This apple pie moonshine cocktail truly resembles the flavors of apple pie. The cocktail is super smooth and ridiculously easy to drink.
This is the cocktail for apple dessert lovers. If you’re a fan of caramel apple sheet cake, apple cinnamon rolls, or apple coffee cake… this cocktail was made just for you!
Enjoy this delicious apple beverage from autumn through winter. It is refreshing served iced, especially during the unusually hot Southern California winters! But, it is equally inviting served warm for cozy winter gatherings.
There are many ways to enhance this drink and make it your own!
Ingredients
Only a handful of ingredients are required to make this fabulous cocktail! You will need: apple pie moonshine, apple juice, cinnamon simple syrup, and lemon juice.
What is moonshine? Originally, moonshine referred to homemade (usually illicitly produced) alcohol, especially during the prohibition era. It can be made from different grains, fruits, or sugar. Moonshine was historically dangerous since it was often made without proper regulations.
Those days are long gone! You can easily purchase moonshine. There are so many varieties of moonshine available! This recipe uses apple pie moonshine.
As the name suggests, apple pie moonshine is moonshine flavored with apple pie. (You can find nearly any flavor of moonshine you want such as banana pudding, butter pecan, or chocolate pie!) I highly recommend Midnight Moon apple pie moonshine. Other common brands include Ole Smoky and Sugarlands Shine.
There are many options for your choice of apple juice. This recipe works with fresh apple juice, juice box apple juice, or bottled apple juice. Pressed apple cider or non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider are also great options.
Cinnamon simple syrup sounds fancy, but it’s super easy to make. Simply bring to a boil equal parts water and sugar. Steep in cinnamon sticks for flavor. That’s it. Alternatively, you may swap in high quality maple syrup or purchase cinnamon syrup.
And last by not least, you will need fresh squeezed lemon juice. Fresh squeezed is best. I cannot emphasize that enough! Stay away from those pre-packaged bottled lemon juice sold in lemon shaped plastic containers.
Serving Suggestions
I prefer to serve this cocktail chilled. However, it is equally amazing served warm!
Make it extra special by adding a dollop of whipped cream (or cinnamon spiced whipped cream). And if you really want to make a stiff drink, enhance the cocktail splash of bourbon.
As with all alcoholic beverages, please enjoy in moderation. This drink is rather sweet and tastes too much like apple pie. The alcohol doesn’t hit you until it’s too late!
The recipe card below is for two servings. Easily multiple the amounts to create a large batch or party punch size. Simply premix the ingredients ahead of time (up to 24 hours). Keep in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. Stir or shake well before serving!
More Holiday Beverages
- Vodka Spiced Punch (grapefruit based)
- Sparkling Berry Apple Mocktail
- Orange Spiced Tea
- Holiday Pimm’s Cup
Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 oz apple pie moonshine*
- 4 oz apple juice
- 2 oz cinnamon simple syrup , recipe follows
- 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- apple slices, to garnish
- cinnamon sticks, to garnish
Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine apple pie moonshine, apple juice, cinnamon simple syrup, and lemon juice. Fill shaker 2/3 full of ice. Stir for 10-15 seconds to chill drink. Strain ice. Serve cocktail with new ice. Garnish with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks.
Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- In a medium sauce pot, add water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Set over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Cover pot and let mixture steep for 30 minutes. Strain out cinnamon sticks. Allow cinnamon simple syrup to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge until ready to use. Keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Notes
- There are many brands of apple pie moonshine. I recommended the brand Midnight Moon.
- Use any apple juice (fresh, juice box, bottled). Apple cider and sparkling apple cider are also great options.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best. Stay away from those pre-packed bottle lemon juice that is sold in a lemon shaped plastic container.
- Simple syrup keeps in the fridge for two to four weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Amazing flavor! Followed directions as listed- definitely a crowd favorite!
(SN: we did also add caramel drizzle for an extra twist of flavor)
Thank you for trying the recipe! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Nice twist with the caramel drizzle!
We found it too sweet. Cut the simple syrup by half and it was perfect. Huge hit at our outdoor summer gathering. Thanks!
we made a enough t=for 16 people then put the pitcher in the freezer for few hours. Just started to turn slushy when we served it over ice. Perfect.
This looks fantastic, and I want to make it for an upcoming party! Can you make a big batch of this by just scaling up the ingredients proportionally, or would it need additional adjustments?
Hi Erin! Yes, to make a large batch simply double/triple/etc ingredients as necessary. I would mix it all in a large container (without ice). Let it sit the fridge until party time. Add ice once you’re ready to serve!
Can we use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks for the cinnamon simple syrup? I already have ground cinnamon and the sticks were $9 at the store :(
Unfortunately, you won’t get the same results with ground cinnamon. Instead of a smooth simple syrup, it will be a muddy and chunky mess. You can usually buy bags of cinnamon sticks for less than $5 at ethnic markets.
I’ve made it with ground cinnamon but you have to strain it through a coffee filter, which is a huge hassle and you go through about a dozen filters before your done. Definitely better to just use sticks.
Do you use apple juice (like Motts) or apple cider you would purchase at an Orchard?
Fresh apple cider from an orchard would be best, but regular store-bought apple juice works fine. Apple juice (like Motts) tends to be a little sweeter, so adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste.
I love any drink that involves apples but this one looks truly amazing! Beautiful pictures, thanks for the recipe!
Thanks Monika! Cheers!
Wish I had one of these cocktails to devour right now – they look and sound absolutely delicious. I adore your presentation of them too!
Thanks Thalia!
Apple pie MOONSHINE?! With CINNAMON STICK flavors?! How am I just now learning this is a thing? I’ve added it to my shopping list,!
It’s amazing! I can’t wait to try their other flavors!
My husband makes apple pie moonshine! This looks and sounds fabulous. I’m so glad I discovered your site! Pinning this and the fig tart for sure. (Hubby is making fig wine as we speak…)
Homemade apple pie moonshine?! LUCKY! And fig wine?! When can I come over? ;)
Gorgeous styling! These look super delicious too!
Thanks Millie!