Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe

I’ve been crafting moonshine recipes for years, and Popcorn Sutton’s Apple Pie Moonshine is a true gem that captures the essence of the South in a jar.

It’s a delightful concoction that marries the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apple cider.

I always use real vanilla bean in my recipe—it makes a world of difference in the depth of flavor.

A tip I’ve learned:

Let the moonshine mature for a few weeks, it allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

How To Make Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine

Ingredients List

To make Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 8 cinnamon sticks
• 1 liter of high-proof grain alcohol (such as Everclear)
• 1 liter of apple brandy
• 4-6 apples, peeled and mashed
• 950 ml cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 5 cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Peel, core, and mash the apples.

Set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot on medium heat, combine the apple cider or unfiltered apple juice with the mashed apples, cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, cardamom pods, and whole cloves.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 3

Stir in both the white and brown sugars, and continue to simmer the mixture on low heat for about 20-30 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Stir occasionally to ensure even mixing and to prevent burning.

Step 4

Remove the pot from the heat and let the apple mixture cool completely.

Step 5

Once the apple mixture has cooled, carefully stir in the high-proof grain alcohol and apple brandy, blending well.

Step 6

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a large container, discarding any solids.

Carefully pour your Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine into mason jars or bottles for easy storage and serving.

Remember to enjoy your homemade Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine responsibly and savor the legendary flavors of this Appalachian region’s famous moonshiner.

Side Dishes For Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine

When enjoying Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine, you might want to pair it with some delicious side dishes to enhance your experience.

Here, you will find a list of side dishes that complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the moonshine.

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board filled with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fruits can be a perfect pairing for your apple pie moonshine.

The combination of savory and sweet flavors will balance well with the moonshine, and the variety allows guests to pick their favorite pairings.

Spiced Pecans

Spiced pecans with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg can be a fantastic accompaniment to your moonshine.

The nuts’ crunchy texture and the warm spices will complement the smooth and spicy flavors of the apple pie moonshine, creating a delightful combination that is perfect for a cozy night.

Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples

If you’re looking for something warm and gooey, baked brie with caramelized apples can be a great choice.

The creamy, rich flavors of the brie blend effortlessly with the sweet apples, and when paired with your moonshine, you’ll experience a taste explosion in your mouth.

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts can be another excellent side dish to complement the apple pie moonshine.

The combination of fluffy donuts with a cider glaze will enhance the apple flavors in the moonshine while providing a satisfying sweet treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.

In conclusion, these are just a few side dishes that can perfectly accompany your Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine.

Choose the ones that appeal most to you or create your own unique pairings to enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients Substitutes

Here, we will share a substitute that you can consider to create a delicious recipe.

Apple Juice Substitute

If you don’t have apple juice, you can use apple sauce as an alternative.

Apple sauce will give your Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine a slightly thicker consistency, but it will still provide that delicious apple flavor.

Use the same quantity of apple sauce as you would apple juice in the recipe.

White Sugar Substitute

If you want to steer away from refined sugars, you can substitute white sugar with an alternative natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

When using these substitutes, keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor compared to white sugar, so be cautious with the quantity you add.

Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste preference.

Brown Sugar Substitute

For those looking to switch out brown sugar, coconut sugar is an excellent choice.

Its caramel-like flavor makes it a suitable replacement in the Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine recipe.

Like brown sugar, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier alternative.

Replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar to maintain the sweetness level of the mixture.

Cinnamon Sticks Substitute

In the absence of cinnamon sticks, you can use ground cinnamon as a replacement.

For every stick called for in the recipe, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Be careful not to overdo it, as ground cinnamon has a more concentrated flavor and can overpower your moonshine if used in excess.

Grain Alcohol Substitute

If you can’t find high-proof grain alcohol like Everclear, you can opt for vodka or a neutral-flavored white rum as a substitute.

Since these alternatives usually have a lower alcohol content, you might need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired kick in your recipe.

Keep in mind that this substitute may slightly alter the taste and potency of your Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine.

By using these ingredients substitutes, you can still create a delicious and distinctive Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine even when you don’t have all the original ingredients handy.

Just be mindful of the adjustments, and your moonshine will be a crowd-pleaser.

How To Store Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine

Storing Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine properly is important to retain its flavor and quality.

Here are some essential storage methods to help you ensure your moonshine stays fresh and delicious for an extended period.

Keep it in a Cool, Dark Place

To maintain the quality of your moonshine, store it in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or pantry.

Direct sunlight and heat can affect the taste, so avoid storing it near windows, stoves, or other heat sources.

Use Airtight Glass Containers

Store the moonshine in airtight glass containers like Mason jars or swing-top bottles.

Glass is a non-reactive material and will not impact the flavor of your moonshine.

Make sure the containers are properly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination.

Label and Date Your Containers

Label your moonshine containers with the contents and the date it was made.

This will help you keep track of your batches and ensure you consume the apple pie moonshine within its optimal time frame.

Avoid Frequent Temperature Fluctuations

It’s crucial to avoid temperature fluctuations as they can deteriorate the quality of the moonshine.

Try to store it in an area where the temperature remains more or less consistent, like the back of a cupboard or a basement shelf.

By following these storage methods, you can preserve the taste and aroma of your Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine for a more extended period while enjoying its delicious flavor whenever you desire.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine:

Using low-quality ingredients

Your Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine will only be as good as the ingredients you use.

Make sure to use high-quality, fresh ingredients like good-quality apple cider, high-proof grain alcohol (such as Everclear), and fresh apples.

Using poor-quality ingredients can result in a subpar final product.

Overcooking the mixture

When combining the apple cider, moonshine, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it’s important to bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer on low heat, covered, for 20-30 minutes.

Overcooking the mixture can result in a burnt or overly thick consistency, which can ruin the moonshine’s flavor.

Stir occasionally as it is heating up to dissolve the sugar.

Not allowing the mixture to cool completely

After simmering the mixture, it’s crucial to let it cool completely before adding the grain alcohol.

Adding the alcohol to a hot mixture may cause the alcohol to evaporate, which weakens the potency of your moonshine.

Skipping the cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon sticks are an essential ingredient in the Popcorn Sutton Apple Pie Moonshine recipe.

They provide a unique spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apple components.

Do not substitute ground cinnamon, as it will not provide the same depth of flavor and may lead to an undesirable texture.

Storing the moonshine improperly

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and flavor of your homemade apple pie moonshine.

Store the moonshine in a cool, dark place in airtight containers, such as mason jars.

Exposure to light, heat, or air can degrade the quality of the moonshine or lead to spoilage.