When summer gives way to fall, its time for all the cozy comfort foods amazing fall cocktail recipes, soups. This Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is always a big hit around fires, on hay rides and at tailgating. We call it a party in a jar! his moonshine recipe is easy and tastes SO good!
Back in 2012, I discovered Midnight Moon Moonshine. I bought 2 jars of the Cherry moonshine. One to gift and one for us. It may or may not have caused a ruckus among my girlfriends and I!! Immediately after, I began to tinker and made my own Apple Pie Moonshine as well as many other moonshine flavors.
I have become famous among my family & friends for making flavored moonshine recipes, lol!
This was my Apple Pie Moonshine original image back in 2013.
Since I don't have an actual still in my backyard, I use Everclear as the base for this and all of my moonshine recipes and it works perfectly! The best part is the apple moonshine is ready the day you make it. No waiting!
This can sneak up on you so be share & drink responsibly.
I have posted a variety of moonshine recipes on my TikTok and people who actually have a still to make moonshine outside or in, often come at me saying this isn't the real deal. Like I always say. When you don't have a still. This is what you do.
And you know what?? This type of moonshine made from grain alcohol tastes much better than any I have tried made the authentic way. Then again I have never tasted it from real moonshiner. Just friends who have tinkered with indoor stills.
I bet a jar of this homemade moonshine recipe would be a hit at a holiday gift swap or as a host/hostess gift. Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine is an awesome idea for a food gift!
Table of Contents
Do I need a still to make moonshine?
- No! Sure there are people who are hardcore about making homemade moonshine in a still from a mash of corn, grains or fruit. They ferment it and eventually have homemade moonshine. However that much stuff is not pleasant to drink in my opinion.
- Using Everclear grain alcohol as a base is so similar without the equipment, and the wait time. It will never be the same as say someone's whose grandpop taught them how in the woods but its tasty and fun to make!
A couple of years ago I began adding in apple chunks for some extra flavor. It's not necessary, I just like doing it. After the mixture has cooled the apple chunks are very soft, I mash them right the liquid with a potato masher, then strain the liquid out into another pot before adding in the Everclear. Press on the solids so they release all of their juice.
How to make homemade moonshine
- The better your ingredients the better the result. I use farm fresh apple cider when I can get it and organic apple juice.
- I like to use one or two Honeycrisp apples to cut into chunks and cook along with the mixture. Mashing them up afterwards for extra flavor as well as little tidbits of apple.
- Tinker with the amount of sugar you add. Apple cider sweetness as well as apple juice sweetness varies. The more alcohol you end up adding the less sweet it will be also.
- Do not add your alcohol until the mixture cools fully (if you add it when hot, the alcohol will dissipate some).
- Always taste and adjust the next day after it has chilled. Add more alcohol to make it strong, add additional cider if you feel you made it too strong.
- I keep this in the freezer. Remember to leave headspace at the top of your containers/jars. Liquid expands in the freezer. Also make sure you are using a quality Mason Jar that you have not previously used for canning.
- Depending on how strong you make your moonshine will dictate if it freezes, is slush or doesn't freeze. If it does freeze, it will thaw quickly. It's so delicious a little slushy, mmmm!
- I love using jars like this, this or this for all of my moonshines and boozy concoctions.
Ingredients
- apple cider
- apple juice
- brown sugar
- white sugar
- nutmeg
- cinnamon
- cinnamon sticks
- apples
- Everclear grain alcohol
If you like peaches...Try my Fresh Peach Moonshine
Moonshine flavors variations
- Swap the flavor of apple for peach, watermelon, pineapple or whichever fruit you feel you would enjoy as a moonshine. Change up the spice or type of sugar used to vary the flavor as well.
- If you enjoy Watermelon, Try my Watermelon Moonshine.
- If you like Chocolate. You HAVE to make my Chocolate Moonshine! It's one of the BEST things you will ever drink! Trust me! Give this as a gift and the recipient will love you forever!!
Making Moonshine Tips
- The better the ingredients you start with are the better you Moonshine will taste.
- Play around with the strengths of grain alcohol, the stronger the booze used the more flavor and sweetness you will need to add in to offset it in my opinion.
- Always allow your mixture to cool BEFORE adding the Everclear to it. You don't way the alcohol to cook out from heat. If you do want to serve this warm, just heat slightly.
- This is a quick moonshine recipe. No need to have it sit to mature. However always taste and adjust before serving. You may want to top it off with extra booze OR extra juice.
- You can can this.
Cheers to making all the delicious moonshine at home! XO - Colleen
Cocktail recipes to try
Originally published November 2013. Post updated December 2023. Post contains affiliate links which mean if you click and purchase, I may receive a few cents in return.
Apple Pie Moonshine
Ingredients
- 64 oz / 8 cups of apple cider
- 64 oz / 8 cups apple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- A few dashes of nutmeg
- A few dashes of cinnamon
- 6 whole cinnamon sticks snapped in half
- Optional: 2 Honeycrisp apples cut into 2 inch chunks
- 1 750 ml bottle Everclear 80 to 151 proof...just depends on how strong you like it or grain alcohol (start by using half the bottle and go from there)
Instructions
- Combine the cider, juice, sugars and apple chunks if using and bring to a vigorous boil, sprinkle in the spices and continue to boil for 10 more minutes, reducing it a bit
- Remove the mixture from the heat and cool completely.
- Once the mixture is at room temperature, mash up the apples with a potato masher (if you put them in) and then strain the moonshine. Add in the Everclear, stir.
- Often I can't tell how strong it is until its been chilled. Feel free to add extra Everclear in at any point, OR if you feel its to strong extra cider.
- I usually place a fresh cinnamon stick in each container.
- This will yield 4-5 quart sized mason jars full.
- Store the moonshine in a cold garage or refrigerator.
- Give it a quick shake before pouring.
- I like to put this in my freezer an hor or so before serving or taking somewhere.
- I serve it as shots in smapp shooter cups.
Heather says
You are a riot! I want to hang out with you and your friends...it sounds like fun 🙂
sandy warttman says
I'm wondering how long this would last in refridgerater? So good. thanks bunches.
Colleen says
Hi Sandy, I have kept it in the fridge for 2 weeks and in the freezer longer.
Anthony says
What our you using to strain with.
Colleen says
I just use a typical mesh strainer. You could even use a pasta strainer (it may let through little bits of apple however that is fine). CHeers!
Lindsey S. says
This looks awesomely fun!... and dangerously good 😉
Brandi says
Yummy! My grandfather used to hide moonshine in the woods on the mountain they lived on in Maryland during Prohibition when he was a boy. =)
Bill Temple says
Just curious of what mountain, I grew up in Garrett county Md.
ginabad says
Mmmmm! I put that right on my "Fun for Moms" board 😉 Is it legal to give homemade cocktails?? lol, kidding...
Deanna - Teaspoon of Spice says
YUM! I got into the moonshine (literally) while visiting my friend in Alabama who's hubby made some maraschino cherry moonshine - it was darn good.
Nona says
Friends get a quart for Christmas this year, should make for a merry holiday. Don't forget we want the cherry moonshine recipe when you perfect it.
Aunty Pol says
OMG..I almost died laughing ! My best friends out in SWashington state make this and it was mighty tasty sippin on their back porch . this stuff rocks . May I post a properly credited link on my blog...?
Waving from Houston !
Kim says
That looks amazing!!
musingsonmotherhoodmidlife says
I have never made moonshine but this looks great. It ties in nicely with your advice on getting the Pirate makeover at Disneyworld:)
Estelle
Anonymous says
So do you put 2 cinnamon sticks in each quart jar? Put them in when you put the spices in or just before sealing the jars? Looks yummy. Thanks!
Anonymous says
I was wondering about the cinnamon sticks also? When do they get added?
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
I add them while its cooking, then make sure each jar gets a few halves.
Shelley says
Hmm wondering, can one cook up apples, cheesecloth to squeeze out juices can you use the juice to make moonshine?? If so do you have a recipe? Thanks
Colleen says
I can't see why not Shelley. That would be delicious! That or using a press. I do not have a recipe for that. I do sometimes cook apple chunks in my mixture for extra flavor. After I mash them with a potato masher and then strain it into jars.
Anonymous says
Not to be nitpicky but this isn't moonshine. Moonshine requires distilling. This would actually be what's called infused.
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Agreed! Its just fun to make and delicious and for those of us who don't have a chance of access to making or drinking the real thing 🙂
Tony says
Really !!!! Just enjoy the juice !!!
Anonymous says
neither is the moonshine they sell in the stores. if it's not made in the woods to avoid paying the government extortion rates (taxes), it's not technically moonshine.
I think people are calling it that because they are replicating the store bought "shine" recipes. I call it the same thing because I don't know what else to call it besides "apple pie booze", which sounds good too lol.
Jeremy says
Adding some vanilla extract will bring this recipe to a whole new high. Amazing.
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Yum! Great idea!
Melissa says
Gggrrrrr, Ever clear is illegal in Pennsylvania, can I use 100 proof vodka? ?
Colleen says
PA does have it...last year it was behind the register, now its actually in the aisles. Any grain alcohol will work. I would THINK vodka would work however I have not tried that. Let me know what happens.
fred says
no it isn't i buy it in the liquor store 151 proof in pennsylvania
Donna Perdue says
Awesome stuff. I live in the "Moonshine Capital" of the world. Bit different when made with the real stuff. Try infusing 10 or so Sour Apple Jolly Ranchers in the EverClear and mix with cranberry juice and Sour Apple Pucker.
Colleen says
Oh yum! I will give it a try! Thanks!
Colleen says
Wow Chris!! Some amazing tips here, Thank you!!! Wishing I was your neighbor right about now! Especially since I know where your stash is! Cheers!!
Luis says
I have one question. Is it apple cider vinegar you add to this drink.?
Colleen says
Noooo. Apple Cider (made from pressed apples). Cider vinegar would be awful and bitter and surely undrinkable 🙂
Jo Knight says
I'm so rapt in all the information you've provided, Chris, its much appreciated. Lots of really good ideas for us beginners. I can't wait to make my own blackberry liquor. Thank you ! 🙂
Jennifer Barker says
How long can you store this in the fridge?
Lisa Staples says
Add a bottle of Caramel vodka and it takes it to a whole new level of yummy!
Darrin says
Caramel and vanilla vodka along with the everclear.
Sheryl A Lustgraaf says
Why should you strain it? This receipe sounds so good and I'm going to try it! Thank you!
Colleen says
I strain it when it looks like some of the cinnamon had crumbled off or too much cinnamon is floating...Personal preference. I also sometimes add in a couple of chopped apples (with skins) and mash them down after I boil them for a bit in the juices.
Maureen D says
Can this be canned and kept stored on s shrelf, refrigerated or frozen for a longer than 4 weeks?
Colleen says
I have no experience with canning sadly. I keep it in the refrigerator or freezer. I have kept it for a month and it was just fine!
Gidge says
How long does it keep for in the fridge if the jars are sealed?
I made 5 batches of apple cider and couldn’t wait to try this recipe. It is insanely delicious. We were wondering what the alcohol percentage is in each jar. This recipe is kicka$$.
Colleen says
I have kept it in the fridge for up to a month. I also keep it in the freezer. I don't know the alcohol content. I know I always seem to add more or less. I just taste and adjust each time PLUS I add more or less depending on who I am gifting it to or who I know will be drinking it wherever I bring it. Sometimes I use 1/2 750 ml bottle Everclear and sometimes mor. Also depends on what proof you buy as well since it comes in 120, 151 and 190 proof.
Ashley Sims says
SO does this taste like apple pie or does it taste more like alcohol?
Colleen says
More like Apple Pie, If you want it to TASTE like alcohol, all you need to do is add in more Everclear. I adjust it to who I am serving it to.
Lclovitt says
Sorry but you can't get 2 1/2 gallons from only 1 gallon and 3.25 cups.
Colleen says
I do use a gallon of each apple cider and apple juice after adding the other ingredients its usually just about 2 1/2 gallons for me. I do also add in an apple or two cut into chunks often then mashed them with a potato masher and strain.
James P says
Since you are using so much apple cider and apple juice will this make it super weak. Can you use 4 cups instead of 8? This seems like it would be very weak.
Colleen says
Hi James, this is just a base for how much Everclear to add. Depending on who will be enjoying it....I can go up to double that amount of grain. Add as much or as little as your taste or your audience's taste will enjoy.
Laura says
Oh my gosh! I haven't made this in about 10 years. Love your recipe!
Colleen says
Thanks! THIS is a staple, our various crowds of friends won't allow me/us to NOT make it throughout the year, haha!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
I could use a gallon of this especially for my fall Halloween party.
Anne Lawton says
THis reminds me of a drink I had several years ago, it tasted just like apple pie. I tried to re-create it at home but it wasn't the same! I think your version might be it. I have some apples to use up - now I have a weekend project!
Colleen says
Nice! Let me know what you think!
Terri says
I was just thinking I was going to start making moonshine 😂if the liquor stores close. But why wait?! This sounds fantastic!
Carlos at Spoonabilities says
I haven't had moonshine YET! I'm very curious about the taste. Your recipe is perfect and I will try to make it soon.
Eileen Kelly says
I've had the pleasure of enjoying this apple pie moonshine and it's amazingly delicious. Also, bring it along to any party and you will be invited often.
Colleen says
Ha, that's what I say...Bring it to parties and you'll always be invited back!
Lucas Knight says
Can you add apple chunks in the jar so you am have cinnamon sticks and apple chunks for looks and to eat when empty? Has anyone tried this?
Colleen says
I have added apple chunks into the jar, however I can't remember anyone eating them. I do leave cinnamon sticks in the jar when I bring it places. However if you leave the cinnamon sticks in for days/weeks...they begin to break down. You can always remove them and plunk fresh ones in before gifting or enjoying. Cheers!
Renee says
We served this warm for a tailgate and for a bonfire!! Amazing warmed!!!!
Colleen says
Yum!! Glad to hear it! Thanks for the comment Renee!
Barbara says
Looks and sounds so good. Would love to know about the chocolate. What kind and how much. I am a chocolate person
I will try this of course
Colleen says
Barbara, here is the link for the Chocolate Moonshine. It is a MUST try! So yummy! https://soufflebombay.com/chocolate-moonshine/
Jim says
Tried the Apple is was awesome. Do you have a good recipe for Blackberry shine?
Colleen says
I have yet to make Blackberry, I did make Blueberry however I wasn't in love with it...Yet, lol!
Rachel Potts says
I have been making this moonshine recipe for years and it’s delicious! Warms you from your head to your toes on a cool fall day. I make a double batch and let it sit for at least two months before drinking. I’ve had it a year later and it’s as smooth as ever. I put it in clean quart ball jars and store in cool basement shelf. Makes a great Christmas gift.
Don says
Did you just close the lid or did you actually keep the jars to actually steal them for storage in a cool space like the basement thank you I hope to make some for Christmas cheer
Colleen says
I let it cool, then screw lids on or place in bottles. I store in my freezer, but a cold garage or refrigerator works as well.
Tony says
Great recipe I added a couple of slices of Granny Smith apples and used Everclest 190 proof. I used about 65 % of the Everclear and it was outstanding !!!
Colleen says
Fantastic to hear Tony! Cheers!!!
Keri says
Love this! So good! I made another batch last night, fell asleep while letting it cool. Left it out overnight! Is it still good?
Colleen says
Sorry just back from holiday break. Yes, still good if left out overnight.
Rochelle says
If anyone can help... First time making anything like this. I am planning on the caramel apple for a gift I'm sending to the West coast. Going to use 1/2 rum and 1/2 everclear. So one question is why cider and juice? I plan on straining after a week then getting it in the mail. So another question is will it be ok since it will take 3-5 days to get there? Thanks in advance.
Colleen says
Hi Rochelle, I like to use both the cider and juice since they have different flavor. It is a nice balance not just straight up cider. I know the post office always asks if a box is liquid, perishable etc. Not sure if you can ship it. If you can wrap it crazy good so it wont break. It's cold out so it will be fine shipping for a few days.
Anne Harreden says
What is everclear?
Colleen says
Everclear is the brand name of a grain alcohol. Next thing to having a still in your backyard, lol! It comes in 120, 151, 189 and 190 (varies by state I think). You could sub vodka as well.
FlaMan says
I ran my still last night and ended up with 1/2 gal of 180 proof white lighting. Will use your recipe to flavor it. I aslo think I am going to use your recipe and put it into the fermenter with some extra apples. Use this as the base for another still run. Basically it should result in an apple essence in the alcohol for a second round of apple pie moonshine. I'll enjoy the other batch while the second one is in the fermenter.
Colleen says
Ohhh! Let me know how it comes out! One of our best friends has been TRYING to get his homemade moonshine right for almost a year (set up in his kitchen). Finally the best batch came out last month! It was a ton of trial and error for him. HE made a creamsicle flavored batch and it was good!
Beth says
Hi I was wondering I’m making homemade apple cider to make this recipe would I still need to add the spices when I add the juice if I added them into the cider to cook? Thank you can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂 🙂
Colleen says
I would just add cinnamon sticks (maybe two broken in half). Good luck!
Deborah Johnston says
I took a fancy martini glass (or margarita glass) and put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it and poured apple pie moonshine over it and it taste like apple pie ala mode. Us girls really liked it. Just a suggestion. Enjoy
Colleen says
LOVE this idea!! TY! Cheers!
Teresa says
Can this be served warm?
Colleen says
Sure, just add the booze (everclear or vodka) after you've warmed it so the alcohol doesn't cook out.
Destiny Morris says
First time making this, I just got the ingredients. Do I need to boil everything except the alcohol first, apples and cinnamon sticks as well? Or just the juices then add in apples and cinnamon sticks after it cools, when I add the alcohol? Thanks in advance 🙂
Colleen says
Bring mixture to a simmer WITHOUT alcohol. Add alcohol in after it cools. Cheers!
Danielle says
i used half the bottle of 150 proof. this recipe did the trick. Slushie form is excellent and can still catch up to you lol
Colleen says
Awesome! Cheers!!
Beermaker66 says
looks great, making it now, waiting to cool. I'm scaling it down to 1/4 plus adding tsp of vanilla. So 16 oz each of Cider and juice, but adding a whole bottle of 190 proof everclear. Figure that'll make the final alcohol content about 85 proof.
Colleen says
Hope you enjoyed it!! Cheers!
Kim says
Can I drink it right away? Or does it have to sit for a period of time thank you
Colleen says
It is ready right away 🙂 Cheers!
shelby says
The first moonshine I ever tried was the cherry too! I had to make this recipe and I have to say it was super easy and dangerously delicious! Thank you for such a great recipe!
Gwynn Galvin says
Ok, so I've never had moonshine (can you believe it?) til now and I'm a fan! This was so easy to make and I took your suggestion to put it in the freezer for a bit, and yes, we all loved those icy bits! Cheers!
Eileen says
You make the best moonshine. I've made this and we just love it.
Kristin says
This recipe looks delicious, and I can't wait to give it a try! The combination of apple cider, apple juice, and the warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon sounds like a perfect way to capture the coziness of a fall day in a bottle. I love that it uses both brown and white sugar for that rich sweetness, and I bet the cinnamon sticks and fresh apples add a wonderful depth of flavor and also visual appeal. Of course, Everclear is the secret ingredient for that moonshine kick!
Gwen Hindmarsh says
This sounds so good. I am going to make some of this, I have so much cider I made that needs a little kick. Noticed your 8 cup measurements does not change. It might be a technical issue. Cheers Gwen (New Zealand)
RT Casalenda says
You said that it doesn’t have to sit. If it sits for a lengthy period of time like some homemade moonshine, does it get better? Can the apples remain in the liquid if it’s in the freezer? I have had some apple pie moonshine that was a year old and it was wonderful. Any information is greatly appreciated
Colleen says
It will get more flavorful in the fridge. However don't leave cinnamon sticks in more than a week, they will begin to break down. If you use 191 proof, you'll need to let it sit to have the flavors mingle enough to enjoy. You can leave this in a cool spot like a pantry or basement as well after straining everything out. Make sure lids are new if you choose to store that way in jars.
Jane says
I have made your apple pie moonshine before...so yummy but I use a half a bottle Everclear and a half a bottle of vanilla vodka. The taste is real smooth.
Colleen says
Ooooh, I like it!! Thanks Jane!
Jessica says
Saving this recipe for a vacation up north. This recipe sounds perfect! Thank you!!
Colleen says
Cheers to a great trip AND a fun night by the fire with family/friends and a jar or two of this!!
Haley says
I accidentally added the vodka with the juices when initially boiling. Will this be an issue?
Colleen says
You may have cooked the alcohol out of it. Wait till its completely cooled, taste and I would think you'll want to add more. Taste and adjust.
Shelly says
I added a couple of dashes of allspice and ground clove as well as the nutmeg and cinnamon called for in the recipe and the floor is fabulous! Thanks for your recipe!
Colleen says
Sounds perfect Shelly! So glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
The Shaffer's says
we made the watermelon one too. super amazing! good job!
Colleen says
Awesome, glad you enjoy them both! Cheers!!
Steve Mullins says
This is the bomb and it’s great cold over ice like a tea or you can serve it hot like tea with something like whipped cream on top. It doesn’t taste like it has nearly as much kick as it really does. It last in the fridge for several months but I don’t use cider and juice that comes refrigerated. That would probably be better but not last as long. I bet that Trader Joe’s spiced apple cider would be good in ur too or cherry flavored apple cider.
And yes I am a descendant of the Mullins moonshine clan from Kentucky and Tennessee
Colleen says
Ha Steve, I love it! I bow to your clan!! All those suggestions sound delish, glad you enjoy!! Cheers!