Let’s flashback about eight or nine years ago to a family reunion. We were all sitting around the bonfire when my aunt Judy asks if anyone wants to try out a batch of her homemade apple pie moonshine. And I, having recently turned 21, was more than happy to oblige with this offer.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. But after one sip I knew I was hooked, this stuff was good. The bright taste of apples, along with the strong burst of spices completely covered up any taste of alcohol. It literally was like drinking an apple pie. And today I am going to show you all how to make this wonderful drink.
Is apple pie moonshine really moonshine?
Before we get anyone wondering if you need a backwoods still to make this recipe, NO, apple pie moonshine is not actual moonshine. Instead, it is a type of cocktail made with a combination of apple juice, apple cider, spices, and alcohol.
So why is it called moonshine?
Well, it’s because the alcohol used in this cocktail is a high proof grain alcohol, about 190 proof. And here in the U.S., this is often sold under the term “moonshine”. So really the name is just homage to the type of alcohol used in the cocktail.
That being said this stuff still packs a serious punch, so please drink it responsibly.
Apple pie spice done right
Most recipes for apple pie moonshine include basically the same ingredients. It’s just apple juice, apple cider, sugar, spices, and alcohol. However, I have always found that these recipes are a little lacking when it comes to the “spices”. You see most will only call for the addition of cinnamon sticks. And while that is all fine and dandy I have found that more spices are needed to give the cocktail that true apple pie taste.
So what spices are we adding?
Well, none other than apple pie spice!
That’s right there is an actual spice blend called apple pie spice, that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cardamom. And the combination of all five spices really takes this drink to the next level. However, if you don’t have access to some of these spices, or simply don’t like some of them, then feel free to leave them out. You will still have a great tasting drink.
Tips, Tricks & Suggestions
- While apple pie moonshine will be ready to drink as soon as you add the alcohol, you really should let it sit. In general, I recommend 4 to 8 weeks of rest before you start enjoying it. This way the flavors will meld together and the alcohol taste will be much smoother. In fact, since we are using such high proof alcohol you can easily store with for over a year. That is if you don’t drink it all before then. 🙂
- What should you do if you can’t find 190 proof alcohol? Well, just use the highest proof that you can find, preferably of something that has little to no taste like vodka. However, if you do use smaller proof alcohol you might want to store it in your refrigerator, or else it might go bad.
- This recipe makes a rather large-sized batch so you can cut all of the amounts by half if you want to. However, I recommend that you stick with the amounts listed because these make a wonderful gift for the holiday season.
- Try out our hot apple cider cocktail that is similar to this recipe.
Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 quarts
Ingredients
1 Gallon of apple cider
1 Gallon of apple juice
3 Cups of brown sugar
2 Tablespoons of vanilla extract
6 Sticks of cinnamon
2 Teaspoons of nutmeg, ground
1 Teaspoon of ginger, ground
1 Teaspoon of allspice, ground
6 to 8 Green cardamom pods, or ½ Teaspoon of ground cardamom
750 ml of high proof (about 190) grain alcohol
In order to jar them:
12 quart-sized mason jars
Extra cinnamon sticks for placing in the jars (optional)
Instructions
- Spice up the apple juice & cider: Get out a large stockpot and pour the apple juice and apple cider into it. Then add in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and all of the spices.
Place this over medium-high heat and let the mixture come to a soft boil. Then use a spoon to stir the mixture until all of the brown sugar has dissolved into the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
- After the 1 hour remove the pot from the heat and let the liquid cool down to room temperature.
- Remove the spices: Once the liquid has cooled to room temperature you can use either a sieve or a slotted spoon to remove the big cinnamon sticks. Don’t worry about getting it all out as we will strain the liquid before we add them to the jars.
- Pour in the alcohol and stir everything together.
- Jar the apple pie moonshine: Get out your clean mason jars and place a funnel over one of them along with a sieve over the funnel. Then use a ladle to spoon the moonshine into the jars until it almost comes to the top.
Repeat this step until all of your jars are filled. At this point, you have the option of placing an additional cinnamon stick into each jar. This will not only make the drink spicier but will make them look nice.
So make a decision and then place the lids on each jar.
- Place the jars of apple pie moonshine into a fridge to cool off before enjoying.
Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Gallon of apple cider
- 1 Gallon of apple juice
- 3 Cups of brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 6 Sticks of cinnamon
- 2 Teaspoons of nutmeg ground
- 1 Teaspoon of ginger ground
- 1 Teaspoon of allspice ground
- 6 to 8 Green cardamom pods or ½ Teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 750 ml of high proof about 190 grain alcohol
In order to jar them:
- 12 quart-sized mason jars
- Extra cinnamon sticks for placing in the jars optional
Instructions
- Spice up the apple juice & cider: Get out a large stockpot and pour the apple juice and apple cider into it. Then add in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and all of the spices. Place this over medium-high heat and let the mixture come to a soft boil. Then use a spoon to stir the mixture until all of the brown sugar has dissolved into the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
- After the 1 hour remove the pot from the heat and let the liquid cool down to room temperature.
- Remove the spices: Once the liquid has cooled to room temperature you can use either a sieve or a slotted spoon to remove the big cinnamon sticks. Don’t worry about getting it all out as we will strain the liquid before we add them to the jars.
- Pour in the alcohol and stir everything together.
- Jar the apple pie moonshine: Get out your clean mason jars and place a funnel over one of them along with a sieve over the funnel. Then use a ladle to spoon the moonshine into the jars until it almost comes to the top. Repeat this step until all of your jars are filled. At this point, you have the option of placing an additional cinnamon stick into each jar. This will not only make the drink spicier but will make them look nice. So make a decision and then place the lids on each jar.
- Place the jars of apple pie moonshine into a fridge to cool off before enjoying.
