Apple Pie in a Jar

When the air is crisp, and the leaves have exploded in beautiful colors, what better way to celebrate the season than with a drink that tastes just like apple pie? Making big batches of this apple pie beverage has always been something my family does every year. Keeping traditions alive is something so special, especially around the holiday season.

This drink is like eating a slice of apple pie but packs a big punch. It's a strong alcoholic drink, but you can add many things to make it less so. When my grandpa started making this years ago he used Everclear, a grain alcohol. Due to the high alcohol content, if sealed and stored properly this will have a very long shelf life. The alcohol acts as a preservative, preventing bacteria growth that would spoil the drink.

What is Everclear?

Everclear is a grain alcohol, distilled from 100% selected grains. It provides a neutral flavor profile along with a high proof, giving it a unique ability to extract even the subtlest of flavors. It provides a clean slate, a blank canvas, and endless potential.

You can make many different versions of this drink to create your own favorite flavor. Add different spices such as nutmeg, whole cloves, allspice berries, whole star anise, etc. I recommend using whole spices when making this drink. Whole spices will flavor your drink mixture subtly without it becoming too overpowering. Ground spices will cause the mixture to become cloudy and have sediment at the bottom. Change up the alcohol in the recipe, use bourbon or any whiskey, rum, or vodka. It’s fun to play with flavors and truly make it your own creation!

I recommend letting this sit for at least a week before enjoying it. Grain alcohol is very strong, so allowing it to sit will meld all of the flavors together, and it will become much smoother. I think it becomes even better the longer it sits. Sip this straight over ice, drink it warm, add more juice or seltzer to dilute it, or make cocktails with it. You can’t go wrong having this on hand all season long. This really is the perfect drink for cozy nights by the fire, festive fall activities, and simply enjoying with family and friends. These jars also make the absolute perfect gifts for the holidays approaching. Tie a bow around the jar and you have a gift everyone will enjoy.

As always, please drink responsibly. Cheers!

Apple Pie Cocktail

Scroll down for a printable version of this recipe

Prep time: 5 minutes

Active time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Yield: 12 pints

1 gallon apple cider

1/2 gallon apple juice

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

10 cinnamon sticks, and more for jars

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 bottle (750ml) Everclear (190 proof or 150 proof) or your choice of alcohol

1. Sterilize the jars and lids.

2. In a large stock pot, add apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla.
Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and let it cool completely.

3. Once cooled, add the alcohol and stir together. (Do not add the alcohol until the mixture cools. If the liquid is too warm, the alcohol will dissipate.)

4. Strain the mixture and pour into prepared jars (use a funnel for ease), adding new cinnamon sticks to each jar.

5. Seal and store in the refrigerator.

Want to learn to make even more fun and tasty cocktails featuring fall's best fruit, the apple? Join us for these upcoming cocktail classes:

• Festive Fall Wine Cocktails featuring Mulled Apple Cider (Apple Cider and Sherry) on Friday, November 1 at 6:30pm
• Cocktail Happy Hour featuring Bourbon-Permission Smash (Bourbon, Vermouth, Apple) on Friday, November 8 at 5:30pm

Yield: 12 pints

Author: Kelly Kijak

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Apple Pie Cocktail

Prep time: 1 HourCook time: 20 MinInactive time: 5 HourTotal time: 6 H & 20 M

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1/2 gallon apple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 10 cinnamon sticks, and more for jars
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 bottle (750ml) Everclear (190 proof or 150 proof) or your choice of alcohol

Instructions

1. Sterilize the jars and lids.
2. In a large stock pot, add apple cider, apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla.
3. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and let it cool completely.
4. Once cooled, add the alcohol and stir together. (Do not add the alcohol until the mixture cools. If the liquid is too warm, the alcohol will dissipate.)
5. Strain the mixture and pour into prepared jars (use a funnel for ease), adding new cinnamon sticks to each jar.
6. Seal and store in the refrigerator.

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