Ingredients
4 c. apple juice
4 c. apple cider
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. allspice
3/4 c. 190 proof grain alcohol
3/4 c. vodka
Preparation
Step 1In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine apple juice, cider, sugars, cinnamon sticks, and spices. Bring to a simmer, then cover pot with lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Step 2Simmer for 1 hour then remove from heat and let cool. Step 3Remove cinnamon sticks and stir in grain alcohol and vodka. Transfer to jars or bottles. Step 4Shake well before serving.
To reach maximum apple pie flavor, we simmered apple juice and apple cider simmered with warm spices for the base of the drink. A combination of grain alcohol and vodka makes this drink more palatable and a little less dangerous but don’t be fooled – these babies are STRONG! So drink responsibly 😎. Keep reading for moonshine 101. What is moonshine? Isn’t it illegal? Moonshine is a clear, unaged whiskey made from mashed barely or corn that earned its dreamy name from the fact moonshiners had to produce under the cover of night to avoid detection. Making moonshine at home without a distillers license is 100% illegal, but that’s not what we’re going for with this. Here the term moonshine is meant to indicate the strength of these drinks, which we mimic using 190-proof grain alcohol like Everclear. Does Apple Pie Moonshine get stronger the longer it sits? What gets stronger is the apple flavor. As it sits, the apple pie flavor takes over, softening the bite of the alcohol. However, this doesn’t mean the drink is weaker, so continue to sip slow. Can I substitute with flavored vodka? Absolutely! Try vanilla, caramel vodka, cinnamon, or even honey vodka to add an extra layer of deliciousness. Spiced rum or cinnamon whiskey would also make for excellent choices. Does homemade apple pie moonshine spoil? Pure moonshine and Everclear are distilled with no sugar and are totally shelf stable. However, we’ve added a ton of sugar here, meaning it can and will go bad if left at room temperature for too long. The best place to store it is in a jar with a secure lid in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Can’t get enough boozy fall beverages? Ditch the PSL forever with these 40+ fall cocktail recipe ideas. Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below!Editor’s Note: The introduction to this recipe was updated on August 8, 2022, to include more information about the dish.
