This Apple Pie Moonshine is an easy recipe you can make at home. Serve it for special occasions or present it as gifts to friends and family. Either way, you’ll enjoy this delicious and flavorful recipe!
Yesterday I was delighted to share my Tips for Celebrating Friendsgiving. As promised, today I’m back with the recipe for Apple Pie Moonshine. Cheers!
This homemade apple pie moonshine recipe comes from my sister-in-law, Missy. She’s been making this moonshine for the past couple of years. I’m not sure why I hadn’t thought to share it with you sooner.
It’s become tradition of sorts for us to have a sip during the holidays and on special occasions. It also makes a unique gift for friends, family, and neighbors, whatever the occasion.
What is Moonshine?
If you’ve never had Apple Pie Moonshine, I must warn you that it’s as dangerous as it is delicious!
This moonshine is made from 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear), so it packs a punch. Given that it also tastes amazing, it’s best in moderation and should only be served by the shot. Please enjoy responsibly.
How Do You Make Apple Pie Moonshine?
To make the moonshine, simmer apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and seasonal spices for an hour to blend all the flavors together. (While the juice is cooking, check out my Friendsgiving playlist here.)
Once cooled, add the alcohol. The Apple Pie Moonshine is ready to drink. It’s that simple. However, I recommend letting it sit in the refrigerator for about a month. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
Now, if your state doesn’t sell 190 proof grain alcohol, you can substitute 150 proof or use more vodka.
Side note: For those wondering about my cute mason jar shot glasses and marble tray, you can find the shot glass here and the tray here. (affiliate links)
How long does flavored moonshine last?
If you can and seal them, the should last up to two years. Once you open them, I’d say about 3 months in the refrigerator.
However, I like to store mine in the freezer. They can last in the freezer for up to two years as well.
No matter how you make it, this moonshine is a delicious treat in small doses and, and, as I said, it makes a special gift. You can grab the full recipe for this delicious apple pie moonshine recipe below.
Like this moonshine recipe? Try these cocktails:
Thank you so much for joining me for Friendsgiving! I hope you like this Apple Pie Moonshine recipe. Cheers, my friends!
Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe:
Apple Pie Moonshine
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 gallon apple juice
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 6 cinnamon sticks - plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 (750 ml) bottle grain alcohol, 190 proof
- 1 (750 ml) bottle vodka
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and apple pie spice. Bring to almost a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat. Simmer for one hour. Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Once cool, remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the grain alcohol and vodka. Transfer the apple pie moonshine into sterilized quart jars or bottles and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- The Apple Pie Moonshine can be enjoyed immediately. However, for the best flavor, store it sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks before drinking. Shake well before serving.
I might need to make these for stocking stuffers for my extended family. Where can I get those little mason jar mugs? Do they come with lids?
The mini mugs are linked above. They are technically shot glasses, so no lids.
xo Michael
Beks, you can get 2oz versions of these little mason jar shooters with lids on them on Amazon! Just search for “Mason Jar Shot Glasses with Lids” and there will be options. You can get then with or without handles. They usually come in a set of 8 for about $14.
Ive been making this same recipe for years and it’s always a huge hit. However, The last time I made it I decided to substitute Hot Damn instead of vodka. Best decision ever!!
Love that idea, Jaclyn! I’ll have to give that a try.
xo Michael
I know this was years back, but did you ever end up trying the Hit Damn substitute? I was thinking instead of Vodka I may try some Fireball or possibly a spiced rum. I made your recipe tonight, and will try it in a few weeks. So thank you for the recipe! I have long been a huge fan of applepie moonshine, but its difficult to get the 190 proof everclear. I just grabbed a bottle when I was in Kansas for a few months though.
My only variation was instead of the teaspoon of apple pie spice I used a pumpkin pie spice. It was an accident, but should still work great. Last part…have you tried anything like vanilla or almond extract, nutmeg, allspice or anything similar?
I’ve only made the recipe as I’ve posted it here. I really love it the way it is, so I’m personally not looking to change it. However, other variations could be just as delicious. Cheers!
xo Michael
Also….Any chance you have figured out the alcohol content in each jar percentage wise? I was asked tonight, and it made me curious. Its hard to judge based on using 750 ml of 190 proof everclear and a 750 ml bottle of 40% absolute vodka.
I’m sorry, I really don’t have no idea how to calculate this. I just enjoy drinking it. Ha!
xo Michael
This is my calculation…………..
750 x .95 = 712.5 ml ethanol
750 x .4 = 300 ml ethanol
1012.5 ml ethanol in (750 + 750) ie 1500 ml total volume = 67.5% abv (alcohol by volume)
this is equivalent to 135 proof
further diluted with 7,570.82 ml (ie, 2 gal) of cider and juice
in this case my calculation yields around 12% abv, about the same as wine. (24 proof).
when you start with 1012.5 ml ethanol (from the grain alcohol + the vodka), this is all you get.
all other non-alcoholic ingredients only serve to dilute what you start with.
2 gal non-alcoholic contribution is a lot of dilution.
if you want to increase the butt-kicking effect, cut back on the non-alcoholic contribution.
My mother-in-law makes this recipe and it is so delish! Thank you for sharing the link for those adorable shot glasses. I just ordered them and can’t wait to whip up a batch of this moonshine and serve it in these for a new Thanksgiving tradition!
I would love to try making this. I wonder if it would be okay to put it in wine bottles and cork them.
Hi Michael. I made the Apple PIe Moonshine at Christmas to give to family members and it was a HUGE hit! I’m making another batch just to have on hand…. Can’t thank you (and Missy) enough. Happy New Year. I enjoy your blog.
Do you leave a cinnamon stick in the jar when you close them up? Looking forward to making this! Thank you!
Hi Michael,
do you hot water bath the jars? if yes, how long is the shelf life? if you do this, do you strain before canning it? I want to make for gifts and gift baskets so I would like it done before hand.
I have read to serve as a apple pie float with ice cream or whipped cream. have you tried it this way? sounds delicious!
thank you,
Connie
I haven’t “canned” them. I usually just store mine in the freezer for up to a year. However, I assume canning would work just fine and keep shelf stable for a year too. There’s really nothing to strain other than the cinnamon stick, but I like to leave that in there.
And no, I haven’t had it as an apple pie float, but that sounds amazing! I may have to make another batch. Thanks!
xo Michael
I brewed this and then was required to deploy so it sat in the Mason jars I put them in, inside my storage unit for about 4 months. It was wrapped in a dark heavy comforter so it would remain cool and in a dark place. I am glad to say upon my return they are still very good.
So happy to hear that, Travis. It should last for a year. I keep mine in the freezer to last longer. Cheers!
xo Michael
I’ve made this every fall since you’ve posted it. Just popping back in for the recipe to make up a batch for 2018. Thank you! -Sandy
Such a fun drink for thanksgiving!
What a fun tradition to start with my girlfriends! This sounds amazing!
I’m a moonshine drinking, West Virginia girl so you know I’m making this!
I’ve never had moonshine before, this sounds like a very good flavor to try. Perfect for Fall.
No one has gone blind from this??
Lol. Nope. 🙂
xo Michael
hello! i saw this recipe and thought hmmm i think i know what my co-workers are getting for xmas 🙂
my question is what apple juice do you prefer when making it?? there are so many on the market…sugar free, all natural etc. i just want to make sure i use the best 🙂
thx!!
dawn
Would water bath canning take out the alcohol content or change the flavour?
I wouldn’t think since it’s all contained. However, I really don’t need to water bath these. I just keep mine in the freezer.
xo Michael
Luckily I’m from the south so I got to use the real stuff the first time. Very, very good. Now I’m gonna cut half the vodka with Absolut Vanilla. I think the lady’s will like it a little better like that.
Do you strain the liquid through cheese cloth or pantyhose? I have heard of people doing that
Nope. I do not. There’s really nothing that needs strained out.
xo Michael
About how much end liquid does this make? I need to make quite a bit, enough for about 35-40 pint size Mason jars. Suggestions?
Never mind I see it says 10 quarts
I got blind using this and thankfully my seeing eye dog is helping me write this. Lol. I’m kidding. I love this and give it to friends every year and they love it. Thanks. I’m making it right now
What would spiced rum taste like instead of the vodka ?
Really good. I sub a 750ml bottle of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum for the Vodka, and 2 cups of Sugar in the Raw for the 2 cups of white sugar. Gives it a bit of a Florida Pirate twist, great for drinking on the rocks while relaxing on an island.
Nice! I love the change. I’ll have to give that a try!
xo Michael
I’ve been making this for the last 5 years as a christmas gift for all of my friends. Needless to say, when the holidays season arrives, everybody starts bugging me about when, and if I’m gonna make it. Lol Tasty little suggestion that I like to do, as I’m canning the moonshine,(I use the canning jars because they seal as it cools down), but I add one cinnamon stick, and top it off with a shot of fireball. It’s been a hit on my end ever since!! Great post. Happy holidays. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY! Peace
Why Everclear AND regular Vodka? I’ve only made it with Everclear and it is always a hit.
Just wondering i made this recipe and put cinnamon stick in and sealed it,when i opened it and poured a few drinks after a while it turned green .Can you tell us what we did wrong ,thank you .
Oh goodness. I have no idea? What turned green?
xo Michael
Any idea what the alcohol content/proof would be for each quart jar?
Can someone tell me te % of alcohol in a 6 oz serving
I am wondering the same thing
Hi all,
Looking to make this, but don’t have access to Everclear here in Australia. Best i can manage to get is 80 proof.
Has anyone made this recipe with 80 proof, if so, did you just add more of it? I’m thinking of 2 bottles of 80 proof vodka instead of 1 bottle of Everclear?
Also, I am concerned about shelflife. How long would this last in a cupboard or fridge?
Thanks Mike.
So you can canned this in mason jars abd it still be good for months
This is like the fifth batch we have made, I love this recipe we make it a couple times a year because our friends steal a couple jars ever time we go to visit them. In each state we visit.
Made this without the vodka. I could only get my hands on Everclear 151, but everyone loves it! Some of the people I gave it to said they did add their own vodka and loved the taste of that. Someone even added whiskey and liked it! haha. Great tasting mixure and easy to make. Going to try to get my hands on 190 for my next batch.
Love these ideas! And yes, it totally works with 151. The 190 just gives it an extra kick. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
xo Michael
What about using vanilla vodka?
I accidentally made a batch but added everything together upfront, meaning the alcohol and apple juice was never separated. It didn’t boil, but will it still be safe to drink?
The boiling is to dissolve the sugar. If you boiled it with the alcohol, you just cooked off all your alcohol, you can now serve it to the kids!
I just made this over the weekend. It tastes fantastic. We could only find 151 proof, so we used that plus some spiced rum. When we bottled it, we put half an apple in each mason jar as well, then put it in the freezer. I checked it the next day and all the mason jars were frozen. Does this mean we did something wrong or that it’s not going to be good?
If it freezes, then you didn’t use enough alcohol. But it will still taste good
I used the exact recipe, and stirred the pot each time before putting in the mason jars. Mine froze as well. Flavor is great though.
I accidentally bought vanilla vodka instead of caramel, do you think it will be ok?
It will change the flavor a bit, but it should be okay.
xo Michael
Hi Michael! I just noticed the above poster’s comment about using vanilla vodka instead of caramel. I didn’t see caramel vodka listed as an ingredient in the recipe. Is that supposed to be included somewhere?
I’m going to be making this for the first time and want to make sure I don’t leave anything out.
Thanks!
No, it’s just regular vodka. I must have been confused when I responded back. No caramel or vanilla vodka, just use regular.
xo Michael
How many jars or 16oz bottles does one batch make?
Anyone know where to get the 190 proof in California?
Can’t buy in cali
I live in Northern California and ordered it online from Caskers.com. I received it in less than a week.
That’s just pretty badass stuff.
What do you freeze this on. I assume not glass jars….
Yes. I freeze in the mason jars. You just need to leave a little room for expansion. Don’t completely fill the jars.
xo Michael
With the right mixture it won’t freeze like an ice block but more like slush
Yep! You are correct. Mine never fully froze.
xo Michael
Ooooh! Adult apple pie slushies! Yes, please!
Do you HAVE to add all that sugar? Or can you do without it?
You’re welcome to try this recipe anyway you’d like. This is how I make it. If you don’t mind less-sweet feel free to cut some of the sugar. I don’t think it’s all “necessary”, but it will impact the flavor.
xo Michael
I’ve been debating making this for a while & decided to ‘brew’ some up for New Year’s Eve gifts (hey, 2020 seems a great NYE to stay home & enjoy).
I first tried a different recipe/version but the cinnamon flavor was too overpowering & I tossed it. Used yours for my 2nd try (but only used 3 cinnamon sticks) and it is wonderful!! Several friends have tried it out already – they couldn’t wait – and it is a hit!! Thank you😊
Hi and thanks for this recipe! It looks amazing and I’m excited to make/give as gifts. I’m kind of a newbie when it comes to making alcohol-related recipes and am wondering if this has a shelf life? Does it need to be refrigerated, and if so, for how long will it last? Thanks 🙂
Turned out great but added 1/4 stick of cinnamon and 1/8 slice of granny Smith apple to every jar.
I’m throwing a party next weekend so it will only have about 11 days to set. Is that okay? Will it be safe?
Yes, that will be fine.
xo Michael