Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

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

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

Granulated sugar: Common white sugar used to sweeten the mixture.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and color to the moonshine.

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

Everclear: A high-proof grain alcohol that provides the moonshine with its alcoholic content.

When combining the apple cider and apple juice with the sugars, make sure to stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. This will help to create a smooth and well-blended base for your moonshine. Additionally, when adding the cinnamon sticks, give them a gentle crush before adding to the pot to release more of their flavor into the mixture.

• apple cider - Substitute with pear cider: Pear cider provides a similar fruity base with a slightly different flavor profile that complements the spices well.

• apple juice - Substitute with white grape juice: White grape juice offers a sweet and mild flavor that can mimic the sweetness of apple juice.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note that can enhance the overall flavor.

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

• cinnamon sticks - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used in smaller quantities to provide the same warm, spicy flavor.

• everclear - Substitute with vodka: Vodka is a neutral spirit that can be used to achieve a similar alcohol content without altering the flavor significantly.

• Ensure your apple pie moonshine is completely cooled before storing. This prevents condensation inside the jars, which can affect the flavor and shelf life.
• Use sterilized mason jars to store your moonshine. Sterilizing the jars helps to eliminate any bacteria or impurities that could spoil your concoction.
• Pour the moonshine into the jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. This allows for any expansion if you decide to freeze it.
• Seal the jars tightly with their lids. A tight seal is crucial to keep the moonshine fresh and prevent any air from getting in.
• Label each jar with the date it was made. This helps you keep track of its age and ensures you consume the oldest batches first.
• Store the jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the quality of your apple pie moonshine over time.
• If you plan to freeze the moonshine, ensure the jars are freezer-safe. Not all glass jars are designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
• When freezing, leave a bit more headspace in the jars to allow for expansion. Liquids expand when frozen, and you don't want your jars to crack.
• Thaw frozen moonshine in the refrigerator. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the flavors.
• Once thawed, give the moonshine a good stir before serving. Freezing can sometimes cause ingredients to separate, and a quick stir will reincorporate everything.

Enjoy your apple pie moonshine responsibly!

• Gently shake the mason jar to mix any settled ingredients.
• Pour the desired amount of apple pie moonshine into a saucepan.
• Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred temperature. Avoid boiling to preserve the alcohol content.
• Alternatively, pour the moonshine into a microwave-safe mug and heat in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• For a cozy twist, add a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple to the mug before heating.
• If you prefer a chilled version, serve over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple.

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

• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly while they are heating and after adding the everclear.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and everclear.

• Mason jars: Used to store the finished apple pie moonshine. They should be sealed tightly to preserve the flavor and potency.

• Lid with seal: Ensures that the mason jars are tightly sealed to keep the moonshine fresh.

• Funnel: Helps to pour the moonshine mixture into the mason jars without spilling.

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

• Cooling rack: Useful for allowing the pot to cool down to room temperature after simmering.

• Timer: Helps to keep track of the simmering time to ensure the mixture is heated for the correct duration.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the apple cider, apple juice, and sugars beforehand to streamline the process.

Use a large pot: A bigger pot allows for faster boiling and easier stirring, saving you time.

Simmer with a lid: Cover the pot while simmering to maintain heat and reduce cooking time.

Cool efficiently: Place the pot in a sink filled with ice water to cool the mixture faster before adding everclear.

Batch process: Double the recipe and make a larger batch to save time on future preparations.