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Owner of Clawhammer Supply
How To Make Pumpkin Pie "Moonshine"
Fall is upon us; the leaves are changing, pumpkins and pumpkins are on display. This time of year there are always quite a few "pumpkin pie moonshine" recipes being posted on the Internet, so we decided to try our hand at making one.
We searched until we found a good "base recipe" then madeit a few times, tweaking each roundto try and improve it. For example, the first thing we noticed was that the pumpkin pie drinkrecipe we found called for only 2 cups of alcohol. Since we're more or less professional drinkers, we made a couple modifications to the recipe and created two different versions.
Pumpkin pie not your thing? Check out the rest of our moonshine recipes.
Before we get started, a reminder: Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.
First, we modified the recipe to give it more of an alcohol kick. We also modified the spice content, pumpkin puree content, etc. Finally, we went rogue and used an actual pumpkin pie and some vodka to see if we could make an improvement while also dramatically simplifying the recipe (see version 2 below).
Overall, we're very happy with the results. We found both of these recipes were more suited for anafter dinner drink. They aren't reallysomething we would want to pass around the fire.
Version 1:Pumpkin Pie "Moonshine" (From Scratch)
Ingredients
- 1 big can pumpkin puree ( 100% pure pumpkin)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice mix
- 1 can (12 fl. oz.) of thawed frozen apple juice concentrate.
- 2 pints ofhigh proof alcohol - vodka, everclear, or moonshine (i.e. Ole Smokey)
Directions
In a blender we combined the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, 1 can of thawed frozen apple juice concentrate, and 2 pints of alcohol.
We blended until smooth and then poured the mixtureinto mason jars. We stored in the refrigerator until the tasting. For the tasting we also added whipped cream fora bit of sweetness and a great creamy mustache.
Version 2: (Food Hack) Real Pumpkin Pie Flavored Vodka *Updated Recipe Click Here*
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin pie
- 2 pints of vodka, corn whiskey, "moonshine" (ole smoky, etc.)*
Directions
We addedan entire pumpkin pie to a blender along with 2 pints of alcoholand blended the mixture until it was smooth. After the mixture was completely blended we poured the mixture into mason jars, sealed and refrigerated. We always add whipped creamas it really ties the drink together. This drink was absolutely incredible and was a great way to get a buzz while drinking desert.
Bonus Drink: Spicy Fall Whiskey
Fall is a great time of year for pumpkin drinks, but it's an even better time for spicy drinks. The weather is cooler so a bit of heat in the drinkis generally welcome. That's why we created our FireBomb Cinnamon Spice Whiskey kit. It's packed full of cinnamon for flavor but also contains 4 kinds of peppers and peppercorns to help warm you from the inside out. The amount of heat can be controlled by you. Take out the thai peppers and leave it sit for 12 hours and the heat will be slight, but perceptible. Leave the peppersin and let it sit for 12 hours and it'll be nice and warm but definitely not too hot for most people. Leave the peppers in and let it sit for 24 hours and it'll nice and spicy, but maybe not for everyone. Let it sit for 48 hours and you might need to call the fire department after drinking. Click here to check out our cinnamon spice whiskey kit.
*Remember, distillingalcohol at home (for consumption), otherwise know as "making moonshine," is illegal. For this reason, this recipe utilizes store bought Ole' Smokey.
Kyle Brown is the owner of Clawhammer Supply, a small scale distillation and brewing equipment company which he founded in 2009. His passion is teaching people about the many uses of distillation equipment as well as how to make beer at home. When he isn't brewing beer or writing about it, you can find him at his local gym or on the running trail.
FAQs
It is good to mix apple pie moonshine with the following:
- Ginger Ale.
- Cranberry Juice.
- Lemonade.
- Apple Cider.
- Cream Soda.
- Sprite (add some lime juice for an extra kick)
- Rumchata.
Truly it is one of the best flavors for moonshine. It is warm and comforting and perfect for the cool days of fall.
What is a substitute for 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice? ›
To get 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, use ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ginger, allspice, cloves or nutmeg, whatever you have! If you have two of the above spices, use ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of whichever two spices you do have.
Can I use allspice instead of pumpkin pie spice? ›
Allspice is a warm and cozy spice that tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but pumpkin pie spice is a bit more robust and flavorful with all those spices plus ginger. Allspice alone, while delicious, won't give you that signature pumpkin spice flavor that you're looking for.
Do you mix flavored moonshine with anything? ›
You can use the classic two-to-one ratio of moonshine to vermouth or make it an even 50-50 split. Add some ice to dilute the flavors, and throw in a maraschino cherry for good measure. Or, even better, use maraschino cherry-flavored moonshine to create a “Moonshine Manhattan.”
Can moonshine be bad? ›
Aside from the dangers of the contaminants that may be found within the moonshine, the high alcohol content of moonshine also poses risks, such as alcohol poisoning and liver disease. If someone drinks moonshine, the people around them must understand the signs of methanol poisoning and alcohol poisoning.
Is moonshine better cold or warm? ›
Either way—it depends on your preference and the type of drink. For example, you might drink straight moonshine at room temperature. Or, warm up some apple pie moonshine for a toasty, comforting drink on a cold fall or winter night. You can also drink it as a chilled co*cktail with ginger ale or iced tea.
Is moonshine mash safe to drink? ›
A major risk of drinking moonshine is methanol blindness. Detecting methanol upon the first step is impossible, and consuming more of it will simply get the person drunker. However, it's eventually metabolized as its toxic metabolite, formic acid, in the body, which can have an extremely harmful effect.
What is the difference between pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice pie? ›
Does Pumpkin Spice Have Pumpkin? No, pumpkin spice does not contain any pumpkin. Pumpkin spice is usually made from an assortment of spices. That being said, you can add ingredients such as pumpkin puree to your pumpkin spice mixture.
What does McCormick pumpkin pie spice have in it? ›
McCormick Culinary Pumpkin Pie Spice is a premium blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice delivering a warm brown-spice flavor. Delicious in pumpkin pie and so much more. Use in sweet potatoes, apple dishes, streusel toppings, candied nuts.
For 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, substitute: ¾ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon ginger, allspice, cloves, or nutmeg (whatever you have!) ½ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon each of any of the two above.
Does allspice have ginger in it? ›
A common misconception is that allspice is a blend of different spices. The truth, however, is much more magical. Allspice does contain all the flavors of cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon combined - in one single berry. Which is, legend has it, how this unique spice got its name.
What is a good substitute for pumpkin pie? ›
If you're seeking an alternative for pumpkin pie, look no further than butternut squash – you'll likely never go back.
What is a substitute for ginger in pumpkin pie? ›
Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace. Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them.
What is the best combination for apple pie? ›
The exact ratio is up to you. If you prioritize a more puckery pie, use mostly Granny Smiths and toss in a Honeycrisp and a Jonagold. If you like your apples to slump and soften, use mostly Golden Delicious with a Braeburn thrown in.
What is the best mixer for apple whiskey? ›
Clear Sodas: Sprite or 7Up accentuate the apple flavors while adding a smooth sweetness. Juices and Lemonades: Cranberry juice, apple cider, and lemonade offer a fruity counterbalance to the whiskey. Cola: co*ke adds a classic, robust depth to the drink.
What is a good mixer for apple bourbon? ›
I do a mix of sweet maple, cinnamon, and ginger, and then I add a few pinches of cayenne. The cayenne gives the drink a nice kick, which pairs nicely with the warming bourbon, apple, and cinnamon. It's also a nice bit of spice to balance the sweetness. The syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.
