Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe | Easy & Flavorful

There’s something magical about sharing my grandmother’s Apple Pie Moonshine recipe during our family gatherings. The warm aroma of cinnamon and apples simmering on the stove instantly transports me back to autumn evenings in her kitchen. My daughter now helps me measure the spices, carrying on our three-generation tradition. This Apple Pie Moonshine recipe blends the comfort of homemade apple pie with a grown-up twist that’s perfect for holiday gifts or special celebrations.

Why This Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe Works

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and impressive results. You don’t need bartending experience to create a batch that tastes like it came from a small-batch distillery!

• Uses simple, accessible ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• Combines the nostalgic flavor of apple pie with just the right amount of warmth
• Can be made weeks (or even months) in advance, getting better with time
• Makes perfect homemade gifts in mason jars with custom labels
• Requires minimal hands-on time despite the impressive results
• Creates a versatile base that works in multiple drink recipes

I’ve tweaked this apple cobbler moonshine recipe over the years to find the perfect balance of sweetness and strength. The result is something that even my grandmother admits rivals her original version!

The Magic Behind the Ingredients

The beauty of this moonshine lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Store-bought apple cider and apple juice create the foundation, while cinnamon sticks and whole cloves infuse authentic warmth. The combination of brown and white sugars adds complexity that makes this Apple Pie Moonshine recipe truly special. The alcohol component is flexible—use Everclear for traditional strength or vodka for a milder version.

How to make homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

The process is wonderfully simple! Simmer the apple cider, juice, sugars, and spices to create a concentrated flavor base. After cooling, add your alcohol of choice, then transfer to jars for aging. While you can sample immediately, patience rewards you with a smoother apple pie moonshine drink recipe that improves dramatically after 2-4 weeks of resting.

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe | Easy & Flavorful

This homemade Apple Pie Moonshine combines warm spices, sweet apples, and your choice of spirits for a smooth, sippable treat that makes perfect gifts and special occasion drinks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Beverages

Cuisine American

Servings 8 cups

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mason Jars
• Cheesecloth
• Funnel

Ingredients

  

For the Apple Base

• 1 gallon apple cider not apple juice
• 1 quart apple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods optional
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 apples thinly sliced

For the Alcohol

• 750 ml Everclear grain alcohol or vodka for milder version
• 1 cup spiced rum optional

Instructions

 

Prepare the Apple Base

• In a large pot, combine apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until sugars begin to dissolve.
• Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Bring mixture to a low simmer over medium heat.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Do not allow mixture to boil vigorously.
• Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and sliced apples. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature (approximately 2-3 hours).

Add Alcohol and Bottle

• Once completely cool, remove and discard the whole spices and apple slices using a slotted spoon or strain through cheesecloth.
• Add the Everclear (or vodka) and spiced rum (if using) to the apple mixture and stir well to combine.
• Using a funnel, transfer the moonshine to clean mason jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids.

Aging and Serving

• For best results, allow the moonshine to age for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking gently once per week.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature. Can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Notes

The longer this moonshine sits, the better it gets! The alcohol content mellows and the flavors deepen with time. For gift-giving, make it at least one month in advance. If you prefer a less potent version, substitute the Everclear with vodka or reduce the amount of alcohol. Always consume responsibly – this is a sipping drink with significant alcohol content.

Keyword apple cobbler moonshine recipe, apple pie drink recipe, apple pie moonshine drink recipes, Apple Pie Moonshine recipe, homemade moonshine

For more recipe follow me en Facebook and Pinteres

Tips for Getting Your Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe Perfect

The Right Spice Balance

I’ve found that using whole spices rather than ground creates a cleaner flavor and prevents sediment. Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a couple of star anise pods create the perfect warm spice profile. Let these simmer gently—never boil aggressively—to extract their flavors without bitterness.

My Secret Trick for Extra Flavor

After removing the mixture from heat, I add a splash of pure vanilla extract and three thinly sliced apples to the cooling liquid. The residual heat infuses the apple pie moonshine recipe with natural fruit essence without cooking the alcohol off later.

Safety First

Always let your mixture cool completely before adding alcohol. Not only does this preserve the potency of your Apple Pie Moonshine recipe, but it’s also safer—adding high-proof alcohol to hot liquid can create dangerous alcohol vapors.

Aging Makes All the Difference

While it’s tempting to sample immediately, this recipe transforms dramatically with time. I mark my calendar for at least two weeks out—the patience is absolutely worth it! The flavors meld and mellow, creating a much smoother apple cobbler moonshine recipe that tastes professionally crafted.

Fun Variations for Your Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Caramel Apple Pie Version

Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to your simmering mixture for a decadent twist on the classic Apple Pie Moonshine recipe. This variation pairs beautifully with a splash of cream for a dessert-like experience.

Spiced Vanilla Edition

Double the vanilla and add two split vanilla beans to the cooling mixture. This creates a warming apple pie moonshine drink recipe that emphasizes the bakery-like qualities.

Lower Alcohol Alternative

For guests who prefer something milder, I create a “light” version using only vodka instead of Everclear. The apple pie drink recipe still maintains its signature flavor but with approximately half the alcohol content.

Seasonal Infusions

During winter holidays, I add orange peel and cranberries to the simmering mixture for a festive touch. In summer, a handful of fresh berries creates a wonderful seasonal variation on the traditional Apple Pie Moonshine recipe.

Serving Suggestions That Impress

This versatile spirit shines in so many settings! Serve it chilled in small mason jars garnished with cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a rustic presentation. For an elegant cocktail party, mix the Apple Pie Moonshine recipe with ginger ale and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing sparkler. If you enjoy creative homemade drinks, you might also love trying this refreshing Matcha Green Tea Boba — it’s a fun and delicious treat to make at home!

My family loves when I serve this alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar and honeycomb—the contrasting flavors are spectacular. For dessert pairings, nothing beats serving this apple pie drink recipe alongside vanilla ice cream or warm apple crisp for a double dose of apple goodness.

How to Store Apple Pie Moonshine recipe

One of the best qualities of this recipe is its exceptional shelf life. Store your sealed Apple Pie Moonshine recipe jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or basement. The high alcohol content acts as a natural preservative, allowing your batch to last for months—even up to a year!

If giving as gifts, I recommend adorable swing-top bottles or traditional mason jars sealed tightly. Always include a handwritten note with the apple pie moonshine drink recipe date so recipients know when it’s ready to enjoy.

For serving, I keep a bottle in the refrigerator for a chilled experience that slightly mutes the alcohol heat while enhancing the apple flavor.

Workflow & Preparation Timeline

Making this apple cobbler moonshine recipe requires planning ahead. Here’s how I structure the process:

1. Weekend Morning: Simmer the non-alcoholic base (approximately 1 hour)
2. Early Afternoon: Allow mixture to cool completely (2-3 hours minimum)
3. Evening: Add alcohol and transfer to storage containers
4. Next 2-4 Weeks: Age the mixture, gently shaking jars once weekly

I’ve found that making the Apple Pie Moonshine recipe on a lazy Sunday works perfectly—the gentle simmering fills my home with the most incredible aroma all day, and by evening, I can complete the process before the week begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutritional Insights

While this Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is certainly an indulgence, there are some surprising benefits. The apple cider contains beneficial antioxidants and natural fruit compounds. Using whole spices like cinnamon and cloves adds anti-inflammatory properties. When enjoyed in moderation, this traditional recipe provides the perfect balance of enjoyment and celebration.

Remember that this Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is best enjoyed responsibly in small portions—it’s a sipping drink meant to be savored slowly rather than consumed quickly.

A Tradition Worth Sharing

There’s something special about crafting your own Apple Pie Moonshine recipe at home. The process connects us to traditions of American heritage while creating something that brings joy to those we share it with. My grandmother beams with pride seeing her recipe enjoyed by a new generation, and my daughter loves being part of our “secret family recipe” tradition.

For a lighter, soothing option, I sometimes serve a batch of Lemon Balm Drink alongside the Apple Pie Moonshine — it makes for a beautiful contrast and a refreshing non-alcoholic choice.

I hope your family enjoys this Apple Pie Moonshine recipe as much as mine does! Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts, special celebrations, or simply to enjoy on cool evenings by the fire, this recipe creates memories along with delicious sips. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

For more recipe follow me en Facebook and Pinteres