This homemade apple pie moonshine with cinnamon feels like pure comfort in a jar. It has that cozy, old-fashioned taste that reminds many people of fall gatherings, holiday tables, and long chats with family and friends. Because it is smooth, sweet, and warmly spiced, it is one of those drinks that feels special without being fussy. If you enjoy simple recipes with big flavor, this one is easy to love.
The flavor comes from 8 cups apple juice, 8 cups apple cider, 3 cups granulated sugar, 14 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 750 mL 190-proof grain alcohol or the highest-proof vodka you can find. Then it all gets tucked into 6 clean quart mason jars. Together, these ingredients make a sweet apple base with a bold cinnamon edge and a gentle holiday spice note. In other words, it tastes like apple pie with a warm kick.
The method is simple, too. You simmer the juice, cider, sugar, and spices, then let the mixture cool completely before adding the alcohol. After that, you strain it, pour it into jars, and let the flavors settle. It is an easy process, but the cooling step matters a lot, especially because the alcohol is highly flammable and must never be added while the mixture is hot. Since this recipe is for adults 21+ only, it should always be handled with care.
This is a great recipe for chilly nights, holiday parties, backyard get-togethers, or as a homemade gift for legal-age adults. It also works well when you want something that can be made ahead of time. Since the jars rest for weeks before serving, this apple pie moonshine with cinnamon is especially handy during busy seasons when you want to plan ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine with Cinnamon
- It uses simple pantry ingredients that are easy to find.
- The flavor is warm, sweet, and cinnamon-rich, so it feels like apple pie in drink form.
- The recipe is easy to make ahead, which is helpful for parties and holidays.
- You do not need any canning process, so the method stays simple.
- It makes a generous batch, which is great for sharing with adult guests.
Apple Cider Tips
The best part of this recipe starts with the apple base, so choose good apple juice and apple cider. If possible, use a cider with a fresh, crisp taste rather than one that is overly flat or watered down. Since the final drink is sweet, a cider with real apple flavor gives the moonshine more depth. Also, make sure the juice and cider are fresh and not near their expiration date, because the flavor of the whole batch depends on those first ingredients. If your cider is cloudy, that is usually a good sign, since it often means more apple character. For the best result, use ingredients that taste clean, bold, and naturally fruity.
Options for Substitutions
- Use high-proof vodka if you cannot find grain alcohol, although the final strength may be milder.
- Swap part of the apple juice for unsweetened apple juice if you want a less sweet finish.
- Use brown sugar in place of some of the granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like note.
- Add extra cinnamon sticks if you want a stronger spice flavor.
- Replace ground nutmeg with a small pinch of allspice for a different warm spice profile.
- Use smaller mason jars if you want more gift-sized portions instead of six large quart jars.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is adding the alcohol too early. That can create a safety problem, since high-proof alcohol is highly flammable and should only be added after the mixture has cooled fully to room temperature. So, be patient here. It is worth the wait.
Another mistake is skipping the cooling time before bottling. If the liquid is still warm, the alcohol can lose some of its punch, and the flavor can change in a way that is not ideal. Also, the jars should be clean and dry before filling, because you want a fresh, stable result for storage.
It is also easy to overdo the spices. Because this recipe already has cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, too much extra spice can make the drink harsh. Instead, stay close to the listed amounts. That way, the apple flavor stays bright and the cinnamon stays smooth.
Finally, do not confuse this with canned preserves. No canning process is needed here, and this recipe is not described as a tested shelf-stable preservation method. Therefore, follow the storage guidance carefully and treat the timing as a general guideline, not a hard rule.
What to Serve With Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine with Cinnamon?
This drink pairs well with simple party foods that match its sweet, spiced flavor. Try it with cheese and crackers, baked ham sliders, caramel popcorn, or apple pie bars. If you want a fuller spread, savory snacks such as spiced nuts, meatballs, or sharp cheddar biscuits also work nicely. Because the drink is sweet, salty and savory foods help balance each sip.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep the sealed jars in a cool, dry place for up to 8 weeks before drinking, following the recipe guidance. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 5 to 7 days for the best taste.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this alcohol-based drink in mason jars, since the flavor and texture may change. If needed, freeze only in freezer-safe containers with extra headspace, but refrigeration is the better choice.
Reheat: This drink is usually served cold, so reheating is not needed. If you want it slightly warm for a different serving style, heat only a small amount on the stovetop over low heat, or warm briefly in the microwave in a microwave-safe mug. Never boil it, and do not heat it with the alcohol already too hot.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 5 minutes, plus 1 hour cooling
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 40 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 8,800 to 10,500
Protein: 0 to 5 grams
Fat: 0 to 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 900 to 1,100 grams
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple juice (64 ounces)
- 8 cups apple cider (64 ounces)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 14 cinnamon sticks, divided (8 for simmering, 6 for the jars)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 750 mL 190-proof grain alcohol such as Everclear (about 3 1/4 cups), or the highest-proof vodka available
- Clean quart mason jars with tight lids, 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Apple Base
In a large stockpot, combine the apple juice, apple cider, sugar, nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and 8 cinnamon sticks. Then bring the mixture to a boil, stirring as needed so the sugar melts evenly.
Step 2: Simmer the Spices
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 1 hour. As it cooks, the cinnamon and nutmeg will infuse the liquid and build that classic apple pie flavor.
Step 3: Cool Completely
Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool fully to room temperature, which takes about 1 hour. This step is important, since the alcohol must only be added after the liquid is completely cool.
Step 4: Add the Alcohol and Strain
Once the mixture is cool, stir in the alcohol. Keep it away from any flame or heat, because it is highly flammable. Then strain out the simmered cinnamon sticks and carefully ladle or funnel the liquid into clean quart mason jars.
Step 5: Seal the Jars and Store
Add one of the remaining cinnamon sticks to each jar and seal tightly. After that, store the jars in a cool, dry place for about 8 weeks before drinking, following the recipe guidance. For serving, pour small chilled portions, about 4 ounces each, into small glasses or over ice.
Conclusion
This homemade apple pie moonshine with cinnamon is sweet, cozy, and easy to make ahead. It uses simple ingredients, delivers a warm apple-cinnamon flavor, and makes a generous batch for adult gatherings. Just remember to cool the mixture fully before adding the alcohol, handle it safely, and follow the storage guidance closely.
If you try this recipe, come back and share how it turned out. You can also explore more cozy fall drinks and make-ahead recipes for your next gathering.
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Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine with Cinnamon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Adult Beverages
Description
A sweet and cozy apple pie moonshine with a warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for chilly nights and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple juice (64 ounces)
- 8 cups apple cider (64 ounces)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 14 cinnamon sticks, divided (8 for simmering, 6 for the jars)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 750 mL 190-proof grain alcohol or the highest-proof vodka available
- Clean quart mason jars with tight lids, 6
Instructions
- Combine the apple juice, apple cider, sugar, nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and 8 cinnamon sticks in a large stockpot and boil.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour to infuse the flavors.
- Remove from heat and cool the mixture completely to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Add the alcohol, stirring carefully and keeping it away from flames.
- Strain out the cinnamon sticks and ladle the liquid into clean jars.
- Add a cinnamon stick to each jar and seal tightly.
Notes
Ensure the mixture cools completely before adding alcohol to prevent flammability. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 8 weeks before opening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
