Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe: The Ultimate Incredible 7-Step Guide

There’s a certain magic that fills the air when autumn arrives. The leaves turn fiery shades, a crispness touches the breeze, and cravings for warm, comforting flavors begin. For me, nothing quite captures that cozy, festive feeling like a batch of homemade apple pie moonshine recipe. The aroma alone, a blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of something wonderfully potent, can transport you to a crackling bonfire with friends or a quiet evening wrapped in a blanket.

I remember the first time I encountered this delightful concoction. It wasn’t some illicit backwoods brew, but a lovingly crafted gift from a friend, presented in a charming mason jar tied with twine. One sip, and I was captivated. It was like drinking the essence of the best apple pie you’ve ever had, with a warming kick that spread through my chest. It was then I knew I had to learn to make my own. This recipe has since become a cherished tradition, a signal that the holidays are just around the corner.

A Sip of Tradition: The Story Behind Apple Pie Moonshine

While “moonshine” often conjures images of clandestine stills hidden deep in the mountains, the tradition of infusing spirits with fruit and spices is centuries old. This particular apple pie moonshine recipe is a more modern, safer, and decidedly legal take on flavored spirits. It’s designed for home Canners and creators who appreciate a delicious, homemade cordial. Think of it less as “moonshine” in the historical sense and more as a potent, spiced apple liqueur.

This recipe is my go-to for chilly fall evenings and festive winter gatherings. It makes a fantastic homemade gift, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. There’s something incredibly satisfying about sharing a jar of this golden liquid, knowing the care and patience that went into its creation. Plus, the process itself fills your home with the most incredible, comforting aromas, making the experience a joy from start to finish. We love to make a big batch and let it mellow, becoming smoother and more flavorful with each passing week.

Ingredients for Your Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing drink. We’ve found these proportions to be just perfect!

• 1 gallon apple juice (good quality, 100% juice)
• 1 gallon apple cider (unfiltered is best for flavor)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups brown sugar (light or dark, your preference)
• 8-10 cinnamon sticks (more if you love a strong cinnamon flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle 190 proof grain alcohol (like Everclear)
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle vodka (a smooth, good quality vodka works best)

A Note on Ingredients:

• Juice vs. Cider: Using both apple juice and apple cider gives a wonderful depth of flavor. The cider brings a tartness and cloudiness that enhances the “pie” feel.
• Sugars: The combination of white and brown sugar provides a complex sweetness. You can adjust the total amount slightly based on your preference.
• Alcohol: The 190 proof grain alcohol is potent. Handle it with care and never add it near an open flame or to a hot mixture. Vodka helps to mellow the harshness and make the final product smoother. If 190 proof isn’t available or legal in your area, you can substitute with more vodka or a lower-proof grain alcohol, though the final punch will be milder.

Essential Equipment

Making this recipe doesn’t require any highly specialized equipment. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already:

• Large stockpot (at least 3-4 gallons to prevent boil-overs)
• Long-handled stirring spoon
• Ladle
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth (optional, for a clearer final product)
• Funnel
• Clean glass jars with lids (mason jars work perfectly – about 10-12 quart-sized jars, or a mix of sizes)

How to Make This Incredible Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Follow these steps carefully for a delicious and safe outcome. Remember, patience is key, especially when cooling the mixture and letting it mellow.

1. Combine and Simmer: In your large stockpot, combine the apple juice, apple cider, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and apple pie spice. Stir well to dissolve the sugars. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not bring to a rolling boil.
2. Infuse Flavors: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to continue to simmer very gently for at least one hour, or up to two hours. This allows the spices to fully infuse their flavors into the liquid. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Stir occasionally.
3. Cool Completely: This step is crucial for safety. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely. This can take several hours. You can speed up the process by placing the pot in an ice bath in your sink, but ensure no water gets into the mixture. It must be at room temperature or cooler before adding the alcohol.
4. Add the Alcohol: Once the apple mixture is completely cool, remove the cinnamon sticks (or strain the mixture through a sieve if you prefer a clearer liquid). Now, carefully stir in the 190 proof grain alcohol and the vodka. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine.
5. Bottle It Up: Using a ladle and a funnel, carefully pour the apple pie moonshine into your clean glass jars. Add one or two of the simmered cinnamon sticks to each jar for extra flavor and visual appeal if desired. Seal the jars tightly.
6. Mellow Time: For the best flavor, allow the apple pie moonshine recipe to mellow in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, though 4-6 weeks is even better. The flavors will meld and the initial harshness of the alcohol will subside, resulting in a smoother, more delicious drink. Gently swirl the jars every few days.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade apple pie moonshine is ready! Serve it chilled, over ice, or gently warmed. It’s also fantastic in cocktails.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Batch

Want to elevate your apple pie moonshine recipe? Here are a few tips:

• Patience is a Virtue: Seriously, let it mellow! The difference in taste between a freshly made batch and one that has aged for a few weeks is significant. The longer it sits, the smoother it gets.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cinnamon sticks and apple pie spice to your liking. If you love a strong spice profile, add a few extra sticks or a bit more spice. You can even add a vanilla bean or a few whole cloves during the simmering process for a different twist.
• Safety First: Remember, 190 proof grain alcohol is highly flammable. Never add it to a hot mixture or near an open flame. Ensure the juice mixture is completely cool.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve chilled straight from the fridge in small shot glasses or sipping glasses.
  • Warm it gently on the stove (do not boil!) for a cozy cold-weather treat.
  • Use it as a base for cocktails. It pairs wonderfully with ginger ale, cranberry juice, or even in a hot toddy.
  • Garnish with a fresh apple slice or an extra cinnamon stick.
• Storage: Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Unopened, it can last for a year or even longer, with the flavors continuing to develop. Once opened, it’s best consumed within a few months for optimal taste.
• Gifting: This makes an incredible homemade gift! Pour into decorative bottles or jars, add a custom label, and tie with a ribbon. Your friends and family will love it.

This apple pie moonshine recipe is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. From the comforting aroma that fills your home during preparation to the first warm sip, it’s a delight for the senses. It’s a taste of autumn, a hug in a mug, and a perfect way to share some homemade happiness.

We truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe. It’s become a beloved staple in our household, and we’re thrilled to pass it along to you.

Let us know how your batch turns out!

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