Amazing Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

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Apple Pie Moonshine Recipes

Apple pie moonshine can last up to two years when stored properly, and it gets even better with time.

This amazing homemade Apple Pie Moonshine recipe makes about 100 servings of a spiced drink that captures the exact taste of apple pie. The secret lies in mixing a gallon each of apple cider and juice with the perfect blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The recipe has become a hit at all kinds of gatherings – from casual hayrides to festive holiday parties.

The recipe lets you adjust the sweetness and spice levels just the way you like them. You’ll need some patience since it takes 2-3 weeks of aging to reach its peak flavor, but trust me – the wait is worth it. Many people love it so much they make extra batches to give as holiday gifts.

Let me show you how to make this crowd-pleasing apple pie moonshine with Everclear. We’ll cover everything from safety measures to picking the right ingredients and storing it correctly. Ready to start brewing?

Essential Equipment and Safety Precautions

The right equipment and safety protocols are vital to start making apple pie moonshine. A good setup will give a safe process and quality end product.

Required Tools and Containers

This recipe needs an 8-quart stainless steel pot to mix and heat ingredients. You’ll also need these items:

  • Large wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups for precise ingredient portions
  • 6 quart-sized canning jars with rust-free lids
  • Plastic funnel for easy pouring
  • Sterilization equipment for jars

Important Safety Measures

Your top priority should be safety when working with high-proof alcohol. These precautions are essential:

Make sure your workspace has proper ventilation. Alcohol vapors can catch fire easily, so good airflow must be maintained throughout the preparation area. Keep a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach at all times.

You should protect yourself by wearing heat-resistant gloves and protective eyewear while handling hot liquids. Never consume alcohol or let others who have been drinking participate in the preparation process.

Workspace Setup Guide

The right location is key to creating a safe and efficient workspace. Pick a well-ventilated area away from any direct heat sources. Your workspace should have:

  • Clean, uncluttered counter space
  • Easy access to running water
  • Adequate lighting
  • Non-slip floor surface
  • Proper distance from heating elements

Place all tools within easy reach but away from the work surface’s edge. Leave enough space between items to prevent accidents or spills.

High-proof alcohol like Everclear should be stored securely until needed. Note that this recipe creates a potent drink that needs responsible handling and proper storage. A careful setup and attention to safety measures will create the perfect environment to make delicious apple pie moonshine safely.

Gathering Your Apple Pie Moonshine Ingredients

Quality ingredients are the foundations of an exceptional apple pie moonshine recipe. Let’s look at everything you need to make your batch perfect.

Choosing the Right Alcohol

Your apple pie moonshine needs the right spirits as its base. 190-proof grain alcohol (Everclear) gives authentic results. The spirit might not be accessible to more people in some states, so you can use 150-proof alternatives or vodka instead. A good mix includes:

  • 750ml of 190-proof grain alcohol
  • 750ml of vodka or additional grain alcohol

This blend creates the perfect strength and stays smooth to drink. You can use 100-proof vodka alone if you want a milder version.

Best Apples and Spices

The classic apple pie flavor comes from the right mix of apple products and spices. You’ll need one gallon each of apple cider and apple juice. To boost flavor depth, you can add:

  • Fresh honey crisp apples (2-3 medium sized)
  • Apple juice concentrate for stronger flavor

The spice blend makes this recipe stand out. Don’t just use cinnamon sticks – these spices will make it special:

  • Primary Spices:
    • 4-6 whole cinnamon sticks
    • Ground nutmeg (2 teaspoons)
    • Ground ginger (1 teaspoon)
    • Ground allspice (1 teaspoon)
    • Cardamom pods (6-8) or ½ teaspoon ground

Mix equal amounts of granulated white sugar and light brown sugar – usually 1½ cups each. This creates perfect sweetness and keeps the authentic apple pie taste.

Vanilla extract (2 tablespoons), whole cloves, and star anise pods can add subtle complexity without overwhelming the main apple pie flavor. Acidic apples give the best flavor balance. Winesap, McIntosh, and Jonathans have ideal sugar-to-acid ratios. These carefully chosen ingredients will capture fresh-baked apple pie essence in your moonshine.

Step-by-Step Mixing Process

The ingredients are ready, so let’s take a closer look at how to mix our apple pie moonshine recipe. Doing this precisely will give a perfectly balanced blend of flavors.

Preparing the Apple Base

The process starts when you combine apple cider and apple juice in a large stock pot. The mixture needs to reach a vigorous boil for the best results. Many enthusiasts add fresh apple chunks to improve the flavor profile – especially when you have Honeycrisp apples on hand.

Adding Spices and Sugar

After your apple base hits a rolling boil, you’ll need to carefully mix in both white and brown sugar. Wait for the sugars to dissolve completely, then add your cinnamon sticks and chosen spices. The heat should be reduced right away. Let the mixture simmer for exactly one hour. This helps pull out all the flavor from your spices.

Incorporating the Alcohol

Here comes the crucial part – adding the alcohol. Take your pot off the heat and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature. This cooling step is vital because hot liquid makes alcohol evaporate partially, which affects both strength and flavor.

After it cools down, slowly stir in your chosen alcohol combination. Traditional strength calls for a mix of grain alcohol with vanilla vodka. You could also use Everclear or high-proof vodka if you prefer.

Cooling and Straining Tips

A smooth, professional-quality result needs proper straining. Pull out the cinnamon sticks first. Next, pour the mixture into sterilized quart jars or bottles. Here are some expert finishing touches:

  • Each container should get a fresh cinnamon stick for continued flavor development
  • Give the mixture a good shake before serving
  • After chilling, taste test to adjust strength – add more cider if too strong or extra alcohol if needed

Your creation needs to stay in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. You can drink it right away, but letting the moonshine age for 3-4 weeks improves its flavor by a lot. The spices keep blending during this time to create that signature apple pie taste.

Storage and Aging Guidelines

Your freshly made apple pie moonshine needs proper storage to mellow into a flavorful beverage. Here’s what you need to know about storing and aging your creation.

Proper Sealing Methods

Cool moonshine should go into clean, sterilized Mason jars or glass bottles. Each container needs enough headspace at the top for liquid expansion. Airtight lids must be rust-free and fitted correctly to seal the containers.

These sealing techniques will help preserve your moonshine longer:

  • New lids provide optimal sealing
  • Rings need gentle but secure tightening
  • Check thoroughly for leaks
  • Jar rims must stay completely clean

Optimal Storage Conditions

A cool, dark environment works best for sealed containers. You can choose from these storage options:

Temperature-controlled storage:

Storage considerations:Sealed jars don’t need refrigeration until you open them. A consistent temperature is vital for flavor development. Keep containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

When It’s Ready to Drink

Apple pie moonshine tastes good right away, but patience rewards you with optimal flavor. The aging timeline looks like this:

Flavors blend better as time passes, which creates a smoother, more refined taste. Take out cinnamon sticks after a week to prevent flavor breakdown.

You can enjoy your moonshine chilled or warm. Higher-proof versions (above 64 proof) stay good longer. Lower-proof varieties taste best within three months.

Conclusion

Creating apple pie moonshine demands precision, safety awareness, and premium ingredients. The aging process requires patience but rewards you with a smooth, perfectly balanced drink that captures authentic apple pie flavors.

Your moonshine’s quality depends on proper storage and aging time. Airtight containers stored away from sunlight and heat sources will protect your creation. Peak flavor develops after 2-3 weeks of aging, though many enthusiasts wait 4-8 weeks to achieve optimal results.

This recipe yields about 100 servings of potent drink that can last up to two years with proper storage. Apple pie moonshine’s versatility makes it perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, and thoughtful homemade gifts. To discover more delicious recipes and meal ideas like this one, visit our blog recipesnutritious.com.

Homemade apple pie moonshine adds warmth and joy to any gathering. The meticulous preparation pays off with an unforgettable drink that combines fresh apple flavors, warming spices, and well-aged spirits to create what truly tastes like liquid apple pie.

FAQs

Q1. How long should I age my apple pie moonshine for the best flavor? While you can drink it immediately, aging your apple pie moonshine for 2-4 weeks allows the flavors to meld and develop fully. For optimal results, some enthusiasts recommend aging for 4-8 weeks.

Q2. Does homemade apple pie moonshine need to be refrigerated? Refrigeration isn’t necessary for sealed, unopened bottles. However, once opened, it’s best to store your moonshine in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor for up to 3-4 months.

Q3. Can apple pie moonshine increase in strength over time? The alcohol content doesn’t increase, but the flavors become more pronounced and harmonious as it ages. This can give the impression of a stronger taste, especially after about three weeks of aging.

Q4. Why might my apple pie moonshine appear cloudy? Cloudiness is often due to natural sediment from the apple cider used in the recipe. It’s not a cause for concern and doesn’t affect the taste or quality of your moonshine.

Q5. What’s the best way to serve apple pie moonshine? Apple pie moonshine can be enjoyed both chilled or warm, depending on your preference. It’s versatile enough to be sipped straight or used as a base in cocktails, making it perfect for various occasions.