Apple Pie Moonshine

[Gator]

I had a few pints of untouched shine left over and was in the mood for something new, so I made some "apple pie moonshine" this weekend. So simple but this stuff tastes delicious!

You can increase/decrease quantity of ingredients per your taste, but since I only had about 1.5 pints of shine to experiment with, here's what I used:
- 3 cups of apple juice
- 3 cups of apple cider
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- ~8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1.5 pints of 85 proof shine

Boiled everything but the booze for about 10 minutes, then added 1 cup of dark brown sugar and ~ 2 tablespoons of honey. I then let it boil on low for another 5 minutes. Once it cooled down, I strained the cloves and cinnamon then added the shine. I separated it into 3 jars to let it sit for a week or two, pitching about 2 whole cloves and a cinnamon stick in each one for additional flavor. I'd definitely make this again albeit a bigger quantity next time around.

[Bushman]

I make mine stronger than most, you really can't taste the difference but it sneeks up on you after one tall glass, and it is a hit with my family. Below is my recipe since it doesn't last long and I make my own cider I make it in a larger quantity.

The apple pie recipe I settled on is a modification of one I found on the Internet. I like my drink a bit stronger and even though you don't taste it after a tall glass you feel it.

Ingredients:
1 gallon apple cider
1 gallon apple juice
1-1/2 cups white sugar
2-1/2 cups brown sugar
8 cinnamon sticks
2.75 liters 190 proof alcohol

Note: Original recipe calls for 3 cups white sugar, no brown sugar, and 1 liter of 190 proof.

1. In large stock pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, sugars, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring to boil, then take it off the heat and allow it to cool.
3. Add the liter of high proof alcohol.
4. I store in 1.75 liter bottles and refrigerate for several weeks before drinking.

This doesn't last long so I bottle in larger containers.

[bearriver]

I do a similar thing, but season to taste using a SS tea basket filled with allspice, cloves, vanilla bean, and cinnamon sticks.

Enjoy your beverage!

[Gator]

I make mine stronger than most, you really can't taste the difference but it sneeks up on you after one tall glass, and it is a hit with my family. Below is my recipe since it doesn't last long and I make my own cider I make it in a larger quantity.

The apple pie recipe I settled on is a modification of one I found on the Internet. I like my drink a bit stronger and even though you don't taste it after a tall glass you feel it.

Ingredients:
1 gallon apple cider
1 gallon apple juice
1-1/2 cups white sugar
2-1/2 cups brown sugar
8 cinnamon sticks
2.75 liters 190 proof alcohol

Note: Original recipe calls for 3 cups white sugar, no brown sugar, and 1 liter of 190 proof.

1. In large stock pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, sugars, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring to boil, then take it off the heat and allow it to cool.
3. Add the liter of high proof alcohol.
4. I store in 1.75 liter bottles and refrigerate for several weeks before drinking.

This doesn't last long so I bottle in larger containers.

I was thinking of varying up the types of sugar but stuck with just brown this time. I made a pumpkin pie version, though, and really liked blending different kinds as in your recipe. Curious, Bushman, do you mind sharing your cider recipe/process? I've come across a few recipes but nothing that really wowed me. Tis the season for some homemade hot toddys!