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.
- 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.
Made this with the 151 everclear as our stores doesn’t have the high octane stuff 😂. Also added a fifth of caramel vodka to give it an extra kick and it turned out delicious!!
I don’t have Mason jars, can I just put it back in the juice containers it came in and refrigerate? And how long will it keep then? Packer party I’d like to reheat in a coffee urn, would that wreck it?
Check my ultimate moonshine guide. It answers most questions about the drink.
I made this Apple Pie Moonshine with Everclear 151. I live in Florida and that is the highest proof I can get. Also I used 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 white sugar. And I didn’t put any cinnamon sticks in the jars. It made 12 pint bottles. And since it was 151, I tried some the next day. It was great.
We had some with friends. They liked it so much they wanted the recipe.
So glad it was a hit!
if you live near a base and know someone with base access you can get 190 proof. just bought some the other day in Pensacola.
This is pretty much the same recipe that I use, but I add a cup or two of Captain Morgan to the mix. Just a little more flavor and punch. Highly recommend the cinnamon sticks
I am in CA and can’t find anything above 120 :/
my thought to give this a punch would be to reduce the mix of juice to Everclear 120? I have 64 oz mason jars so I was thinking 50/50? what would you recommend?
Looks amazing! Do I need to sterilize the mason jars and lids before making this?
Even though the alcohol level is high in this I always recommend starting with clean, sterilized equipment.
hi! i just made this recipe. thanks for sharing! i have one question. Does this make 18 pint size mason jars? that’s how many i made. i am worried there isn’t enough everclear in each one. i want them to pack a decent punch. thanks!
We got just under 10 pints out of it.
I add a cup of bourbon to it just gives a nice flavor to it.
Good idea. It is a great cocktail.
I did the same thing with the sugar
if it isn’t strong enough and y’all want to add an extra umph, add 750 ml vanilla vodka in addition to everclear.
im on my 3rd batch. I did find that only 750 ML Everclear left it a little weak. for something called “moonshine” it shouldn’t freeze. my first batch did. I upped it to a half gallon. Was only going to do 1.5 fifth. but there was so little left I just put it in. made it kinda stout. but I gave it to friends and they asked for more.
Are you using the 190 proof grain alcohol and are you following the recipe exactly? If so, it definitely will not freeze. If you use a lower proof alcohol it will not be as strong. There is a photo in the blog post that shows the difference in the bottles of Everclear (151 proof vs 190 proof).
The resulting alcohol content is closer to 13.6% if you follow the recipe.
The juices plus the sugar is @ 152 ounces or 4495 ml.
plus the 750 ml everclear brings total volume to 5245 ml.
190 proof everclear is is 95% alcohol or 712.5 ml.
712.5ml / 5245ml is 13.58%
Adding 2 quarts of 85% white lightening to this recipe. Let you know how it goes in 8 weeks!
Very nice post. Very informative
Thanks
What’s the shelf life in a cool dark place vs a fridge? Looking for a long term storage.
I would like to know this as well! 👀
With the sugar content and alcohol content, probably 5 years. Definitely longer but the flavors might get weird.
I’ve made two batches of this recipe. However I did use one and a half cups of white sugar and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar because I like the depth of the brown sugar with my apple pie. So far this is the only recipe I found that has added nut made and cinnamon to the batch which I think makes a difference. I did find out the comparison between the two different batches was the quality of the Apple cider. I shared my apple pie moonshine with friends as Christmas gifts and they were all very very pleased.
how much sugar??
It is in the recipe card on the blog post. 3 cups.
you made my day I lost the recipe I had and who would of thought of course I should of known pinterest. thank you
Why is my apple shine so dark
Maybe the spices?
what is the reason for simmering this 1 hour? can it just be cooled down after it starts to boil?
It is for all the flavors to meld together. You can prepare however you like, but I can not guarantee the same end result.
Incredibly busy webpage. Hard to see what I wanted to see due to the Facebook etc column on the left, the heart and search icon on the right, a ribbon of recipes across the top and many, many ads popping up.
Aside from that a good recipe.
The jump to recipe link at the top will take you right to the recipe.