Apple Pie and Apple Pie à la Mode Moonshine Recipe

Warning: This post contains spoilers from Season 1 of Justified. If you haven’t seen that season yet, get on it. Then come on back here. I was hooked from the first episode—Timothy Olyphant’s swagger, fast-paced action, and sharp one-liners pulled me in immediately.

Let’s be clear up front: this recipe is not authentic, illegal moonshine. I’ve lived where real “shining” happens, and this isn’t that. What it is, though, is a smooth, flavorful, sweet spirit that tastes like liquid apple pie—delicious and deceptively strong, so sip responsibly.

I first heard about Apple Pie moonshine while watching Mags Bennett terrify everyone on Justified. When she offered Raylan Givens a glass of her “famous apple pie” moonshine, I was convinced something terrible was about to happen. Mags is one of the most memorable TV villains, and her apple pie moonshine had me curious.

Later I found a mason jar of commercial Apple Pie Moonshine at the liquor store (yes, the jar pulled me in). It tasted like apple pie—sweet and potent—but at $25 a quart I thought I could make a better version at home.

After experimenting with ratios I developed my own take on Mags Bennett’s recipe. It uses Everclear, which has an extremely high alcohol content. That may bring back memories for some, and the bottle carries serious warnings for a reason. In this recipe Everclear is well diluted, but the final drink is still potent. Sip slowly and in moderation.

This recipe yields a substantial amount, and because of the high alcohol content it keeps indefinitely when stored properly. That makes it perfect for keeping on hand, serving at gatherings, or gifting—packaged in jars with a ribbon, a small glass, and a friendly warning.

Apple Pie and Apple Pie A La Mode

Rebecca Lindamood

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Ingredients

• 1/2
  gallon
  apple cider
  NOT the pre-spiced variety
• 1/2
  gallon
  unsweetened apple juice
• 2
  cups
  brown sugar
  I use sucanat or raw sugar
• 6
  cinnamon sticks
  plus 8–16 more for the jars
• 1/4
  of a whole nutmeg
  use the whole chunk—do not grate
• 2
  whole cloves
• 1
  whole bottle Everclear Pure Grain Alcohol
  750 ml, see notes
• 1
  cup
  vodka
• 4–8
  vanilla beans
  cut in half, optional but delicious
• 6–8
  quart
  jars OR 12–16 pint jars
  sterilized, with new 2-piece lids

Instructions

• In a large pot, combine the apple cider, unsweetened apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, the chunk of nutmeg, and whole cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let cool completely. It is important that the mixture is fully cool before adding the spirits.
• Once the spiced apple mixture is completely cooled, stir in the Everclear and vodka. Mix well.
• Pour the finished Apple Pie Moonshine into clean jars. Add one cinnamon stick and half a vanilla bean to each jar for the “a la mode” version; omit the vanilla bean for a plain version. Seal with sterilized lids.
• Allow the jars to mellow for at least one week; two weeks yields a more harmonious flavor. Serve chilled, over ice cream, or gently warmed like a toddy. Remember to enjoy responsibly.

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition using the exact ingredients you use if needed.

did you make this recipe?

Tag @foodiewithfam on Instagram and use #foodiewithfamily so the author can see your creation.

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Apple Pie Moonshine offers a nostalgic apple-pie flavor in an easy-to-make batch. With warming spices and the option to add vanilla beans for an “a la mode” finish, it makes a memorable homemade gift or a fun addition to seasonal gatherings. Store jars in a cool, dark place and label them with a reminder to drink responsibly.