Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail

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One of autumn’s favorite desserts in a cocktail. This apple pie moonshine cocktail recipe tastes like apple pie a la mode!

The unofficial start of fall is upon us and I am READY! Summer is amazing and all, but there’s something special about fall. Maybe it’s the vibrant colors, the coming holiday season, or just my love of school supplies on sale. Something about this time of year is just special!

And if we lived somewhere cooler, I’d share something in a mug right now. But fall doesn’t actually make it to the Deep South until you’re just about ready to deck the halls. So we adjust, because it is the prudent choice. Celebrate each season as it comes, and *now* is the time for all the fall things (pretty much).

So let’s raise a glass and make a moonshine cocktail!

In case you missed it, moonshine is having a bit of a moment. While on vacation, the Godfather and I walked past a restaurant that exclusively featured moonshine cocktails. Actually, we tried this apple pie moonshine cocktail on one of our trips. We were at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ restaurant in Orlando, and shared one. Darlings, I had to recreate it for you. One sip and you’ll see why.

The best part is, there are no complicated ingredients. This is a very straightforward cocktail. And, it’s very easy to scale up or down. Mix one, or make a pitcher for a party! Simple is good.

Gentle reminder: Please be sure to plan accordingly for any guests that may have to drive. As with any spirited beverage, serve only to those of age, and don’t let anyone drive under the influence.

What ingredients will I need?

The key ingredient to making an apple pie moonshine cocktail is apple pie moonshine. You can find apple pie flavored moonshine at your local liquor store. I’ve found it near the vodkas typically.

The other ingredients are vanilla vodka, apple cider, and simple syrup. The vanilla vodka adds an “a la mode” flavor to the drink. If you don’t want to buy vanilla vodka, add a splash of vanilla extract to your drink and that will provide a similar flavor profile.

Apple cider can be purchased at any grocery store. Mine sells cider in the refrigerated juice section near the produce. Lots of orchards and farmers start selling apple cider around this time of year, so this is a great opportunity to shop small! For fun, if you want to make the kids their own little “fancy cider”, you can serve them apple cider in a jar with the garnishes and none of the liquor.

You’ll want to just make the simple syrup…

What is simple syrup? How do I make simple syrup?

Simple syrup is nothing more than a 1:1 mixture of water and granulated sugar. That’s it! To make simple syrup, combine a cup of water and a cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat, stir until the sugar has dissolved, then move it to a jar to cool. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Simple syrup is used to sweeten cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, coffee, hot tea… any beverage! It takes just a few minutes to make and lasts a month in the refrigerator. Plenty of time to use in some lemonade.

I hope you enjoy this apple pie moonshine cocktail recipe, darlings. Even in shorts we can celebrate the coming change of seasons. I’ll save a seat and a jar for you on the front porch. We’ll sip and talk about how we can only decorate with fake pumpkins because the real ones can’t stand the heat.

Cheers!