Apple pie moonshine is a delightful and potent beverage that combines the comforting flavors of apple cider, apple juice, and cinnamon with the kick of grain alcohol. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a unique homemade gift. The process is simple, but the result is a smooth, flavorful drink that captures the essence of a classic apple pie.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common, you might not always have grain alcohol on hand. This high-proof alcohol can be found in the liquor section of your supermarket or a specialized liquor store. Make sure to check the alcohol content and choose one that suits your preference.

Ingredients For Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Apple cider: A sweet, non-alcoholic beverage made from pressed apples. It forms the base of the moonshine and adds a rich apple flavor.
Apple juice: A clear, filtered juice that complements the apple cider and adds sweetness.
Sugar: Used to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks of cinnamon that infuse the moonshine with a warm, spicy flavor.
Grain alcohol: A high-proof alcohol that gives the moonshine its kick. It’s important to use a high-quality grain alcohol for the best results.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When simmering the apple cider and apple juice mixture, ensure you stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from settling at the bottom and caramelizing. This will help maintain an even sweetness throughout your apple pie moonshine.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
apple cider - Substitute with pear cider: Pear cider offers a similar sweetness and fruitiness, making it a good alternative.
apple juice - Substitute with white grape juice: White grape juice has a mild flavor that can mimic the sweetness and acidity of apple juice.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds a slight floral note to the recipe.
cinnamon sticks - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used in place of sticks, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
grain alcohol - Substitute with vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor and high alcohol content, making it a suitable replacement.
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How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Ensure your apple pie moonshine is completely cool before storing. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents condensation inside the jars.
- Use clean, sterilized mason jars to store your moonshine. This helps in preserving the apple cider and apple juice mixture without contamination.
- Seal the jars tightly to prevent any air from entering, which could affect the taste and potency of your moonshine.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place. A pantry or a cellar works perfectly. The absence of light and heat helps in maintaining the integrity of the cinnamon sticks and other ingredients.
- For longer storage, consider refrigerating the moonshine. This can extend its shelf life and keep the flavors fresh.
- If you plan to freeze the moonshine, make sure to leave some space at the top of the jars. Liquids expand when frozen, and this prevents the jars from cracking.
- Label each jar with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its age and ensures you consume the oldest batch first.
- When ready to serve, give the jar a gentle shake to mix any settled ingredients. This ensures a consistent flavor profile in every sip.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Gently warm the apple pie moonshine in a saucepan over low heat. This method ensures that the flavors remain intact without evaporating the alcohol content.
- Use a double boiler to reheat the moonshine. Place the moonshine in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. This indirect heat method prevents scorching and maintains the aroma.
- For a quick reheat, microwave the moonshine in a microwave-safe container. Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between to distribute the heat evenly.
- If you prefer a more rustic approach, pour the moonshine into a mason jar and place it in a pot of warm water. Heat gently on the stove, ensuring the water does not boil.
- For an outdoor gathering, reheat the moonshine over a campfire. Place the moonshine in a heatproof container and warm it near the fire, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to combine and heat the apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon sticks.
Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly while they heat and simmer.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the sugar and grain alcohol.
Mason jars: Used for storing the finished moonshine, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.
Lid with seal: To tightly seal the mason jars, keeping the moonshine preserved.
Stove: Provides the heat source needed to bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer.
Cooling rack: Allows the pot to cool down completely after simmering.
Funnel: Helps in pouring the moonshine into the mason jars without spilling.
Ladle: Useful for transferring the moonshine mixture from the pot to the mason jars.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the apple cider, apple juice, and sugar ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a slow cooker: Instead of simmering on the stove, use a slow cooker to combine the ingredients. This allows you to set it and forget it.
Cool quickly: Place the pot in an ice bath to speed up the cooling process before adding the grain alcohol.
Batch process: Make a double batch and store extra moonshine for future use, saving time on future preparations.

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 gallon Apple cider
- 1 liter Apple juice
- 2 cups Sugar
- 8 sticks Cinnamon
- 1 liter Grain alcohol
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon sticks.
- 2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
- 3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
- 4. Once the mixture is cool, stir in the grain alcohol.
- 5. Pour the moonshine into mason jars and seal tightly. Store in a cool, dark place.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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