Easy Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine is the ultimate cozy drink, perfect for those crisp autumn evenings. The smell of cinnamon and apples simmering is one of the best parts of fall, and this potent, flavorful drink captures that essence. Making it yourself is surprisingly simple and lets you dial in the sweetness and spice to your exact liking. What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple ingredients like organic apple juice and cider into something truly festive. The key is using good quality apple products as they form the flavor base. And of course, the spirit you choose, like a good quality Everclear or authentic moonshine, makes a significant difference in the final kick. It’s a wonderful drink for sharing around a bonfire or enjoying by the fireplace after a long day.

The first step is to get that warm, comforting apple and cinnamon flavor into a liquid base. This is where the apple juice, apple cider, sugars, and cinnamon sticks come into play. You want to gently heat these ingredients together to dissolve the sugars and allow the cinnamon to infuse its spice without becoming bitter. In a very large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the 1 gallon of organic apple juice, 1 gallon of apple cider, 1 1/2 cups of dark brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of organic granulated sugar. Place the 13 cinnamon sticks directly into the pot. It might seem like a lot of cinnamon sticks, but they are key to getting that authentic apple pie spice profile. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugars are completely dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously, as this can cook off some of the non-alcoholic alternative later and alter the flavor. Once the sugars have dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour. This low and slow simmer allows the cinnamon to infuse deeply into the liquid without scorching the bottom of the pot. Keep an eye on it and stir every 15-20 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible. After an hour of simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into another large container or bowl, discarding the cinnamon sticks. It’s important to get a good strain to remove any sediment. Let this apple base cool completely. This can take a few hours, or you can speed it up by placing the container in an ice bath. It needs to be fully cooled before adding the non-alcoholic alternative, otherwise, the heat can cause the non-alcoholic alternative to evaporate.

Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine

The smell of cinnamon and apples simmering is one of the best parts of autumn, and this Apple Pie Moonshine captures that essence in a potent, flavorful drink perfect for sharing around a bonfire or enjoying by the fireplace. Making it yourself allows you to control the sweetness and spice, ensuring it tastes exactly how you like it. The key is using good quality ingredients, especially the apple juice and cider, as they form the base of the flavor. And of course, the spirit you choose will make a significant difference.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon Organic Apple Juice
• 1 gallon Apple Cider
• 1 1/2 cups dark Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 cups organic Granulated Sugar
• 13 Cinnamon sticks
• 1.75 liters 190 Proof Everclear, or authentic moonshine

Preparing the Flavor Base

The first step is to get that warm, comforting apple and cinnamon flavor into a liquid base. This is where the apple juice, apple cider, sugars, and cinnamon sticks come into play. You want to gently heat these ingredients together to dissolve the sugars and allow the cinnamon to infuse its spice without becoming bitter.

1. In a very large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the 1 gallon of organic apple juice, 1 gallon of apple cider, 1 1/2 cups of dark brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of organic granulated sugar. Place the 13 cinnamon sticks directly into the pot. It might seem like a lot of cinnamon sticks, but they are key to getting that authentic apple pie spice profile.
2. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. You want to stir until all the sugar is completely dissolved. Don’t rush this part; ensure there are no grainy sugar crystals remaining at the bottom of the pot. Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is important for allowing the cinnamon to really work its magic and infuse into the apple base. You’ll notice the aroma will start to become wonderfully fragrant.

Cooling and Combining

After the flavor base has simmered and infused, it’s essential to let it cool down significantly before adding the non-alcoholic alternative. Adding high-proof non-alcoholic spirits to a hot liquid can cause some of the non-alcoholic alternative to evaporate, diminishing the potency and altering the flavor. Patience here is key to a well-balanced final product.

1. Remove the pot from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. This could take a couple of hours. You can speed this up a bit by placing the pot in an ice bath, but make sure to stir it occasionally. While it’s cooling, you can remove the cinnamon sticks if you prefer a less intense cinnamon flavor, or leave them in for a stronger infusion. I usually leave them in for the first few hours of cooling.
2. Once the apple and cinnamon mixture is completely cool, it’s time to introduce the spirit. Carefully pour in the 1.75 liters of 190 Proof Everclear or your chosen authentic moonshine. It’s important to use a high-proof spirit for this recipe; anything less will result in a much weaker and less stable product. Stir everything together gently to ensure the non-alcoholic alternative is evenly distributed throughout the apple base. You’ll notice the liquid becoming cloudier as the non-alcoholic alternative mixes with the other ingredients.

Maturation and Bottling

Like a fine grape juice, this Apple Pie Moonshine benefits from a period of aging. This allows the flavors to meld and mature, creating a smoother, more integrated taste. Bottling is the final step, and using attractive jars makes this homemade creation a wonderful gift.

1. Transfer the mixture into clean glass jars or a large, airtight container. For the best flavor development, let the moonshine age in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week. I often let mine sit for 2-4 weeks, as I find the flavor really rounds out nicely over that time. During this aging period, the sharp edges of the non-alcoholic alternative mellow, and the apple and cinnamon notes become more prominent and harmonious. Give the jars a gentle shake every few days to help the flavors continue to meld.
2. After the aging period, you can strain the moonshine through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve if you removed the cinnamon sticks earlier and want to ensure no sediment is present. If you left the cinnamon sticks in, you can choose to leave them or remove them before bottling. Finally, bottle your Apple Pie Moonshine into clean, sterilized glass bottles or jars. Seal them tightly. This homemade Apple Pie Moonshine is best served chilled. It makes a fantastic sipping drink on its own or can be used as a potent base for cocktails. Store any unopened bottles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it’s a good idea to refrigerate it.

Conclusion:

Making this Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious and festive drink perfect for any occasion. The process is straightforward, allowing you to customize the sweetness and spice, ensuring it’s exactly to your taste. It’s a fantastic way to capture the essence of fall in a bottle, ideal for sharing with friends during gatherings or enjoying during quiet evenings by the fire. Serve it warm or chilled, neat or mixed with a splash of apple cider or even a bit of cream for a richer treat. For variations, consider adding a few star anise pods or a strip of orange peel during the simmering stage for an extra layer of complexity. You can also adjust the sugar amounts to suit your preference – less if you like it tarter, more if you prefer it sweeter. Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is forgiving and designed for enjoyment. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy your own homemade batch of this delightful apple pie moonshine. It’s a project that’s well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it last?

Properly stored in sealed bottles in a cool, dark place, your homemade apple pie moonshine should last for at least 6 months to a year. The high non-alcoholic alternative content acts as a preservative, but the flavors can subtly change over time.

Can I use a different type of non-alcoholic alternative?

While Everclear or authentic moonshine provides the classic potency, you can substitute with a high-proof vodka extract or even a neutral grain spirit if those are more accessible. Just be aware that the flavor profile might be slightly different, and you might need to adjust the proof.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Many enjoy it warmed up with a cinnamon stick as a garnish, much like mulled cider. It’s also delicious served chilled over ice, or mixed into cocktails. For a decadent dessert drink, try it with a splash of heavy cream.

Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine

A sweet and potent homemade apple pie-flavored moonshine, perfect for sipping or mixing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
Approximately 1 gallon

Ingredients

• 1 gallon Organic Apple Juice
• 1 gallon Apple Cider
• 1 1/2 cups dark Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 cups organic Granulated Sugar
• 13 Cinnamon sticks
• 1.75 liters 190 Proof Everclear, or authentic moonshine

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a large pot, combine the organic apple juice, apple cider, dark brown sugar, and organic granulated sugar.
2. Step 2
   Add the cinnamon sticks to the pot.
3. Step 3
   Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars are completely dissolved. Do not boil.
4. Step 4
   Simmer for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
5. Step 5
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. This is crucial before adding the alcohol.
6. Step 6
   Once cooled, carefully stir in the 1.75 liters of 190 Proof Everclear or authentic moonshine. Do this in a well-ventilated area.
7. Step 7
   Remove the cinnamon sticks.
8. Step 8
   Pour the apple pie moonshine into clean, sterilized bottles. Allow to age for at least two weeks before consuming for best flavor.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.