Apple Pie Moonshine Recipes: A Delicious Guide to Homemade Hooch

Apple pie moonshine. The name alone conjures images of crisp autumn days, cozy evenings by the fire, and the sweet, spicy warmth of a homemade treat. But don’t let the “moonshine” part intimidate you! While it does involve alcohol, making apple pie moonshine at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. This guide will walk you through several delicious recipes, providing detailed instructions and tips to ensure your moonshine is a resounding success. We’ll cover everything from choosing your ingredients to bottling your finished product, so you can confidently create a batch that’s perfect for sipping, sharing, or gifting.

What is Apple Pie Moonshine?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s clarify what apple pie moonshine actually is. Essentially, it’s a flavored alcoholic beverage that tastes like apple pie. The “moonshine” moniker refers to the high-proof spirit traditionally used as its base, but today, you can use a variety of spirits, including Everclear, vodka, or even neutral grain spirits, depending on your preference and legal restrictions. The apple pie flavor comes from a blend of apple cider, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, creating a sweet, spiced concoction that’s dangerously delicious.

Is it Legal to Make Moonshine?

This is a crucial question! The legality of making moonshine varies significantly depending on your location. Federally, in the United States, it’s illegal to distill spirits without the proper permits and licenses. However, making flavored alcoholic beverages from commercially purchased spirits is generally permissible for personal consumption, as long as you don’t sell it. Always check your local and state laws before attempting to make apple pie moonshine to ensure you’re in compliance. This guide assumes you are using legally purchased spirits and making the moonshine for personal consumption only.

Essential Equipment

Before you start, gather the necessary equipment. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven:** You’ll need a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results.
* **Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.
* **Funnel:** For easily transferring the moonshine into jars.
* **Ladle:** For scooping the moonshine.
* **Canning Jars (Pint or Quart):** For storing the finished moonshine. Ensure they are clean and sterilized.
* **Jar Lifter (Optional but Recommended):** For safely handling hot jars.
* **Thermometer (Optional):** To monitor the temperature of the mixture.

Ingredients: Choosing the Right Apples and Spices

The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your apple pie moonshine. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and how to choose them:

* **Apple Cider:** Use unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor and body. Avoid apple juice concentrate, as it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
* **Apple Juice:** Use a high-quality apple juice, preferably one without added sugar. This will complement the cider and add to the overall apple flavor.
* **Spirits:** Everclear (190 proof grain alcohol) is a popular choice for its high alcohol content and neutral flavor, but it requires careful handling and is illegal in some areas. Vodka (80-100 proof) is a milder alternative that still provides a good kick. Neutral grain spirits offer a similar profile to Everclear but may be slightly less potent. Experiment to find what you prefer!
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds sweetness and a molasses-like flavor that enhances the apple pie profile. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown sugar will result in a richer, deeper flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Balances the sweetness and adds a clean sweetness to the mixture.
* **Cinnamon Sticks:** Use high-quality cinnamon sticks for the best flavor. Avoid using ground cinnamon, as it can make the moonshine cloudy.
* **Whole Cloves:** Adds warmth and spice. Use sparingly, as cloves can be overpowering.
* **Nutmeg:** Freshly grated nutmeg is ideal, but ground nutmeg will also work. Nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
* **Vanilla Extract (Optional):** Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
* **Apple Slices (Optional):** For added flavor and visual appeal. Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Recipe 1: Classic Apple Pie Moonshine

This is a simple and straightforward recipe that yields a delicious and potent apple pie moonshine.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 gallon Apple Cider
* 1 gallon Apple Juice
* 750 ml Everclear (190 proof) or Vodka (80-100 proof)
* 2 cups Brown Sugar
* 1 cup Granulated Sugar
* 6-8 Cinnamon Sticks
* 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
* 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
* Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* Optional: 2-3 Apples, sliced

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. If using, add the sliced apples.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugars dissolve completely. Be careful not to boil the mixture, as this can affect the flavor and alcohol content. Simmer for 1 hour, allowing the spices to infuse into the liquid.
3. **Cool:** Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. This is crucial because adding the alcohol while the mixture is hot can cause the alcohol to evaporate and alter the flavor profile.
4. **Strain:** Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple slices (if used). This will create a smoother, clearer moonshine.
5. **Add Alcohol:** Slowly pour in the Everclear or vodka. Stir gently to combine.
6. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the moonshine and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed. If it’s not sweet enough, add more brown sugar or granulated sugar, a little at a time. If you want more spice, add a dash more nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.
7. **Bottle:** Using a funnel, carefully pour the moonshine into sterilized canning jars. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
8. **Seal:** Seal the jars tightly with lids and rings.
9. **Chill (Optional):** While not necessary, chilling the moonshine in the refrigerator for a few days before serving can enhance the flavor. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
10. **Serve and Enjoy Responsibly:** Serve the apple pie moonshine chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice, if desired. Remember to drink responsibly and in moderation.

Recipe 2: Spiced Apple Pie Moonshine with Caramel

This recipe adds a touch of caramel for a richer, more decadent flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 gallon Apple Cider
* 1 gallon Apple Juice
* 750 ml Everclear (190 proof) or Vodka (80-100 proof)
* 1 ½ cups Brown Sugar
* ½ cup Granulated Sugar
* 1 cup Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* 6-8 Cinnamon Sticks
* 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
* ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
* Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* Optional: 2-3 Apples, sliced

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. If using, add the sliced apples.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the caramel from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 1 hour, allowing the spices to infuse into the liquid and the caramel to dissolve completely.
3. **Cool:** Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
4. **Strain:** Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple slices (if used).
5. **Add Alcohol:** Slowly pour in the Everclear or vodka. Stir gently to combine.
6. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the moonshine and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed. Add more caramel sauce for a richer flavor, or a pinch of nutmeg for more spice.
7. **Bottle:** Using a funnel, carefully pour the moonshine into sterilized canning jars. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
8. **Seal:** Seal the jars tightly with lids and rings.
9. **Chill (Optional):** Chill in the refrigerator for a few days before serving to enhance the flavor.
10. **Serve and Enjoy Responsibly:** Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with a caramel drizzle, if desired. Remember to drink responsibly.

Recipe 3: Crock-Pot Apple Pie Moonshine

This recipe uses a slow cooker for a hands-off approach to infusing the flavors.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 gallon Apple Cider
* 1 gallon Apple Juice
* 750 ml Everclear (190 proof) or Vodka (80-100 proof)
* 1 ½ cups Brown Sugar
* ½ cup Granulated Sugar
* 6-8 Cinnamon Sticks
* 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
* ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
* Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* Optional: 2-3 Apples, sliced

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients in Crock-Pot:** In a large crock-pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. If using, add the sliced apples.
2. **Cook on Low:** Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
3. **Cool:** Turn off the crock-pot and let the mixture cool completely.
4. **Strain:** Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple slices (if used).
5. **Add Alcohol:** Slowly pour in the Everclear or vodka. Stir gently to combine.
6. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the moonshine and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed.
7. **Bottle:** Using a funnel, carefully pour the moonshine into sterilized canning jars. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
8. **Seal:** Seal the jars tightly with lids and rings.
9. **Chill (Optional):** Chill in the refrigerator for a few days before serving to enhance the flavor.
10. **Serve and Enjoy Responsibly:** Serve chilled or at room temperature. Remember to drink responsibly.

Recipe 4: Apple Pie Moonshine with Apple Brandy

This recipe adds complexity by incorporating apple brandy, enhancing the overall apple flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 gallon Apple Cider
* 1 gallon Apple Juice
* 500 ml Everclear (190 proof) or Vodka (80-100 proof)
* 250 ml Apple Brandy
* 1 ½ cups Brown Sugar
* ½ cup Granulated Sugar
* 6-8 Cinnamon Sticks
* 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
* ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
* Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* Optional: 2-3 Apples, sliced

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. If using, add the sliced apples.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugars dissolve completely. Simmer for 1 hour, allowing the spices to infuse into the liquid.
3. **Cool:** Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
4. **Strain:** Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple slices (if used).
5. **Add Alcohol:** Slowly pour in the Everclear or vodka and the apple brandy. Stir gently to combine.
6. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the moonshine and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed.
7. **Bottle:** Using a funnel, carefully pour the moonshine into sterilized canning jars. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
8. **Seal:** Seal the jars tightly with lids and rings.
9. **Chill (Optional):** Chill in the refrigerator for a few days before serving to enhance the flavor.
10. **Serve and Enjoy Responsibly:** Serve chilled or at room temperature. Remember to drink responsibly.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Moonshine

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final product.
* **Don’t Boil:** Simmering is key. Boiling can alter the flavor and alcohol content.
* **Cool Completely:** Always cool the mixture completely before adding the alcohol.
* **Strain Thoroughly:** This will ensure a smooth, clear moonshine.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking.
* **Sterilize Your Jars:** This is essential for preventing spoilage.
* **Be Patient:** Letting the moonshine sit for a few days before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Handle Everclear with Care:** If using Everclear, be extremely cautious due to its high alcohol content. Wear gloves and eye protection.
* **Store in a Cool, Dark Place:** This will help preserve the flavor and prevent discoloration.

Sterilizing Canning Jars

Sterilizing your canning jars is crucial for preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, ensuring your apple pie moonshine remains safe to consume. Here are a few methods you can use:

* **Boiling Water Bath:** This is the most common and reliable method. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Place the clean jars in the boiling water, ensuring they are completely submerged. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove the jars with a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to dry.
* **Oven Sterilization:** Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the clean jars on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the jars cool slightly before removing them.
* **Dishwasher:** If your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle, you can use it to sterilize your jars. Simply run the jars through the sanitizing cycle and use them immediately after.

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure the jars are completely dry before filling them with the apple pie moonshine.

Serving Suggestions

Apple pie moonshine is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **Straight:** Serve chilled or at room temperature in a small glass.
* **On the Rocks:** Pour over ice for a refreshing drink.
* **Mixed in Cocktails:** Use it as a base for creative cocktails. Try mixing it with cranberry juice, ginger ale, or sparkling cider.
* **Warm:** Heat it gently in a saucepan for a cozy winter warmer. Be careful not to boil it.
* **As a Gift:** Bottle it in decorative jars and give it as a unique and thoughtful gift.

Consider garnishing your apple pie moonshine with:

* Cinnamon sticks
* Apple slices
* Caramel drizzle
* Whipped cream

Safety Considerations

* **Alcohol Content:** Apple pie moonshine can be quite potent, especially if made with Everclear. Be mindful of the alcohol content and drink responsibly.
* **Storage:** Store your apple pie moonshine in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and prevent discoloration.
* **Labeling:** Clearly label your jars with the date and alcohol content.
* **Keep Out of Reach of Children:** Store your moonshine in a secure location out of reach of children and pets.
* **Never Drink and Drive:** This is a universal safety rule. Never drink alcohol and operate a vehicle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Cloudy Moonshine:** This can be caused by using ground spices instead of whole spices, or by not straining the mixture thoroughly. Make sure to use whole spices and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
* **Too Sweet:** Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, or add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Not Sweet Enough:** Add more brown sugar or granulated sugar, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness level.
* **Too Spicy:** Reduce the amount of cloves or nutmeg in the recipe.
* **Not Spicy Enough:** Add a pinch more nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.
* **Weak Flavor:** Make sure you are using high-quality ingredients, and allow the spices to infuse for a longer period of time.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about apple pie moonshine is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Pear Pie Moonshine:** Substitute pear cider and pear juice for the apple cider and apple juice.
* **Peach Pie Moonshine:** Use peach cider and peach juice instead of apple.
* **Cranberry Apple Pie Moonshine:** Add cranberry juice to the apple cider and apple juice for a festive twist.
* **Bourbon Apple Pie Moonshine:** Use bourbon instead of vodka for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Maple Apple Pie Moonshine:** Add maple syrup instead of some of the sugar for a unique flavor.
* **Hot Pepper Infused Moonshine:** Add a few dried chili peppers during the simmering process for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Making apple pie moonshine is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to create a delicious and unique beverage to enjoy with friends and family. With these recipes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect batch of homemade hooch. Remember to drink responsibly, follow all applicable laws, and enjoy the sweet, spicy warmth of apple pie moonshine!