Does anyone else around here watch Justified? If so, you should already know about Mags' famous apple pie moonshine. If you haven't seen it, you should! I wasn't too impressed by the third season but the first two were awesome. Anyway, this recipe is in honor of Mags and her crazy family. Technically this one can't really be called moonshine because it uses Everclear which is the legal version of moonshine. It's the closest you can get to the real stuff without breaking the law though.
You would think that this recipe came from my Dad's family in Kentucky but we actually got it from a some frat guys that we know in Minnesota. Those boys know their hooch though and this recipe is really tasty. When you hear "moonshine" you may think that just a sip of this will knock you on your butt. However, it is actually just a pre-mixed drink and the alcohol content is only around 12%. The problem is that it tastes amazing and the alcohol is well-hidden so you can easily drink too much without realizing it.
*Please drink responsibly. No underage drinking.*
Apple Pie Moonshine
adapted from Noel F.
Ingredients:
3 quarts Apple Juice
1 gallon Apple Cider*
750ml bottle of Everclear 190 Proof**
8 Cinnamon Sticks
3 cups Sugar
16 pint size Mason Jars, sterilized
In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, combine 6 cups of apple juice and 10 cups of apple cider. Heat to a light boil. Add sugar and cinnamon sticks. Heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Stir occasionally and wait for cinnamon sticks to open up. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Remove cinnamon sticks from cider mixture and cut in half. Place one half in each mason jar. Fill each jar with: 2oz Everclear, 7oz cider mixture, 3oz apple juice, and 3oz apple cider. Tightly replace lids and rings.*** Serve chilled.
Store in a cool, dark place. Some people have reported drinking their pie shine years later but I would recommend drinking it within one year.
Makes 32 (8oz) Servings
* We used the good apple cider from our local apple orchard and I think it made a big difference but you could also just use the stuff from the grocery store.
** 190 proof Everclear is illegal in some states because it is so strong. You may want to check and see if it is allowed in your state before you waste your time trying to track it down. When necessary, 151 proof could be used but your drink won't be as strong and it may affect the flavor.
*** I have looked at other apple pie 'shine recipes and none of them say that you need a water bath to seal the jars. The alcohol content should be enough to preserve it. I'm no canning expert though so if you feel better sealing the jars, feel free to. Just be aware that doing so may reduce the alcohol content. You can also keep it in the refrigerator if you are more comfortable with that.
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10 comments:
That looks awesome! So delicious. Pinning this, thanks!!
So, this doesn't need to be sealed in a water bath? It will just be ok for a year with the cider and juice?
This just sounds blissful! Perfect for crisp Autumn days. I didn't know that alcohol content could be illegally high, so I will have to check. I live in a dry county (a barbaric concept my family and friends back home in England are just amazed at)so it's a trek to buy the stuff anyway.
Thanks for the pin! I hope you like it. :)
I'm definitely not an expert on canning requirements but I personally don't think that it needs a water bath. I checked this site: http://www.moonshineheritage.com/blog/apple-pie-moonshine/ when trying to figure out how long it is good for and it doesn't say anything about sealing the jars either. The alcohol should be enough to keep it preserved. If you feel better doing a water bath then you can, of course. The only problem would be that if it gets too hot it could cook out some of the alcohol content. That is why you are supposed to let the cider cool completely before adding the Everclear. My friends keep theirs in the apple juice jugs in the refrigerator so that is an option for preserving it as well.
I wasn't aware either until we went looking for it. It's kind of silly that the government feels the need to protect us from ourselves by regulating alcohol content. When we moved back to Illinois, we found out that Happy Hour is illegal here. Apparently discounted beverages and appetizers encourages excessive drinking in a short period of time and makes people incapable of drinking in moderation. Craziness.
oh my I am sure this packs a punch
Huh? I live in Illinois - the Chicago suburbs - and enjoy happy hour drink (and food) specials all the time. If it's not where you are, that's got to be a law for your particular county or town, because it's certainly not a state law.
Here's the fine print from the bar menu at one of the establishments I go to regularly for happy hour (in short, you get the "happy hour" drink deals all day, and 2-for-1 alcohol pricing just translates to half price):
**Hours and offerings subject to change in compliance with local or state liquor laws. Prices in effect from open to close in certain markets (IL). Liquor-by-the-drink tax embedded for cocktail; liquor-by-the-drink and sales tax embedded for wine (TN). Due to local and/or state liquor laws, we are unable to offer alcoholic beverages on the “5 for $6 ’til 7” menu in MA, Charlotte, NC, OK, RI, UT. In CA, IL, IN, NC and VA, selling two or more drinks for the price of one is prohibited, so the beer selection will be offered at $3 each.
That is the law that I was referring to. Bars and restaurants are required to offer the deal all day long because happy "hour" is prohibited.
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