Apple Pie Moonshine

Nothing says cozy and comforting like a batch of homemade apple pie moonshine.

This smooth, flavorful drink combines the sweetness of apple juice and cider with a warming blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and spices, all balanced by a kick of grain alcohol and vodka.

Whether you're sipping it by the fire or bottling it up for gifts, this moonshine is guaranteed to please.

Why You'll Love This Apple Pie Moonshine

Festive Flavor: Apple pie moonshine is a festive boozy beverage that tastes like the holidays. Crisp apples, a hint of cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, it’s like dessert!

Strong Boozy Taste: If you’ve ever had moonshine, you know it kicks like a mule. But it goes down a lot more smoothly when you add apple pie flavors. 

Fun Tradition: Moonshine was once the product of illegal distillation. But unregulated alcohol can be unsafe to consume. So you'll make this modern-day copycat with high-proof grain alcohol and vodka. 

Great for Gifting: Mixed with apple juice, cider, sugar, and spices, it tastes just like apple pie. Well, apple pie with a big kick of booze. And if you add a ribbon to the mason jar, it's a terrific holiday gift.

Ingredient Notes

• Apple juice. For that big apple taste! Any brand will work.

• Apple cider. Use real, pure, non-alcoholic apple cider. Trust me, this stuff is boozy enough already!

• Sugar. Brown and white sugar help to balance the beverage and keep the booze in check. 

• Cinnamon sticks. A handful of sticks for simmering. 

• Apple pie spices. It just wouldn’t be apple pie without the warming spices. 

• Grain alcohol. The strength of the moonshine depends on the proof of grain alcohol you use. For a boozier beverage, use only Everclear. It comes in 190 and 151 proof.

• Vodka. The grain alcohol I use is strong, so I cut it in half by using unflavored vodka that’s about 90 proof. You could also try a flavored vodka like vanilla or caramel.

How to Make Apple Pie Moonshine

Apple pie moonshine isn’t super hard to make. Just pay attention to the steps. 

And it’s best to let it sit for a couple of weeks. So plan accordingly if you’re making it for a special occasion. 

Here’s how to make apple pie moonshine:

1. PREP: Combine the apple juice, apple cider, sugars, cinnamon sticks, and apple pie spice in a large pot.

2. BOIL: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour.

3. COOL: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

4. STIR: Stir in the grain alcohol and vodka. Remove the cinnamon sticks and pour the moonshine into sterile mason jars or bottles.

5. SEAL: Seal the jars and refrigerate for 3-4 months for the best flavor, or enjoy it immediately. Shake well before serving chilled or over ice. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Making apple pie moonshine for the first time can be intimidating.

But it doesn't have to be! Just pay attention to these tips and tricks. Trust me, they help. 

• Safety caution! Don’t add alcohol near open flames. Always ensure the mixture is cool before mixing in the alcohol.

• Storage options. Use leftover apple juice and cider jugs, or even wine and liquor bottles, for storage.

• Don’t skip the maturation time. This moonshine is potent! Let it rest for several weeks to mellow its strength. Adjust the resting time based on your alcohol preference.

• Let the non-alcohol ingredient mixture cool. You want to be sure it’s completely cool before adding the alcohol.

• Use clean jars and tight lids. You don’t have to pressurize the final product like you would with canning. But you should transfer it to clean jars with a tight lid. It helps reduce the introduction of bacteria.

• Drink it cold. Serve it on the rocks or chill it before serving.

• Have fun with serving. It’s all about presentation, after all! So add a fun garnish like apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

• Can’t get Everclear? Just use vodka. Some states may not sell Everclear because of the high proof. Instead, use the highest-proof vodka you can find. 

• Sharing is caring! This recipe makes a lot of servings. So there’s plenty to pass out as gifts.

How to Serve Moonshine

Wondering how to serve your moonshine? Fret not! There are a few different ways you can enjoy this beverage. 

• Let it shine: Serve it as a shot, on the rocks, or as a moonshine cocktail. All are yummy if you ask me!

• Apple pie moonshine cocktail: Shake it with apple juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Apple slices and a cinnamon stick make nice garnishes.

• Batch cocktail: Pour it into a pitcher and add some lemon-lime soda or ginger beer.

How to Store

My apple pie moonshine recipe makes a lot—four to five quarts, to be exact! So you’ll have plenty to store for later. 

Thanks to the alcohol content, the jars don’t need the same airtight vacuum seal as when you're canning other items, but a good, snug seal is still essential.

I recommend boiling the lids for a few minutes, then drying them quickly before placing them on the jars.

Add the ring and tighten it to “finger tight”—this creates a mild vacuum effect from the heated lid without needing to fully boil the jars.

To Refrigerate: Keep the moonshine in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 months. The alcohol content helps preserve the moonshine, so before opening, it will also be fine in a cool, dark place.

Opened Bottles: Once opened, it's best to refrigerate and consume within 1-2 months for the best taste.

To Freeze: Leave some room in the jar for expansion and freeze for up to 2 years.