Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine: A Deliciously Potent Fall Treat
Apple pie moonshine is a fall favorite, combining the comforting flavors of warm apple pie with a kick of moonshine. This recipe takes it a step further by adding the delicate sweetness of vanilla, creating a truly irresistible and potent concoction. Perfect for sipping on a crisp evening, sharing with friends at a bonfire, or gifting during the holiday season, this Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine will be a guaranteed hit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you create a smooth, flavorful, and safe homemade spirit.
## Understanding Moonshine and Safety Precautions
Before diving into the recipe, it’s crucial to understand what moonshine is and the necessary safety precautions. Traditionally, moonshine refers to illegally distilled spirits. However, for this recipe, we are not distilling anything. We are creating a flavored, high-proof alcoholic beverage using commercially available, legal alcohol, typically Everclear or a high-proof vodka. This is often referred to as ‘mock moonshine’ or ‘apple pie shine’.
**Important Safety Notes:**
* **Use only commercially produced, high-proof alcohol (Everclear or vodka) that is legal to purchase in your area.** Do not attempt to distill your own alcohol, as this is illegal and extremely dangerous.
* **Always drink responsibly.** Moonshine is significantly stronger than regular alcoholic beverages. Start with small servings and be aware of your limits.
* **Store moonshine properly in sealed containers, away from children and pets.**
* **Clearly label your moonshine with the alcohol content and a warning to drink responsibly.**
* **Do not consume moonshine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication that interacts with alcohol.**
* **If you are unsure about the legality of making or possessing high-proof alcoholic beverages in your area, consult your local laws and regulations.**
* **Never drive or operate machinery after consuming moonshine.**
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* 1 gallon apple cider (unfiltered preferred for a richer flavor)
* 1 gallon apple juice (clear apple juice for a brighter color, or unfiltered for a rustic look)
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 6-8 cinnamon sticks (depending on your preference for cinnamon flavor)
* 2-3 whole nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
* 4-6 whole cloves
* 1-2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise and scraped (or 2 tablespoons vanilla extract – added *after* cooling)
* 750 ml Everclear (190 proof) or high-proof vodka (100 proof). Adjust amount to taste and desired strength.
* Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* Optional: Pinch of salt (enhances the flavors)
**Ingredient Notes:**
* **Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice:** Apple cider is unfiltered apple juice, giving it a richer flavor and slightly cloudy appearance. Apple juice is filtered and clearer. Using a combination of both provides a balanced flavor and appearance.
* **Sugar:** The combination of granulated and brown sugar adds complexity and depth to the sweetness. Brown sugar contributes a molasses-like flavor that complements the apple and cinnamon.
* **Spices:** Freshly grated nutmeg and good quality cinnamon sticks are crucial for a vibrant and aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference.
* **Vanilla Beans vs. Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla beans impart a more nuanced and complex vanilla flavor compared to extract. If using extract, add it *after* the mixture has cooled to prevent the alcohol from affecting the flavor.
* **Alcohol:** Everclear is a grain alcohol that is very high proof (190 proof). It will result in a stronger moonshine. High-proof vodka (100 proof) is a milder option. Adjust the amount of alcohol based on your desired strength and taste. *Always add the alcohol after the spiced apple mixture has cooled down to prevent evaporation and flavor changes.*
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large stockpot (at least 8-quart capacity)
* Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
* Ladle
* Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander
* Bottles or jars with airtight lids (mason jars are ideal) – ensure they are sterilized.
* Funnel
* Optional: Bottle labels
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Spiced Apple Mixture:**
* In the large stockpot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and optional allspice and salt. If using vanilla beans, add the split and scraped beans to the pot as well. Reserve the vanilla extract until after the mixture has cooled.
* Stir the mixture well to dissolve the sugars.
2. **Simmer the Mixture:**
* Place the stockpot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the spices to infuse into the liquid. The longer it simmers, the more pronounced the spice flavors will be. Keep an eye on the liquid to make sure it does not scorch.
3. **Cool the Mixture Completely:**
* Remove the stockpot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. This is crucial because adding alcohol to a hot mixture can cause the alcohol to evaporate and alter the flavor profile. It also ensures the moonshine doesn’t become cloudy later.
* Remove the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves from the cooled mixture. You can use a slotted spoon or a fine-mesh sieve to remove them.
4. **Add the Vanilla Extract (If Using):**
* If you are using vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans, stir it into the cooled apple spice mixture at this stage.
5. **Strain the Mixture:**
* Line a colander with a fine-mesh sieve or several layers of cheesecloth. Place the colander over a large bowl or pot.
* Carefully pour the cooled apple spice mixture through the sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining sediment or particles. This will result in a smoother, clearer moonshine. This step is optional, but it significantly improves the final product’s texture.
6. **Add the Alcohol:**
* This is the most crucial step! Once the spiced apple mixture is completely cooled and strained, slowly pour in the Everclear or high-proof vodka.
* Stir gently to combine the alcohol with the spiced apple mixture. Taste and adjust the amount of alcohol to your preference. Remember that moonshine is potent, so start with less and add more if desired. Be cautious with each addition.
7. **Bottle the Moonshine:**
* Ensure your bottles or jars are thoroughly sterilized to prevent contamination. You can sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by running them through a dishwasher on the sanitize cycle. Let them cool completely before filling.
* Place a funnel in the mouth of a clean bottle or jar. Carefully ladle or pour the Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine into the bottle, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top.
* Seal the bottles or jars tightly with airtight lids. Wipe down the outside of the bottles to remove any spills.
8. **Age the Moonshine (Optional):**
* While the moonshine is ready to drink immediately, aging it for a few weeks or even months will allow the flavors to meld together even further and create a smoother, more complex flavor profile.
* Store the bottled moonshine in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar.
* Periodically shake the bottles gently to redistribute the flavors.
9. **Label and Store:**
* Clearly label each bottle with the name of the moonshine (Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine), the date it was made, and the approximate alcohol content. Also, include a warning to drink responsibly.
* Store the moonshine in a cool, dark place for long-term storage. Properly stored moonshine can last for several months, or even a year or more.
## Tips for Success
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. Choose fresh, ripe apples for the cider and juice, and use good quality spices and vanilla.
* **Don’t rush the simmering process:** Simmering the spiced apple mixture for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together and create a more complex and flavorful moonshine.
* **Cool the mixture completely before adding the alcohol:** This is crucial for preventing evaporation and preserving the intended flavor profile.
* **Strain the mixture thoroughly:** Straining removes any sediment or particles, resulting in a smoother and clearer moonshine.
* **Adjust the alcohol content to your preference:** Start with less alcohol and add more to taste. Remember that moonshine is potent, so be cautious with each addition.
* **Sterilize your bottles and jars:** This is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring the moonshine stays fresh for longer.
* **Age the moonshine (optional):** Aging allows the flavors to meld together and create a smoother, more complex flavor profile.
* **Drink responsibly:** Moonshine is a strong alcoholic beverage, so it’s important to drink it in moderation.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Caramel Apple Pie Moonshine:** Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the spiced apple mixture while simmering.
* **Spiced Pear Moonshine:** Substitute apple cider and apple juice with pear cider and pear juice, and add a pinch of ground ginger.
* **Cranberry Apple Moonshine:** Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the spiced apple mixture while simmering.
* **Bourbon Apple Pie Moonshine:** Substitute the Everclear or vodka with bourbon for a richer, more oaky flavor.
* **Lower-Proof Moonshine:** Use a lower-proof vodka or rum if you prefer a less potent beverage. Adjust the amount of alcohol accordingly.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a small amount of chili pepper flakes to the simmering mixture for a kick. Start with a very small amount and taste as you go.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Neat:** Serve chilled in small shot glasses or sipping glasses.
* **On the Rocks:** Pour over ice for a refreshing twist.
* **Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail:** Combine 2 ounces of Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine with 4 ounces of ginger ale or sparkling cider. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
* **Warm Apple Pie Moonshine:** Heat gently in a saucepan and serve in mugs for a cozy winter drink. Be careful not to boil.
* **Apple Pie Moonshine Float:** Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass of moonshine for a decadent treat.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cloudy Moonshine:** This can be caused by adding the alcohol before the spiced apple mixture is completely cooled, or by not straining the mixture thoroughly. It can also be caused by using tap water that is high in minerals. While it doesn’t affect the taste, it can be visually unappealing. If your moonshine is cloudy, try filtering it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
* **Too Strong:** Dilute the moonshine with more apple cider or juice.
* **Not Enough Flavor:** Add more spices or vanilla extract to taste. You can also simmer the mixture for a longer time to intensify the flavors.
* **Too Sweet:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
* **Fermentation:** If you notice bubbles or a yeasty smell, the moonshine may be fermenting. This can happen if the bottles were not properly sterilized or if the mixture was not cooled completely before adding the alcohol. Discard the moonshine if you suspect fermentation.
## A Deliciously Potent Fall Tradition
Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine is more than just a drink; it’s a taste of fall, a celebration of community, and a potential family tradition in the making (please drink responsibly!). With its warm, comforting flavors and potent kick, it’s the perfect beverage to enjoy on a crisp autumn evening or share with friends and loved ones during the holiday season. By following these detailed instructions and safety precautions, you can create a homemade spirit that is both delicious and safe. Remember to always drink responsibly and enjoy the process of crafting this unique and flavorful treat. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a batch of Vanilla Apple Pie Moonshine that will be the talk of the town!
**Disclaimer:** This recipe is for informational purposes only. Please be aware of the legal regulations regarding the production and consumption of high-proof alcoholic beverages in your area. Always drink responsibly.
Enjoy!