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October 18, 2014
Last updated

Pumpkin Pie "Moonshine" Recipe

Owner of Clawhammer Supply

How To Make Pumpkin Pie "Moonshine"

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 made it a few times, tweaking each round to try and improve it. For example, the first thing we noticed was that the pumpkin pie drink recipe 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.

 apple pie moonshine

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 an after dinner drink. They aren't really something 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 of high 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 mixture into mason jars. We stored in the refrigerator until the tasting. For the tasting we also added whipped cream for a 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 added an entire pumpkin pie to a blender along with 2 pints of alcohol and 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 cream as it really ties the drink together. This drink was absolutely incredible and was a great way to get a buzz while drinking desert.

Cinnamon Spice Whiskey

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 drink is 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 peppers in 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, distilling alcohol at home (for consumption), otherwise know as "making moonshine," is illegal. For this reason, this recipe utilizes store bought Ole' Smokey.

Cinnamon Spice Whiskey

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.

  • Instead of using canned pumpkin, I took a whole pumpkin, cleaned it out and ran it through my juicer.! I added brown sugar pumpkin pie spice and simmmered for half an hour. Then I added my high proof spirits to taste. It’s not thick, more like a drink.! I advise trying this ! I’m really enjoying the drink

    Posted by James on November 26, 2021
  • How many jars does the pumpkin pie recipes make

    Posted by DAllas on December 02, 2020
  • I use spiced apple cider instead of apple juice and add whipped cream vodka & some fireball to the jars. You can use the cider or juice & thin it out some to your own liking. I then seal jars & let sit for 3-6 weeks in a closet…its also good at Thanksgiving dinner…

    Posted by Jenn on September 26, 2018
  • You can replace the moonshine with grain alchohol purchased from the store. Its probably not as good. But it is good :)

    Posted by Trish on January 10, 2018
  • 10L of Water.
    200g of resin
    1kg of white sugar.
    26g of Yest (any)

    a.Heat up the water, make the the 2 kg sugar meted. and, pore the rest of water in the fermentation bucket.but resins 200g in the water. and put yeast 26 gr (2 small Packets) in it, put your water lock. Also very much need heat temperature rod.(fish tank heat control element) and set it for 30% on the element. let it go for 5-7 days. start distillation.
    Result
    2L of 40%Vodka
    1L of 30%
    1L of 20%
    1l of 10%
    the rest no need.

    Posted by Peter on December 08, 2017
  • Is it suppose to be really thick. And how long does it need to cure

    Posted by Kim on September 21, 2017
  • Sounds tasty! Can’t wait to make the pumpkin pie moonshine for Halloween! Thanks for sharing your recipes

    Posted by Linda on September 08, 2016
  • For the pumpkin moonshine are you supposed to reconstitute the Apple Juice by adding water. I made it per your recipe and it turned out very thick

    Posted by Pattie on September 05, 2016
  • Manufacturing alcohol without a license in Virginia is a class six felony. You can make small quantities of beer and wine for personal consumption, just not moonshine. It is illegal to possess or transport alcohol upon which the U.S. taxes haven’t been paid in the state.  Virginia code says it’s also illegal to possess distilleries or distilling apparatus without a permit.

    www.nbc29.com/story/22116985/moonshine-laws-liquor-and-lawmen

    Posted by K Jordan on November 09, 2015
  • will volunteer my services as a taster

    Posted by Gary E on November 08, 2015
  • It is “not” illegal in the State of Virginia to produce shine for personal consumption. It is illegal however to sell it for personal gain.

    Posted by Ernest on November 07, 2015
  • It is “not” illegal in the State of Virginia to produce shine for personal consumption. It is illegal however to sell it for personal gain.

    Posted by Ernest on November 07, 2015
  • TaM- Under federal law it is legal to distill alcohol for fuel in all states with the proper fuel alcohol permits. Under Federal Law it is illegal to distill for personal consumption in all states. it is legal to distill for personal consumption in Missouri on the State level.
    Here is a good resource: https://americanhomedistillers.com/

    Posted by StillDaddy on October 28, 2015
  • Bridgette is wrong… Under Federal Law distillation of Alcohol is illegal in all states.
    Posted by Tam on October 28, 2015
  • ok Bridgette which states ARE legal and does the ATF know about them?

    Posted by Tam on October 28, 2015
  • Id like a corn recipe.

    Posted by sandra on October 28, 2015
  • Oh hell yeah! I know what I am going to do with all the leftover pie! Thank you for this fun recipie!
    Bottoms up!

    Posted by Chelley on October 25, 2015
  • what states are you aloud to make shine for personal use ?

    Posted by david on October 20, 2015
  • It is not illegal to make moonshine in all states. Many allow you to make it for personal use.

    Posted by Brigitte on October 08, 2015
  • Yummy :)

    Posted by felicia nicole on September 18, 2015


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