Recipe

Apple Pie Moonshine Drink

A cozy, cinnamon-kissed cocktail that tastes like spiced apple pie filling, but pours like a party. Make it by the glass or batch it for a crowd.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A rocks glass filled with an amber apple pie moonshine cocktail over ice, garnished with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick on a warm kitchen counter

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If apple pie could be poured into a glass, it would be this. Think crisp apple cider, warm cinnamon, a little vanilla, and moonshine that shows up like the friend who is fun but needs a ride home. It’s cozy, it’s bright, and it takes about as long as it does to fill your ice tray.

I’m keeping this one accessible and low drama: no fancy syrups, no obscure bitters, no “infuse for 48 hours” side quest. You can mix one drink at a time, or batch it in a pitcher so you are not stuck playing bartender all night.

Measured ingredients for an apple pie moonshine drink including apple cider, moonshine, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, lemons, and ice arranged on a kitchen counter

Why It Works

Big apple pie flavor fast: Apple cider does the heavy lifting, and a quick cinnamon steep brings that bakery vibe.
Balanced, not sugary: Lemon brightens everything so it tastes like apples, not candy.
Flexible strength: Easy to scale the moonshine up or down without breaking the flavor.
Batch friendly: Make a pitcher, keep it cold, and let guests top with ginger beer if they want sparkle.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Pitcher leftovers: Store the mixed drink (without ice or fizzy mixers) in a covered pitcher or jar in the fridge. It is best within 2 to 3 days. The cinnamon flavor can intensify by day two, and the fresh apple notes may soften a bit.

If you added ginger beer or club soda: Expect it to go flat. Still tasty, just not bubbly. Next time, add fizz to each glass right before serving.

Garnishes: Keep apple slices in a small container with a squeeze of lemon to slow browning. Use within 24 hours for best looks.

Common Questions

What kind of moonshine should I use?

Use a store bought, legal, labeled moonshine. Unflavored works great. Apple pie flavored moonshine also works, but start with less (or no) sweetener since those bottles can be pretty sugary.

How strong is this drink?

It depends on your moonshine proof and how much dilution you get from ice. With 2 ounces of 80 proof moonshine plus ice (and maybe a splash of soda), it drinks like a standard cocktail. If you are using higher proof, reduce the pour to 1 to 1 1/2 ounces and add a splash more cider.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Yes. Batch everything except ice and any fizzy mixer. Chill, then serve over fresh ice. If you want bubbles, top each glass with ginger beer right before handing it off.

What can I use instead of apple cider?

Unfiltered apple juice is the closest swap. The drink will be a little lighter and less spiced, so add an extra pinch of cinnamon or a small splash of ginger beer to bring it back to life.

Can I make a nonalcoholic version?

Absolutely. Skip the moonshine and replace it with more cider plus a squeeze of lemon. For some bite, top with ginger beer or add a tiny pinch of ground ginger.

Is it safe to drink homemade moonshine?

I only recommend using commercially produced spirits from a reputable brand. For safety and legality, avoid homemade or unlabeled alcohol.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Jigger or measuring cup
Small saucepan (for quick cinnamon steep)
Long spoon for stirring
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a clearer base)
Rocks glasses or mason jars for serving (10 to 12 ounces works great)
Pitcher (if batching)
Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid (optional, if you prefer to shake and strain)

I love drinks that feel like you did a lot more than you actually did. This one started as a “what do we have” moment: apple cider in the fridge, a bottle of moonshine someone brought over, and exactly one cinnamon stick rolling around in the spice drawer like it paid rent. Five minutes later, it tasted like the inside of an apple pie, and I immediately wrote down the ratios because I knew Future Me would want it again.