Apple Pie Moonshine
A cozy, easy blend of apple juice, apple cider, cinnamon, and a sneaky dose of grain alcohol—this apple pie moonshine is sweet, spiced, and brimming with warm fall flavor. Perfect for gifting, sipping, or stashing in your fridge for chilly evenings.
12
cups
Ingredients
Apple Pie Moonshine Base
- 8 cups (1.89 liters) apple juice 100% juice recommended
- 8 cups (1.89 liters) apple cider unfiltered, not hard cider
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (440 g) light brown sugar packed
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple pie spice optional, or more to taste
Alcohol
- 2 cups (475 ml) grain alcohol (Everclear 190 proof) see notes for substitutions or adjustments
- 2 cups (475 ml) vodka
Equipment
- Large pot
- Sterile Mason Jars or Bottles
- Funnel
- Fine Mesh Strainer
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the apple juice, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and apple pie spice. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Stir a few times—the aroma will be incredible.
- Remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool completely to room temperature. (Don’t rush—adding alcohol to anything hot will evaporate it.)
- Once fully cooled, stir in the grain alcohol and vodka.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks. Carefully strain and funnel the moonshine into sterile mason jars or bottles.
- Seal and refrigerate. For best flavor, let it rest in the fridge for at least 2–4 weeks before serving. Shake gently before pouring.
Notes
For less boozy moonshine: Replace the grain alcohol with more vodka, or adjust to taste.
Extra Spice: Add a few cloves, orange peel, or a star anise pod to the simmer for more depth.
Storage: Moonshine keeps in the fridge up to three months. Shake before serving; never reheat.
Serving ideas: Pour chilled over ice, add to cocktails, or use in desserts.
Extra Spice: Add a few cloves, orange peel, or a star anise pod to the simmer for more depth.
Storage: Moonshine keeps in the fridge up to three months. Shake before serving; never reheat.
Serving ideas: Pour chilled over ice, add to cocktails, or use in desserts.
Nutrition
Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 120mg | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg