How to Make Applejack Moonshine [Full Recipe]

Applejack moonshine is a bold, rustic spirit with roots in early American history.

It was originally created by early settlers using a process called “freeze distillation,” where fermented apple cider was left outside to freeze, with the alcohol-rich liquid separated from the ice.

This traditional beverage offers a unique blend of apple flavors with high alcohol content, and making it at home can be a fun and rewarding project.

Whether you’re interested in reviving an old craft or creating a personalized apple-flavored spirit, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

From fermenting fresh cider to increasing the alcohol content through freeze concentration, this recipe allows for both creativity and customization.

With just a few key ingredients and some simple equipment, you can produce a unique applejack moonshine to enjoy on its own or mix into cocktails.

Ingredients

• 5 gallons preservative-free apple cider
• 2 pounds of sugar (optional for higher ABV)
• 1 packet of champagne or distiller’s yeast

Equipment

• 6-7 gallon fermenting vessel
• Airlock and stopper
• Hydrometer
• Stirring paddle
• Freezer-safe containers (for freeze distillation)
• Glass bottles for storage

Step 1: Start the Fermentation

1. Sterilize all equipment to avoid contamination.
2. Pour the cider into your fermenting vessel.
3. Add sugar (optional) and stir to dissolve.
4. Hydrate the yeast according to instructions and pitch it into the cider.
5. Seal the vessel with an airlock and leave it at 65-75°F (18-24°C) for 2-3 weeks.

Step 2: Monitor Fermentation

• Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity. Fermentation is complete when the reading stabilizes at around 1.000.
• Look for signs of completion: the cider should be clear, and bubbling in the airlock will stop.

Step 3: Freeze Distillation Process

1. Transfer the fermented cider to freezer-safe containers.
2. Freeze for 8-12 hours until ice forms.
3. Drain the unfrozen liquid into a new container (this liquid is higher in alcohol).
4. Repeat the process 2-3 times for stronger alcohol content.

Note: This method separates alcohol from water, increasing potency. Handle with care, as the alcohol content rises significantly.

Step 4: Bottle and Age

1. Transfer the concentrated applejack into sterilized glass bottles.
2. Optional: Age with cinnamon sticks or other spices for additional flavor.
3. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place to maintain quality.

How to Make Applejack from Fresh Apples

Making applejack from fresh apples requires a few additional steps, as you’ll need to press the apples into cider before fermentation.

Here’s how:

Ingredients

• 30-40 pounds of apples (mix of tart and sweet varieties for complexity)
• 2 pounds of sugar (optional)
• 1 packet of champagne or distiller’s yeast

Equipment

• Apple press (or juicer)
• Large fermenting vessel (6-7 gallons)
• Hydrometer
• Airlock and stopper

Step-by-Step Process

1. Press the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly, remove stems, and grind them in an apple press or juicer to extract the juice. Aim for 4-5 gallons of fresh cider.
2. Filter the Juice: Strain the juice through a fine mesh to remove pulp and sediment. This will prevent off-flavors during fermentation.
3. Add Sugar and Yeast: Pour the juice into the fermenting vessel. If you want a higher ABV, dissolve 2 pounds of sugar in the juice. Pitch the yeast according to package instructions.
4. Ferment the Cider: Seal the vessel with an airlock and allow it to ferment at 65-75°F for 2-3 weeks. Monitor fermentation with a hydrometer until the reading stabilizes around 1.000.
5. Concentrate the Alcohol: Once fermentation is complete, follow the freeze distillation process described earlier by freezing the cider and draining off the unfrozen liquid. Repeat this 2-3 times to increase alcohol concentration.
6. Bottle and Age: Transfer the finished applejack into sterilized bottles. Age with spices or oak chips, if desired, and store in a cool, dark place.

This method offers a truly from-scratch applejack experience with the satisfaction of using fresh fruit.

The blend of apples used will affect the final flavor, so experiment with different varieties to create a balanced, flavorful spirit.

Additional Tips and Flavor Ideas

• Blend different apple ciders to experiment with flavor profiles.
• Age with oak chips to introduce subtle, smoky notes similar to barrel aging.
• If fermentation stalls, try adjusting the temperature or adding yeast nutrients.

Safety and Legal Considerations

• Methanol Risk: If using a still, discard the initial distillate (“foreshots”), as it may contain methanol.
• Local Laws: Check your region’s laws regarding home distillation; freeze distillation may be more legally accessible.

Serving Suggestions

• Cocktails: Use applejack in an Applejack Sour, Old Fashioned, or hot spiked cider.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy with roasted pork, apple pie, or sharp cheddar to complement the flavors.

Enjoying Your Applejack

Applejack can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or used as a base in cocktails. The flavor will develop further if aged for a few weeks, bringing out the natural apple notes and enhancing the spirit’s complexity.

This old-fashioned drink allows for creative twists—try adding cloves or vanilla for a festive touch or experiment with different apple cider blends.

Whether sipping it by a fire on a cold night or using it in a cocktail, applejack moonshine offers a delicious, handcrafted experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you make applejack using the traditional method?

Applejack is traditionally made by fermenting apple cider and then concentrating it through a freeze distillation process. This involves freezing the fermented cider and draining off the liquid that doesn’t freeze, which is rich in alcohol.

This process is repeated several times to increase the alcohol content and intensify the flavors. The detailed steps can be found in the provided applejack recipe.

What is the difference between the apple jack drink and applejack whiskey?

The apple jack drink is a traditional beverage made by freeze distilling hard apple cider. On the other hand, applejack whiskey is a type of brandy distilled from apple cider.

While both have apple as their primary ingredient, the methods of production and the resulting flavors can differ.

How do you make homemade applejack using fresh apples?

To make applejack from fresh apples, you first need to juice the apples to obtain fresh apple cider. This cider is then fermented using yeast until it turns into hard cider.

Once you have the hard cider, you can follow the applejack recipe homebrew method, which involves freeze distilling the hard cider multiple times to concentrate the alcohol and flavors.

Is making apple jack moonshine different from the traditional applejack recipe?

While both methods involve fermenting apple cider, the apple jack moonshine recipe might have variations in ingredients or steps to achieve a higher alcohol content or specific flavor profiles.

The essence of making apple jack, whether it’s moonshine or traditional, lies in the freeze distillation process.

What are the potential risks of consuming homemade applejack in large quantities?

Consuming large quantities of homemade applejack can lead to severe hangovers due to the concentration of methanol and fusel oils.

These compounds are normally discarded during heat distillation but remain in applejack. The hangover from excessive applejack consumption is termed “apple palsy.”

How can one enhance the flavor profile of the apple jack drink recipe?

To enhance the flavor of the apple jack drink, you can experiment with adding different types of sugar, like brown sugar, during fermentation.

Additionally, aging the applejack after freeze distillation can also help in developing a richer flavor profile.

Are there any variations of the applejack liquor recipe that use other fruits or ingredients?

Yes, there are variations of the applejack recipe that incorporate other fruits or ingredients.

For instance, some recipes might add spices, herbs, or other fruit juices to impart unique flavors.

The article also mentions other moonshine recipes like Watermelon, Mango, and Strawberry moonshine, indicating the versatility of moonshine recipes.