Spice up your gatherings with apple pie moonshine — a bold, warming drink that evokes outlaw lore softened by the comfort of grandma’s apple pie. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for friends of legal drinking age.
This is one of the best apple pie moonshine recipes for any occasion — long winter nights, holiday parties, or warm-weather get-togethers. Imagine settling in by a crackling fire, sharing stories with friends, and sipping a jar of homemade apple pie in liquid form. Serve it at spring and summer barbecues for a surprising, nostalgic twist. A strong drink with a real kick, so sip responsibly.
If you enjoy gifting homemade treats, apple pie moonshine is a welcome change from the usual cookies and candies. Packaged in mason jars with a ribbon and a cinnamon stick, it becomes a memorable seasonal present. You can buy apple pie moonshine from some retailers, but nothing beats a fresh, big batch made at home.
I also recommend trying the peach moonshine if you like fruit-flavored spirits.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS RECIPE
- It warms you from the inside out — perfect for sipping on chilly evenings.
- Uses just a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- The sweet apple-and-spice profile wins over even hesitant drinkers.
- Ideal for homemade holiday gifts in jars.
WHAT IS APPLE PIE MOONSHINE?
Apple pie moonshine is the legal, ready-to-drink version of the moonshine myth: sugared and spiced high-proof grain alcohol blended with apple juices and cider to recreate that classic pie flavor. This recipe creates a flavorful cocktail rather than distilling alcohol, so you’re simply making a flavored spirit to enjoy responsibly.
Flavored moonshines have moved from rural lore to popular bar menus, and this apple pie variation is a favorite for its cozy, familiar spices. Note: this guide will not cover distillation; it focuses on mixing a delicious, potent beverage.
APPLE PIE MOONSHINE INGREDIENTS
- Apple juice + spiced apple cider: A mix of the two creates a rich, balanced apple base.
- Brown sugar + granulated sugar: The combined sugars provide depth and sweetness.
- Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks add warm, authentic spice.
- Everclear: A high-proof grain alcohol commonly used for infused moonshines. If unavailable in your state, substitute a high-proof neutral spirit or extra vodka.
- Vodka: A neutral vodka preserves the apple flavor; you can substitute part of it with vanilla vodka for a hint of extra warmth, but don’t replace all of it.
RECIPE NOTES
- Legality: This recipe mixes store-bought alcohol and juices into a cocktail. Distilling your own alcohol without permits is illegal in many places, but creating this infused cocktail at home is legal where alcohol consumption is permitted. Check local laws if you have questions about production or distribution.
- Alcohol content: This is a sipping drink due to its strength. The finished cocktail is roughly 30 proof for this recipe, though commercial versions can be stronger. Drink responsibly.
- Using Everclear: Everclear is available in different proofs (commonly 151 and 190). If you cannot find high-proof grain alcohol, use a high-proof vodka or reduce the amount to match your preferred strength. Adjust to local availability and taste.
- Pairings: Apple pie moonshine mixes well into cocktails and with mixers like apple cider, cranberry juice, ginger ale, cream soda, or lemon-lime soda.
- Gifting ideas: Add an extra cinnamon stick to each jar and optionally a few thin apple slices (warn recipients not to eat the soaked slices, as they absorb alcohol). Finish with twine and a handmade label for a charming presentation.
STORING + MAKE-AHEAD
- Make-ahead: Yes—this moonshine often tastes better after resting. While drinkable as soon as it cools, flavors mellow and meld after a week or two. Preparing it a couple of weeks ahead yields the best results.
- Storage: Keep homemade apple pie moonshine refrigerated. For longer storage, the freezer works well — the alcohol prevents it from freezing solid, and the cold preserves flavor. Fill jars nearly full, seal tightly, and only open when ready to serve.
CAN APPLE PIE MOONSHINE GO BAD?
Short answer: Yes. Store it in the refrigerator to be safe. Although the high alcohol content helps preserve the mixture, refrigeration or freezing will extend shelf life and help maintain flavor and safety.
DOES APPLE PIE MOONSHINE GET STRONGER AS IT SITS?
The perceived strength may not increase, but the apple and spice flavors intensify and integrate over time. Letting the moonshine rest in the fridge for a couple of weeks improves the overall taste.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE MOONSHINE
- Combine: In a large pot, mix apple juice (1 gallon), spiced apple cider (1 gallon), dark brown sugar (2 cups, firmly packed), granulated sugar (1 cup), and 12 cinnamon sticks.
- Boil and simmer: Bring to a boil while stirring until the sugars dissolve. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer on low for one hour. Then remove from heat and cool completely.
- Add spirits: Once cooled, stir in 2 liters of 190-proof Everclear (or substitute grain alcohol) and 1 1/2 cups vodka. Remove the used cinnamon sticks.
- Jar and finish: Pour the moonshine into twelve clean 16-ounce jars. Add a fresh cinnamon stick to each jar, seal with lids (not for canning, just to cover), and refrigerate.
- Rest: The moonshine is drinkable immediately, but flavors improve significantly after sitting for two weeks.
MORE FALL COCKTAILS
- Cranberry Apple Bourbon Cocktail
- Pear Martini
- Cranberry Margarita
- Sweet Red Sangria
- Keoke Coffee
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Apple Pie Moonshine
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple juice
- 1 gallon spiced apple cider
- 2 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 18 cinnamon sticks, divided
- 2 liters 190 proof Everclear, or grain alcohol
- 1 1/2 cups vodka
Instructions
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In a large pot, combine apple juice (1 gallon), apple cider (1 gallon), brown sugar (2 cups), granulated sugar (1 cup), and 12 cinnamon sticks. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugars are dissolved.
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Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for an hour. Remove the pot from heat and cool completely.
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Stir Everclear (2 liters) and vodka (1 1/2 cups) into cooled syrup and remove cinnamon sticks.
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Pour Moonshine into 12, 16-ounce clean jars, add a fresh new cinnamon stick to each jar, screw the tops on (you’re not going to process the jars for canning, you’re just using the tops to cover the jars), and store in the fridge.
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The moonshine is ready to drink immediately but the taste will improve significantly as the moonshine has a chance to sit and mellow for 2 weeks.
Fans Also Made:
-
Christmas Sangria -
Green Apple Martini
-
Pumpkin Pie Martini
-
Sloe Gin Fizz
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Notes
- Gifting special touches: Add an extra cinnamon stick and, if desired, a few thin green apple slices to each jar (warn recipients not to eat the soaked slices). Finish jars with twine and a handwritten label for a personal touch.
Nutrition
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