Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Intro

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe is the kind of homemade treat that feels like a secret family tradition—even if you’re making it for the first time. It’s sweet, spiced, warming, and dangerously smooth. Perfect for fall nights, holiday gifting, or just sipping slowly while wrapped in a blanket pretending you’re not going back for another glass.

This recipe is inspired by classic apple pie flavors: apples, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. The alcohol blends in so smoothly that you almost forget it’s there… until you stand up. Consider yourself warned.

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What Is Apple Pie Moonshine?

Apple Pie Moonshine is a flavored alcoholic drink made by simmering apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and warm spices, then mixing it with high-proof alcohol once cooled. The result is a sweet, spiced, dessert-like drink that tastes exactly like apple pie in liquid form.

Despite the word “moonshine,” this version is completely legal when made with store-bought alcohol. No backwoods stills here—just your kitchen, a pot, and some patience.

The magic comes from letting everything infuse together slowly. The flavors mellow, deepen, and soften over time, making it dangerously drinkable.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

• Tastes like liquid apple pie
  
• Perfect for fall and winter
  
• Makes an amazing homemade gift
  
• Simple ingredients
  
• Can be adjusted stronger or sweeter
  
• Smells incredible while cooking
  

This Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe is cozy, festive, and just plain fun to make.

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Equipment List

You don’t need fancy bar tools. Keep it simple.

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven
  
• Wooden spoon
  
• Measuring cups
  
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
  
• Funnel
  
• Mason jars or glass bottles with lids
  

That’s it. No stress.

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Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider
  
• 1 gallon apple juice
  
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  
• 1 cup brown sugar
  
• 4 cinnamon sticks
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  
• 750 ml grain alcohol (Everclear)
  
• 750 ml vodka (optional for smoother finish)
  

You can adjust sweetness and strength later—this is just the cozy starting point.

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, apple juice, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
   
2. Add cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
   
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
   
4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
5. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
   
6. Once fully cooled, stir in vanilla extract.
   
7. Add grain alcohol and vodka (if using).
   
8. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength if needed.
   
9. Strain out spices if desired.
   
10. Funnel into clean mason jars and seal.
    

Let it rest at least 24 hours before drinking—longer is even better.

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The Smell Alone Is Worth It

Let me tell you—while this simmers, your kitchen will smell like a bakery and a cider mill had a baby. Warm apples, cinnamon, sugar… it’s intoxicating before the alcohol even enters the picture.

This is one of those recipes where the process is half the joy.

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Choosing the Right Apple Cider

Not all apple cider is created equal.

Look for:

• Fresh apple cider (not hard cider)
  
• Cloudy, unfiltered cider
  
• No added spices or flavors
  

The better the cider, the richer your Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe will taste.

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Alcohol Choices Explained

Grain Alcohol

This gives the classic moonshine kick. It’s strong but blends beautifully once infused.

Vodka

Optional, but recommended if you want a smoother, less intense finish.

You can use all vodka if you prefer something lighter—just know it’ll be gentler.

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How Strong Is It?

Stronger than wine.
Smoother than you expect.
Sneakier than it looks.

Always sip responsibly. This stuff is charmingly deceptive.

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How Long Should It Sit?

Minimum: 24 hours
Best: 1–2 weeks
Excellent: 1 month

The longer it sits, the smoother and more balanced it becomes. The spices mellow and the alcohol integrates beautifully.

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Flavor Notes You’ll Notice

• Sweet apple upfront
  
• Warm cinnamon and spice
  
• Soft vanilla finish
  
• Gentle heat that lingers
  

It genuinely tastes like apple pie filling with a grown-up edge.

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Serving Ideas

• Serve chilled or over ice
  
• Warm gently like spiced cider
  
• Add a cinnamon stick for garnish
  
• Mix with sparkling cider for a lighter drink
  

This Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe is incredibly versatile.

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Make It Your Own

Add Apples

Simmer sliced apples for extra depth.

Add Caramel Notes

Swap some white sugar for dark brown sugar.

Add Citrus

A strip of orange peel adds brightness.

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Gifting Apple Pie Moonshine

This makes an amazing gift.

• Use clean mason jars
  
• Add a handwritten label
  
• Tie with twine and a cinnamon stick
  

People love homemade gifts they can actually enjoy.

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Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, dark place
  
• Refrigerate after opening
  
• Keeps up to 1 year sealed
  

The flavors only get better with time.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding alcohol while hot (never do this)
  
• Boiling aggressively
  
• Using flavored vodka
  
• Over-spicing
  

Slow and steady wins here.

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Is Apple Pie Moonshine Legal?

Yes—when made with store-bought alcohol for personal use. Always follow local laws and never sell homemade alcohol.

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When I Make This Recipe

I make this when:

• Fall hits and I get nostalgic
  
• I want a fun holiday gift
  
• Friends are coming over
  
• I need something cozy but bold
  

It’s always a hit. Always.

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Why This Recipe Feels Special

As a female chef, I love recipes that bring people together. This one sparks stories, laughter, and that “wait… this is REALLY good” moment.

The Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe isn’t just a drink. It’s an experience. It’s cozy rebellion in a jar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes—reduce sugar or add more vodka.

Can I drink it right away?

You can, but patience pays off.

Can I heat it?

Yes, gently. Never boil.

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Pairing Ideas

Serve with:

• Apple pie (obviously)
  
• Cheddar cheese
  
• Cinnamon cookies
  
• Roasted nuts
  

Sweet + spice = magic.

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Final Thoughts from My Kitchen

This recipe is meant to be enjoyed slowly, shared generously, and made with intention. It’s warm, nostalgic, and just a little mischievous.

If you’ve never made homemade infused drinks before, this is the perfect place to start. Forgiving, flexible, and endlessly rewarding.

So grab your pot, let the apples simmer, and enjoy the process. That’s where the real flavor lives

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