Apple Cinnamon Moonshine: Great Recipes for Cozy Gatherings!

Table of Contents

Introduction

Apple cinnamon moonshine is a delightful and flavorful concoction that brings together the sweet tang of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, all infused into a classic moonshine base. This traditional beverage has deep roots in American history and has evolved into a beloved homemade spirit enjoyed by enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what apple cinnamon moonshine is, how it’s made, and share some tantalizing recipes and tips for creating your own signature blend. So, kick back, pour yourself a glass, and let’s dive into the world of apple cinnamon moonshine!

What is Apple Cinnamon Moonshine?

Ingredients

Fresh apples
Cinnamon sticks
Sugar
Apple cider
Base spirit such as white whiskey or grain alcohol

Apple cinnamon moonshine is crafted with a meticulous selection of ingredients to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and aromas. Let’s delve deeper into each component:

The choice of apples greatly impacts the final taste of the moonshine. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or McIntosh bring their unique sweetness and tartness to the infusion.

Cinnamon is a key player in adding warmth and depth to the moonshine. The use of high-quality cinnamon sticks ensures a robust and fragrant spice profile.

The type and amount of sugar used can influence the sweetness and mouthfeel of the moonshine. Experimenting with different sugars like demerara, honey, or maple syrup can create varying levels of richness and complexity.

Using freshly pressed apple cider imparts a natural apple flavor that complements the fruitiness of the moonshine. The quality of the cider directly impacts the overall character of the infusion.

The choice of base spirit sets the foundation for the entire concoction. Whether using white whiskey or grain alcohol, the base spirit lays the groundwork for the infusion’s strength and smoothness.

Preparation

The preparation of apple cinnamon moonshine involves infusing the fresh apples and cinnamon sticks in a mixture of apple cider, sugar, and the base spirit. This infusion is then carefully distilled and aged to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into a harmonious blend that embodies the spirit of the season.

Base For Apple Cinnamon Moonshine

Materials Needed:

Fermenter: A food-grade container to ferment your mash.
Airlock and Stopper: Allows gases to escape while preventing contaminants from entering.
Stirring Spoon: Long enough to reach the bottom of the fermenter.
Heating Element: For heating the mash during fermentation.
Still: A distillation apparatus made up of a boiler, condenser, and collection vessel.
Thermometer: To monitor temperatures throughout the distillation process.
Hydrometer and Test Jar: To measure alcohol content.
Glass Jars or Bottles: To collect the distilled moonshine.
Charcoal Filter (optional): For additional purification of the final product.

Ingredients:

Cornmeal: The traditional base for moonshine.
Sugar: Enhances fermentation and alcohol production.
Yeast: To ferment the sugars into alcohol.
Water: Clean, distilled water is best for the mash.

Steps to Distill Moonshine:

1. Prepare the Mash:

Ingredients:
8.5 lbs (4 kg) of cracked corn or cornmeal
5 lbs (2.3 kg) of granulated sugar
5 gallons (19 liters) of water
2 packets of distiller’s yeast or baker’s yeast
Instructions:
Heat the Water: Bring 4 gallons (15 liters) of water to a boil in a large pot.
Add Cornmeal: Slowly stir in the cracked corn or cornmeal, ensuring there are no lumps. Maintain a temperature of around 190°F (87°C) and cook for about 30 minutes. This process gelatinizes the starches in the corn, making them accessible for conversion into fermentable sugars.
Add Sugar: Slowly add 5 lbs of sugar to the mash while stirring continuously. This boosts the potential alcohol content.
Cool the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to 75°F (24°C). Rapid cooling can be achieved by placing the pot in an ice bath.
Add Yeast: Once the mash has cooled, add the yeast. Stir well to distribute the yeast evenly.
Fermentation: Transfer the mixture to the fermenter, attach the airlock, and place it in a warm, dark place. Allow it to ferment for 5-10 days or until bubbling stops in the airlock. This indicates that fermentation is complete, and the sugars have been converted into alcohol.

2. Distillation Process:

Instructions:

Prepare the Still: Ensure the still is clean and free of any contaminants. Transfer the fermented mash into the boiler of your still, avoiding any solid residue that could burn during distillation.
Heat the Mash: Gradually heat the mash in the still. Monitor the temperature carefully. Ethanol (drinking alcohol) evaporates at 173°F (78°C). Maintain the temperature to allow for a slow distillation process.
Discard the Foreshots: The first 5% of the distilled liquid, known as foreshots, should be discarded. It contains methanol, which is toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested.
Collect the Heads, Hearts, and Tails:

Heads: The next portion (approximately 20-30%) contains volatile alcohols and should be discarded or reused in future distillations.
Hearts: This is the desirable part, containing ethanol and the best-tasting product. Continue collecting until the temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C).
Tails: The remaining portion after the hearts, which contains heavier alcohols and compounds, can be saved for future distillation or discarded.

Repeat if Necessary: To achieve higher purity and better flavor, you may want to run the distillate through the still again. This is known as “double distilling.”

3. Final Steps:

Filter and Dilute: Optionally, filter the moonshine through activated charcoal to remove any impurities. If the moonshine is too strong, dilute it with distilled water to the desired proof.
Bottle the Moonshine: Transfer the finished product into glass jars or bottles and seal them tightly.
Age (Optional): For a smoother flavor, you can age the moonshine in a wooden barrel or with wood chips.

Safety Precautions:

Ventilation: Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. The fumes can be toxic.
Flammability: Ethanol is highly flammable. Keep it away from open flames, sparks, or heat sources.
Methanol Warning: Properly discard the foreshots to avoid methanol poisoning.
Legal Compliance: Always ensure you are in compliance with local laws and regulations before attempting to distill alcohol.

Legal Considerations:

In the United States, it is illegal to distill alcohol at home for personal consumption without the proper permits. Check local and federal laws regarding home distillation.
Violations of these laws can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Distilling moonshine can be a rewarding hobby, but it is crucial to prioritize safety and legality throughout the process.

Apple Cinnamon Moonshine Recipes

Warm Harvest Apple Cinnamon Moonshine

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple cider
1 gallon apple juice
4–5 cinnamon sticks
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 liter high-proof grain alcohol (like Everclear)
4 fresh apples (optional, for garnish)
Mason jars for storage

Instructions:

Combine Base Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the apple cider, apple juice, cinnamon sticks, white sugar, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve completely.
Simmer for Flavor: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the cinnamon to infuse the liquid with a warm, spiced flavor.
Cool Completely: Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial—adding alcohol to hot liquid will evaporate its potency.
Add the Alcohol: Once cool, stir in the grain alcohol. Adjust the amount for your desired strength.
Bottle and Store: Pour the moonshine into sterilized mason jars, adding a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple to each jar for extra flavor and presentation. Seal the jars tightly.
Age for Flavor: Let the moonshine sit for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place to enhance the flavors. Shake occasionally.

Spiced Autumn Apple Moonshine Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 quart apple juice
1 quart apple cider
2 cups sugar (1 cup white, 1 cup brown)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
750 ml vodka (or high-proof grain alcohol)
Cinnamon sticks and star anise (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Spiced Base: Combine the apple juice, cider, sugars, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large pot. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the spices blend well.
Simmer for Depth: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 20–30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Avoid boiling.
Cool Before Mixing: Remove the pot from heat and let the spiced mixture cool completely.
Incorporate the Alcohol: Stir in the vodka or grain alcohol once the mixture has cooled. Taste and adjust alcohol to your preference.
Bottle and Garnish: Transfer the moonshine to clean jars or bottles. Add a cinnamon stick or a piece of star anise to each container for added flair.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately as a chilled cocktail, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Shake well before serving.

Both recipes offer a delicious blend of sweet apple and warm cinnamon flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings!

Tips for Making Delicious Apple Cinnamon Moonshine

Flavor Variation Ideas

When it comes to apple cinnamon moonshine, the flavor possibilities are as exciting as they are numerous. Elevate your drink by experimenting with a wide range of flavor variations, each adding its own unique charm and depth to the drinking experience. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next batch:

Blend in fresh pear juice to infuse a subtle sweetness and delicate fruitiness into the moonshine.
Introduce the aromatic essence of vanilla bean for a soothing, comforting flavor that complements the apple cinnamon base.
Add a hint of rich caramel to create a decadent twist that brings luxurious depth and warmth to each sip.
Explore the bold combination of maple syrup and a touch of nutmeg for a cozy, autumnal delight.

Storage and Shelf Life

When it comes to storing your homemade apple cinnamon moonshine, the goal is to preserve its exceptional flavor and quality for as long as possible. Follow these essential tips to ensure that your moonshine remains as delightful as the day you crafted it:

Storage Conditions: Store your apple cinnamon moonshine in glass containers with airtight seals. Keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, as exposure to light can cause the flavors to diminish over time.
Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature for storage to prevent drastic fluctuations. Ideal temperatures range between 60°F-70°F (15°C-21°C). Sudden temperature changes can alter the taste and aroma of your moonshine.
Extended Shelf Life: When properly sealed and stored under the right conditions, apple cinnamon moonshine can maintain its exceptional flavor and quality for up to a year. This extended shelf life allows you to enjoy the delectable blend of apple and cinnamon whenever the mood strikes.

Conclusion

Apple cinnamon moonshine is a timeless libation that embodies the essence of tradition, creativity, and indulgence. As you embark on your adventure into the world of moonshining, may these insights and recipes inspire you to craft your own exquisite blends and savor the harmonious fusion of apple and cinnamon in every sip. Cheers to the art of apple cinnamon moonshine, where innovation meets heritage, and the spirit of the season is captured in every pour.