A few years ago, I was introduced to apple pie moonshine. I had never had anything quite so smooth, sweet and surprisingly potent! After researching varying versions of this holiday treat, I went to work on developing my own.
The spices and sugars make this liqueur a crowd favorite. I recommend whenever possible to use fresh ingredients for this delicious apple pie moonshine recipe. Check out the local farmers market and orchards for fresh cider, juice and spices.
What Is Moonshine?
Moonshine is a homemade, high-proof whiskey that’s usually made from distilled corn. Originating during the prohibition era, this drink was historically illegal and often made during the nighttime, hence the name “moonshine.” While this recipe uses the term “moonshine,” it isn’t a technically defined moonshine and instead uses juices and alcohol as its mixture and has a lower alcohol content compared to the original drink.
Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Jennifer Schwarzkopf/Taste of Home
Ingredients
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 1/2 gallon of apple cider
- 1/2 gallon of apple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2-1/2 cups vanilla vodka
- 2-1/2 cups 190 proof grain alcohol, such as Everclear
Directions
Step 1: Mix and bring to a boil
Mix the first six ingredients in a large stainless steel stock pot (5.5 quarts or larger) and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Let it simmer
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cool down
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Add liquor
Once completely cooled, add the liquors and stir well.
Step 5: Bottle the moonshine
When you’re ready to bottle the liqueur, stir again, pour into bottles and seal tightly.
Step 6: Refrigerate and enjoy!
Refrigerate liqueur until you are ready to serve.
How to Serve Apple Pie Moonshine
You can serve this decadent cordial straight or on the rocks. Feel free to have fun garnishing your drink with a cinnamon stick, a couple of whole cloves, a slice of your favorite type of apple (learn how you can keep apples from browning), or even a lightly sugared rim. A safe recommendation is to pour up to three ounces per serving, however, if you subscribe to the bigger is better mantra, add a few ice cubes to lessen the punch (and potential pain in the morning). Cheers!
Making and Storing Apple Pie Moonshine in Advance
Like most things, the longer this apple pie moonshine recipe sits, the better it gets. So, if you can, give it a few days before serving, but make sure to drink it up within about three months. With the holidays coming and lots of company visiting, that shouldn’t be too difficult!
More Apple Drinks to Try
Apricot-Apple CiderDried apricots give this comforting cider a marvelous twist. Add cranberries, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for the perfect hot drink to sip on cool nights. —Ginnie Busam, Pewee Valley, Kentucky
Craving more fall? Try out these
pumpkin spice products.
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly ShotsThese spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple CiderSpiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Warm Cider Cranberry PunchI first made this at an instructional cooking camp. My kids loved it so much that, for a time, they insisted we make it every day. Serve it hot in the winter or with the ice during the summer. —Carol Gehringer, Raleigh, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Apple CiderThere's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Citrus Cider PunchI share this refreshing punch recipe with people who visit our apple cider mill. It's perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. —Carolyn Beck, St. Johns, Michigan
Slow-Cooked Apple Cranberry CiderBuffets are my favorite way to feed a crowd. This fruity cider can be made ahead, then kept warm in a slow cooker so people can serve themselves. —Kathy Wells, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Spiced Hot Apple CiderDuring cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Vanilla Citrus CiderMy mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrus-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Apple Cider SmashA smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Cinnamon Spiced CiderWith my first sip of this brisk cider, I know autumn has arrived. It makes the kitchen smell so festive that I serve it during the holidays, too. Transfer it to a slow cooker set on low to keep it warm until the last party guest leaves. —Tina Butler, Royse City, Texas
Mulled CiderThis is a classic warmer-upper that you can serve on chilly winter days. Pass the brandy separately for those who want it.
Hot Buttered Cider MixPut the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced Cider PunchI’ve shared this recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, Akansas
Hot Holiday CiderThis slightly tart apple cider is perfect for a holiday open house. It fills the room with a wonderful aroma. —Cindy Tobin, West Bend, Wisconsin
Spiced CiderI first concocted this beverage years ago for my son on a chilly New England day. He’s grown now, but he still enjoys this tangy cider whenever he comes for a visit. —Debbie Terenzini, Lusby, Maryland
Harvest Apple CiderI simmer this comforting cider in my slow cooker every fall. —Lesley Geisel, Severna Park, Maryland
Hot Spiced CiderNext time you're entertaining, stir up a batch of this nicely spiced apple cider. The wonderful aroma will make your guests feel welcome on a chilly day. —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Warm Spiced Cider PunchThis is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
Cider WassailThis traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Because it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana
Caramel Apple FloatWho doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
