavored-moonshine-ultimate-guide/