Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe: The Sweet Secret to Perfect Spirits

As summer gracefully transitions into fall, it’s the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting dishes and delightful cocktails. This Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is a crowd favorite for cozy gatherings around campfires, funrides, and lively tailgates.

Mason jar of spiced apple pie moonshine infusion with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves, ready for aging.

We like to think of it as a “party in a jar”! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely fantastic!

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!

Do I need 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.
Warm, amber apple cider in a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, surrounded by fresh apples.
  • 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 grandpa taught them how in the woods but it’s tasty and fun to make!

Ingredients

  • apple cider
  • apple juice
  • brown sugar
  • white sugar
  • nutmeg
  • cinnamon
  • cinnamon sticks
  • apples
  • yummy apples
  • Everclear grain alcohol (OPTIONAL )

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 or this for all of my moonshines and boozy concoctions.

Varieties of Moonshine Flavors

  • Feel free to switch up the apple flavor for something like peach, watermelon, pineapple, or any other fruit you love as a moonshine. You can also experiment with different species or types of sugar to create your own unique flavor twist!
  • Love watermelon? You’ll definitely want to give my Watermelon Moonshine a try!
  • If you’re a fan of chocolate, you simply must try my Chocolate Moonshine! It’s absolutely one of the most delightful drinks out there. Trust me on this one! Share it as a gift and you’ll surely win the recipient’s heart!
Warm golden liquid with cinnamon sticks in a mason jar, essential for apple pie moonshine's spiced taste.

YOU CAN ALSO CHECK THIS RECIPE IF YOU LOVE CINNAMON FLAVOR :

Amish cinnamon bread 

Helpful Tips for Making Moon

  • Using top-notch ingredients will definitely make your moonshine taste even better!
  • Experiment with different strengths of grain alcohol! If you’re using a stronger booze, you might want to add a bit more flavor and sweetness to balance it out.
  • Be sure to let your mixture cool down before you add the Everclear. We want to keep all that wonderful alcohol from evaporating due to the heat. If you’re planning to serve it warm, just give it a gentle heat.
  • Here’s a speedy moonshine recipe that doesn’t require any aging time. Just remember to taste and tweak it to liking before serving. Feel free to add a splash more booze or a touch of extra juice!
  • Feel free to preserve it!
Mason jar of spiced apple pie moonshine infusion with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves, ready for aging.

Apple Pie Moonshine

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe: The Sweet Secret to Perfect Spiritsfastzestyrecipes.com
Apple Pie Moonshine is a cozy, homemade cocktail that blends the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apple cider and juice, and the bold kick of grain alcohol or vodka. Inspired by the comforting flavors of classic apple pie, this drink is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday gifts, or chilly nights by the fire. With a smooth, sweet finish and a hint of spice, this moonshine is easy to make in batches and gets better as it rests. Whether you serve it chilled, warmed, or over ice, it’s a festive favorite that brings comfort in every sip.
Let me know if you'd like a shorter version for Pinterest or social media too!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 13 minutes
Servings 16 CUP
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • apple cider
  • apple juice
  • brown sugar
  • white sugar
  • nutmeg
  • cinnamon
  • cinnamon sticks
  • apples
  • yummy apples
  • Everclear grain alcohol OPTIONAL

Instructions
 

  • 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 or this for all of my moonshines and boozy concoctions.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 210 kcal
Total Fat 0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 5mg
Total Carbohydrates 23g
Sugars 21g
Protein 0g
   
⚠️ Note: This recipe contains alcohol. Please enjoy responsibly and keep away from children.
  1. What makes Apple Pie Moonshine taste like the real dessert, and how can you balance the sweetness without losing the kick?
    This question highlights the flavor profile and invites readers to explore customization tips.
  2. Can homemade Apple Pie Moonshine be safely stored for months, and what’s the best way to bottle it for gifts or long-term use?
    Perfect for seasonal posts and DIY gifting tips.
  3. Is there a non-alcoholic version of Apple Pie Moonshine that still delivers that warm, spiced flavor everyone loves?
    Engages readers looking for family-friendly or alcohol-free alternatives.
  4. How strong is Apple Pie Moonshine compared to store-bought whiskey, and what’s the ideal serving size for a smooth experience?
    Informs readers while reinforcing responsible enjoyment.