Apple Pie Moonshine: The Sweet and Spicy Sip That Captures the Spirit of Fall

Apple pie moonshine is a flavorful and delightful twist on the classic apple pie. This homemade spirit combines the warmth and spice of apple pie with the potent kick of moonshine, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet and spicy drink with a bit of a punch. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, preparation, and the growing popularity of this unique and delicious drink.

What Is Apple Pie Moonshine?

Apple pie moonshine is a type of infused alcoholic beverage that blends the flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, sugar, and other spices with moonshine (or high-proof alcohol). It’s often homemade, but there are also commercial versions available in liquor stores. The drink is known for its smooth, sweet taste and its ability to pack quite a punch—despite its sugary flavors.

This spirit is called “moonshine” because, historically, moonshine was the term for homemade, unaged alcohol that was often produced illicitly in the woods or in private homes. Today, however, it’s made legally by many distilleries, and apple pie moonshine is one of the more popular varieties.

The combination of apple flavors and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting experience that immediately brings to mind the cozy days of fall, making it perfect for sipping on chilly nights or serving at parties and gatherings.

The History of Moonshine and Apple Pie Moonshine

Moonshine, in its original form, was born out of necessity. During Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), the production and sale of alcohol was illegal. As a result, people began making their own spirits in hidden stills, often in the woods or secluded areas. These homemade brews were commonly called moonshine, as they were made under the cover of night, or “moonlight.”

After the end of Prohibition, moonshine remained a part of American culture, especially in rural areas where small-scale distillation continued. In recent years, moonshine has made a comeback, but this time, it’s legal and available in a wide range of flavors and varieties, including apple pie moonshine.

The drink’s popularity grew not just because of its taste but also due to its ability to evoke the memories and flavors of fall, with apples, cinnamon, and sugar working together to create a dessert-like drink that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.

Ingredients You Need to Make Apple Pie Moonshine

Making apple pie moonshine at home can be a fun project, and the ingredients are relatively easy to find. To get started, you’ll need the following:

1. Apple Cider: This is the base for the flavor of the apple pie moonshine. It provides the natural sweetness and the apple flavor that is characteristic of this drink.
2. Apple Juice: In addition to apple cider, apple juice enhances the flavor and ensures a smooth texture for the moonshine.
3. Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon is the spice that gives apple pie its signature taste. Using cinnamon sticks rather than ground cinnamon creates a cleaner, more robust flavor.
4. Cloves: Cloves add an extra layer of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
5. Sugar: White or brown sugar is used to sweeten the moonshine. You can adjust the sweetness depending on your preference.
6. Everclear or High-Proof Alcohol: While any high-proof alcohol can be used, Everclear (which is 190-proof) is a popular choice because of its neutral flavor. This allows the apple and spice flavors to take center stage.
7. Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract gives the moonshine an added layer of smoothness and sweetness.
8. Apple Pie Spice (optional): If you want to give the moonshine an extra kick of spice, you can add a blend of apple pie spice, which typically includes nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Making Apple Pie Moonshine

Making apple pie moonshine at home is simple and requires no special equipment other than a large pot, jars, and a fine mesh strainer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of apple cider
• 1 gallon of apple juice
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 10 whole cloves
• 2 cups of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup of Everclear (or high-proof alcohol)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the apple cider, apple juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves: In a large pot, combine the apple cider and apple juice over medium heat. Stir in the cinnamon sticks and cloves and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, so the spices can infuse into the liquid.
2. Add sugar and other spices: After simmering, add the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your desired level of sweetness. If you’re using apple pie spice, add it at this stage.
3. Cool the mixture: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. This step is crucial, as you don’t want to add alcohol to hot liquid, as it could burn off the alcohol content.
4. Add the alcohol: Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the Everclear (or your high-proof alcohol of choice) and vanilla extract.
5. Bottle the moonshine: Pour the finished mixture into clean jars or bottles. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate the apple pie moonshine. For best results, let it sit for at least 1-2 days to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once your apple pie moonshine has had time to infuse, it’s ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled or over ice, and feel free to garnish with an extra cinnamon stick or a slice of apple for added flair.

Tips for Enjoying Apple Pie Moonshine

Apple pie moonshine is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some ideas for making the most of your homemade apple pie moonshine:

1. Sip it neat: Apple pie moonshine is delicious on its own. The flavors of apple and cinnamon are bold enough that you don’t need to add anything else.
2. Serve it over ice: For a chilled treat, serve the moonshine over ice, allowing it to slowly dilute and mellow the flavors.
3. Mix it into cocktails: Apple pie moonshine can be used as the base for a variety of creative cocktails. Try mixing it with ginger ale or club soda for a fizzy apple pie drink.
4. Warm it up: On a chilly evening, consider warming your apple pie moonshine for a cozy, comforting experience. Heat it gently and add a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple to garnish.
5. Share it with friends: Apple pie moonshine makes a great gift or party drink. Its sweet and spicy flavor is a crowd-pleaser, and you can easily make large batches to serve at gatherings.

Why Apple Pie Moonshine Is So Popular

Apple pie moonshine has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of sweet apple cider, warming spices, and the kick of moonshine makes for a drink that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re enjoying it on a crisp autumn evening or sharing it with friends at a party, apple pie moonshine is a drink that captures the essence of the season and the spirit of homemade craftsmanship.

Moreover, its versatility allows for endless variations. You can experiment with different types of alcohol or adjust the spices to suit your preferences. This makes it a fun and creative drink to make and share with others.

Conclusion

Apple pie moonshine is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. The flavors of apples, cinnamon, and spices combine to create a comforting yet potent sip that embodies the essence of fall. Whether you choose to make it at home or buy it from a store, this sweet and spicy moonshine will always be a favorite for those who enjoy a flavorful and warming drink.