3 BEST Apple Pie Moonshine Recipes (according to distillers)

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe #1: Raw Version

• Concentrate 300ml / 10 oz
• Cinnamon 1 small stick
• Nutmeg 1/2 (cracked)
• Pepper Corns 2
• Oak Stave 45g / 1.6 oz
• Corn Moonshine (60%) 900ml / 30 oz
• Rum (50% abz) 250ml / 8 oz

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe #2: “Par Cooked” Version

• Concentrate 500ml / 17 oz
• Nutmeg 1/2 (cracked)
• Cloves 2
• Brusied Ginger Slice 2
• Vanilla Bean Seads 1/2
• Brown Sugar 1/2 cup
• Corn Moonshine 1.2L / 40 oz
• Apple Port 300ml / 10 oz

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe #3: Cooked Version

• Apple Juice 500ml / 17 oz
• Concentrate 500ml / 17 oz
• Apples 4
• Cinnamon Sticks 3
• All Spice 6
• Nutmeg 1/2
• Brown Sugar 3/4 cup
• Corn Moonshine 1.2L / 40 oz
• Adjust to taste with moonshine / apple juice / simple syrup

Bonus “Apple Crumble Moonshine”

• Fat Washed Corn Moonshine – 650 ml / 22 oz
• Apple Macerated Corn Moonshine – 750ml / 25 oz
• Apple juice 1l / 34 oz
• Concentrate 17oz
• Cooked apples 5
• Raw apples 5
• Cinnamon 3 sticks
• Nutmeg 3//4
• Mixed spice 1/4 teaspoon
• Golden syrup 1/2 cup
• Brown Sugar 1/2 cup

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Apple Pie Moonshine: A Journey Through Flavors

Hey there, fellow Chases and craft enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of apple pie moonshine, a beloved treasure within the international home distilling community.

I’m thrilled to share with you not just one, but four different apple pie moonshine recipes that have been heralded as the best of the best.

So, grab your jars and let’s embark on this flavorful adventure together!

Discovering the Best Apple Pie Moonshine Recipes

After a deep dive into the vast ocean of home distilling forums, engaging YouTube videos, and, most importantly, your invaluable contributions, I’ve distilled (pun intended) the essence of apple pie moonshine into four exceptional recipes.

My quest involved analyzing 36 unique recipes, each with its own twist, and categorizing them into three main types plus a special kiwi spin that I couldn’t resist adding to the mix.

The Uncooked Version: A Whiskey-Lover’s Delight

First up is the uncooked version, a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for those who appreciate the whiskey-like kick in their moonshine.

This version is as simple as it gets, yet it packs a punch with its juicy and slightly tart profile, thanks to the raw apples and a medley of spices that mimic the complexity of barrel treatments.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2-3 liter jar (keep an eye out for freedom units)
• 3-5 Braeburn apples (depending on size)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Half of a nutmeg, cracked
• 2 peppercorns
• 45 grams of American white oak
• 1 liter of white corn whiskey at 60 ABV
• 300 ml of apple juice concentrate

Let these ingredients macerate for 3-7 days, strain, and enjoy the most whiskey-like moonshine that’s both flavorful and reminiscent of sweet-flavored whiskey, rather than a liqueur.

The Semi-Cooked Version: Comfort in a Jar

Moving on to the semi-cooked version, where we gently coax the flavors from the spices through heat.

This method transforms the spices from mere plants to a wholesome concoction that spells comfort food in every sip.

Key Components:

• 500ml of apple juice concentrate
• Half a nutmeg, slightly crushed
• 2 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 slices of bruised ginger
• Half a vanilla pod
• Three-quarters of a cup of brown sugar

This version eschews fresh apples for a more candy-like apple profile, retaining just enough tartness to remind you of its fruity origins.

The Cooked Version: Nostalgia in Every Sip

The cooked version takes things a step further by fully embracing the cooked spice flavors, creating a moonshine that’s a bridge between the uncooked and semi-cooked versions but with an even more pronounced baked goods vibe.

What You’ll Need:

• Half a liter of concentrate and apple juice
• Four diced apples
• Half a nutmeg and three slightly crushed cinnamon sticks
• Six allspice berries
• Three quarts of brown sugar

This version is for those who want their moonshine to taste unmistakably like apple pie, offering a wholesome, “Nan’s house” kind of feel.

The Personal Twist: Apple Crumble Moonshine

Lastly, I couldn’t resist adding my own twist to the mix with an apple crumble moonshine recipe.

Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic apple crumble of my New Zealand childhood, this recipe aims to recreate those warm, comforting flavors in a jar.

A Glimpse at the Ingredients:

• Half a cup of oats, dry roasted
• Butter and golden syrup
• 700 ml of 60 abv corn moonshine
• Granny Smith and Braeburn apples for that perfect blend of tart and sweet

This version is a love letter to the past, encapsulating the essence of apple crumble with its rich, tart, and sweet profile, enhanced by the unique addition of toasted oats.

Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe with Fireball

If you’re looking to add an extra kick to your classic Apple Pie Moonshine, why not mix in some Fireball whiskey?

The combination of sweet apple, warm spices, and the fiery cinnamon flavor of Fireball creates a drink that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their sweetness.

Here’s how you can take your Apple Pie Moonshine to the next level:

Ingredients

To modify your existing Apple Pie Moonshine recipe, you’ll need the following additional ingredients:

• Fireball whiskey: About 1 cup, or more if you like it extra spicy.
• Cinnamon sticks (optional): For added warmth and to enhance the cinnamon flavor.

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Apple Pie Moonshine Base: Follow your original Apple Pie Moonshine recipe to create the base. This typically involves combining apple cider, apple juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and other spices, and then simmering them together.
2. Cool the Mixture: Once your Apple Pie Moonshine base is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. It’s important to cool the mixture before adding any alcohol to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
3. Add the Fireball Whiskey: After the mixture has cooled, stir in the Fireball whiskey. The amount you add can be adjusted based on your personal preference for spiciness. Start with 1 cup and taste; if you want more of that cinnamon heat, feel free to add more.
4. Let It Sit: Transfer the moonshine to mason jars or glass bottles and seal them tightly. For best results, let the moonshine sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive drink.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Your Apple Pie Moonshine with Fireball is now ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled or over ice. For an extra touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple.

Serving Suggestions

• Apple Pie Fireball Mule: Mix your Apple Pie Moonshine with ginger beer and a splash of lime juice for a spicy twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
• Hot Apple Pie Fireball: Warm up your moonshine and serve it in a mug with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy, comforting drink.
• Spiced Apple Pie Shot: Serve your Apple Pie Moonshine with Fireball in shot glasses for a fun party drink that’s sure to be a hit.

This Fireball-enhanced version of your Apple Pie Moonshine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, combining the best of sweet and spicy flavors in one delicious drink. Enjoy responsibly!

Wrapping It Up

Crafting apple pie moonshine is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s an art form that allows us to experiment, reminisce, and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Whether you prefer the whiskey-like uncooked version, the comfort-inducing semi-cooked version, the nostalgic cooked version, or my personal twist with the apple crumble moonshine, there’s a recipe here for every palate.

So, which of these apple pie moonshine recipes resonates with you the most?

How do you like your moonshine? Share your thoughts, experiences, and any personal tweaks you’ve made to these recipes in the comments below.

And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe and ring the notification bell for more delightful distilling adventures.

Until next time, keep chasing the craft and savoring the journey. Cheers!