Introduction
Apple Pie Moonshine is a delicious and potent homemade spirit that combines the sweetness of apple cider with the punch of moonshine. It’s perfect for sipping during the colder months or gifting to friends and family. Making apple pie moonshine is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making your own apple pie moonshine at home.
Ingredients
Before you begin making your apple pie moonshine, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:
- 1 gallon of apple cider
- 1 gallon of apple juice
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 liter of moonshine or high-proof grain alcohol
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own apple pie moonshine:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugars dissolve, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer: Once the sugars have dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cool: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Add Moonshine: Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the moonshine until well combined.
- Bottle: Using a funnel, pour the apple pie moonshine into clean, sanitized mason jars or bottles. Seal tightly with lids.
- Aging: Store the apple pie moonshine in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks to allow the flavors to develop and mellow.
- Enjoy: Serve the apple pie moonshine chilled or over ice. It can also be warmed up for a cozy winter treat.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips to help you make the best apple pie moonshine:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider and apple juice.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet moonshine, adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like ginger, cardamom, or star anise to customize the flavor of your moonshine.
- Gift Ideas: Apple pie moonshine makes a great gift for holidays or special occasions. Package it in decorative bottles with a festive label.
Safety Precautions
When making homemade moonshine, it’s essential to practice safety precautions to prevent accidents. Here are some safety tips:
- Use a Well-Ventilated Area: Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of alcohol fumes.
- Keep Flames Away: Do not heat the moonshine near an open flame as it is highly flammable.
- Label Clearly: Always label your moonshine bottles with the contents and alcohol percentage to prevent confusion.
- Drink Responsibly: Apple pie moonshine is strong, so enjoy it in moderation.
Conclusion
Apple pie moonshine is a delightful homemade spirit that captures the essence of fall in a bottle. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create your own batch of delicious apple pie moonshine to enjoy or share with loved ones. Remember to follow safety precautions and experiment with flavors to make your moonshine unique. Cheers to a successful apple pie moonshine making adventure!
