Warm and cozy and just a little bit wicked, this spiked autumn sipper blends crisp apple flavors with warm spices for a treat that’s perfect for gatherings and gift jars. Apple Pie Moonshine is easy to make, stores well, and mellows into a smooth, fragrant spirit that tastes like fall in a jar. For a playful apple dessert, try our crispy air-fryer apple pie taquitos as a fun pairing.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Moonshine
- Big, nostalgic apple-and-spice flavor in every sip.
- Quick stove-top prep with hands-off steeping afterward.
- Great for gifting in mason jars or serving at parties.
- Keeps well when stored properly, so you can make ahead.
- Family-friendly scent while still being adult-only to serve.
{image_template}
Ingredients Needed
- Liquids:
- Apple cider
- Apple juice
- Sugars:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Spices:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Alcohol:
- Everclear or other high-proof grain alcohol
- Fruit:
- Fresh apples, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, apple juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring, until the sugars are fully dissolved and the spices become fragrant.
- Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature to avoid cooking off alcohol.
- Once cooled, stir in the Everclear and add sliced fresh apples to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into clean mason jars and seal tightly.
- Let the sealed jars sit for at least two weeks for the flavors to meld before serving.
Serving Suggestions Apple Pie Moonshine
- Serve chilled over ice with an extra cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Mix into hot apple cider for a warm adult toddy.
- Float a thin apple slice on top and serve in small mason jars.
- Pair with cozy desserts like oatmeal cookies or caramel drizzles.
- For a fall cocktail flight, offer small tasting pours alongside air-fryer apple fries for dipping.
Tips for Success Apple Pie Moonshine
- Use a gentle simmer only when dissolving sugars to preserve fresh apple flavor.
- Make sure the cider mixture is fully cool before adding Everclear to keep the alcohol potency intact.
- Choose firm, crisp apples so they keep their texture during steeping.
- Store jars in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening to preserve flavor.
- If gifting, label jars with the jar date and a suggested two-week waiting time, and consider pairing with a small recipe card linking to an apple walnut chicken salad recipe for a full autumn spread.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Spiced Orange: Add orange peel and a star anise for citrus brightness.
- Warm & Spicy: Toss in a few slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground cayenne for heat.
- Lower Proof: Substitute part of the Everclear with vodka for a milder result.
Apple Pie Moonshine
Warm and cozy, this spiked autumn sipper blends crisp apple flavors with warm spices, perfect for gatherings and gift jars.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 4 cups Apple cider Use fresh cider for the best flavor.
- 4 cups Apple juice Choose a high-quality apple juice.
Sugars
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
Spices
- 3 pieces Cinnamon sticks
- 5 pieces Whole cloves
Alcohol
- 2 cups Everclear or other high-proof grain alcohol Can substitute with vodka for a lower proof.
Fruit
- 2 cups Fresh apples, sliced Use firm, crisp apples.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, apple juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring, until the sugars are fully dissolved and the spices become fragrant.
- Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature to avoid cooking off alcohol.
- Once cooled, stir in the Everclear and add sliced fresh apples to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into clean mason jars and seal tightly.
- Let the sealed jars sit for at least two weeks for the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Use a gentle simmer only when dissolving sugars to preserve fresh apple flavor. Ensure the cider mixture is fully cool before adding Everclear to maintain potency. Store jars in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening.