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Apple Moonshine Mash Recipe

This Irresistibly Smooth Apple Moonshine Mash Recipe - Simple to Make!

The Apple Moonshine Mash Recipe delivers bold flavor with every sip — learn how to make this smooth and fruity homemade drink in just a few easy steps!
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Total Time: 21 days
Servings: 25 people
Calories:

Equipment

  • Large pot or fermentation bucket (5-gallon capacity)
  • Apple corer and slicer
  • Potato masher or food processor
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Sanitized bottles or jars
  • Optional: Home distillation unit (must be licensed)

Ingredients

  • 20-25 lbs organic apples
  • 5 lbs granulated sugar
  • 5 gallons distilled water
  • 1 packet wine yeast or turbo yeast
  • 2-3 sticks cinnamon sticks Optional

Instructions

  • Choose Your Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth. Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith are a great combo.
  • Prep the Fruit: Wash, core, and slice apples into small pieces. You can leave the peels on for extra flavor if desired.
  • Crush the Apples: Use a potato masher or clean hands to mash the apples into a pulpy mixture.
  • Add Water: Pour in distilled water until the apples are fully submerged.
  • Add Sugar: Stir in granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
  • Let It Cool: Heat the mash slightly if needed to dissolve sugar, but cool to 70–80°F before adding yeast.
  • Add Yeast: Sprinkle your yeast over the mash and stir gently.
  • Fermentation Time: Cover the mash and store in a dark, cool area (around 70°F) for 7–10 days. Stir daily and watch for bubbling.
  • Strain the Liquid: Once fermentation slows, strain through cheesecloth to separate solids from the liquid mash.
  • Distill or Bottle: With proper permits and a distillation unit, you can distill your mash. Or enjoy as hard apple cider.

Tips

  • Always sanitize your tools. Contamination ruins batches fast.
  • Use a hydrometer to measure alcohol content accurately.
  • Monitor fermentation. Bubbling is a good sign — no activity could mean dead yeast.
  • Experiment with flavors. Try cloves, ginger, or nutmeg for a holiday twist.
  • Never distill without proper permits. It’s illegal in many regions without authorization.