Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

Apple cider: A non-alcoholic beverage made from apples, providing a rich and tangy base flavor.

Apple juice: A sweet, clear juice extracted from apples, adding sweetness and depth to the mixture.

White sugar: A common sweetener that helps balance the flavors and adds sweetness.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks of cinnamon that infuse the mixture with a warm, spicy flavor.

Everclear: A high-proof alcohol that provides the moonshine with its potent kick.

When simmering the apple cider and apple juice mixture, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sugars from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. This will ensure a smooth and consistent flavor throughout your moonshine.

• apple cider - Substitute with pear cider: Pear cider provides a similar fruity base with a slightly different flavor profile, maintaining the overall essence of the drink.

• apple juice - Substitute with white grape juice: White grape juice offers a comparable sweetness and acidity, making it a suitable alternative.

• white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral notes, enhancing the complexity of the drink.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices well.

• cinnamon sticks - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used in smaller quantities to achieve a similar warm, spicy flavor.

• 190 proof alcohol - Substitute with vodka: Vodka, while lower in proof, is a neutral spirit that can still provide the necessary alcohol content without altering the flavor significantly.

• Ensure the apple pie moonshine is completely cooled before storing. This prevents condensation inside the jars, which could dilute the moonshine and affect its flavor.
• Use clean, sterilized mason jars for storing your moonshine. Sterilizing the jars helps to prevent any unwanted bacteria or mold from spoiling your homemade beverage.
• Seal the jars tightly with their lids. A tight seal is crucial to keep the moonshine fresh and to prevent any air from entering, which could degrade the quality over time.
• Store the jars in a cool, dark place. A pantry or a cellar is ideal. The absence of light and heat helps to preserve the flavors and extend the shelf life of your apple pie moonshine.
• For optimal flavor, let the moonshine sit for at least 2 weeks before consuming. This allows the cinnamon and apple flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer, more complex taste.
• If you wish to freeze the moonshine, ensure there is some headspace in the jars. Liquids expand when frozen, and leaving some space at the top of the jar will prevent it from cracking.
• Label each jar with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the moonshine has been aging and ensures you consume it within a reasonable timeframe.
• When ready to enjoy, serve the apple pie moonshine chilled or over ice. Its sweet, spiced flavor makes it a delightful treat for any occasion.

• Large pot: Used to combine and heat the apple cider, apple juice, sugars, and cinnamon sticks.

• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing the ingredients together to ensure the sugars dissolve properly.

• Measuring cups: Needed to accurately measure the apple cider, apple juice, and sugars.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients if needed.

• Stove: Required to bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer it.

• Cooling rack: Helps to cool the pot to room temperature after simmering.

• Mason jars: Used to store the moonshine once it is prepared.

• Funnel: Makes it easier to pour the moonshine into the mason jars without spilling.

• Lid lifter: Handy for sealing the mason jars tightly.

• Storage area: A cool, dark place where the moonshine can be stored to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the apple cider, apple juice, white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks before starting.

Use a slow cooker: Combine all ingredients except the everclear in a slow cooker and let it simmer for an hour, freeing up your time.

Cool quickly: Place the pot in an ice bath to speed up the cooling process before adding the everclear.

Batch process: Make a larger batch and store it, so you only need to prepare it once for multiple uses.

Label jars: Clearly label the mason jars with the date to keep track of aging time.