Get ready to create a truly unforgettable beverage with this incredibly easy and absolutely delicious Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine recipe! Perfect for special occasions, thoughtful gifts, or simply a delightful treat for yourself, this homemade moonshine is infused with the sweet and tart flavors of cherry pie, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
The Ultimate Crock-Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about crafting your own homemade treats, and this slow cooker cherry pie moonshine is no exception. It combines the comforting flavors of a classic cherry pie with the warming kick of a well-made spirit, creating a drink that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a beginner in the world of homemade concoctions, this recipe is designed for simplicity and incredible results.
Why Choose a Crock Pot for Your Cherry Pie Moonshine?
Using a crock pot for your homemade cherry pie moonshine offers several key advantages, making the process almost entirely hands-off. The slow, even heat of a slow cooker gently infuses the cherry flavors into the liquid, dissolving the sugar perfectly without scorching. This method ensures a consistent and smooth result, enhancing the richness of the cherry and sugar mixture before the alcohol is introduced. It also minimizes the risk of overheating, making it a safer and more convenient option compared to stovetop methods, especially for those new to making fruit-infused spirits.
A Beloved Homemade Gift
This Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine has become a firm favorite among our friends and family, often requested for second and third batches! Its delightful flavor profile makes it an ideal gift for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. Bottle it in charming mason jars, add a custom label and a ribbon, and you have a personalized present that truly comes from the heart. It’s a gift that speaks volumes about your effort and taste.
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Cherry Pie Moonshine
The beauty of this homemade cherry pie moonshine lies in its versatility. While it’s absolutely delicious enjoyed on its own, perhaps chilled or over ice, its rich cherry flavor lends itself to a variety of creative uses:
- Straight or on the Rocks: Sip it slowly to savor its complex sweet and tart notes.
- Mixer Magic: Combine it with classic sodas like Coke for a Cherry Cola with a kick, or with lemonade for a refreshing and tangy cocktail.
- Decadent Dessert Topping: Pour it generously over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an adult twist on a classic dessert. The warm spice notes from the moonshine beautifully complement the creamy coolness of the ice cream.
- Cocktail Base: Substitute it for vodka in many popular cocktails to add a unique cherry pie twist. (More ideas below!)
Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Pie Moonshine
Crafting this incredible slow cooker cherry pie moonshine requires just a few simple ingredients, easily found at your local grocery store. The magic happens when these components slowly meld together in the crock pot. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Canned Dark Cherries: We recommend using canned dark cherries for their consistent quality and rich, deep cherry flavor. While fresh or frozen cherries can be used, canned cherries are already pitted and often packed in a syrup that contributes to the overall sweetness and body of the moonshine. Ensure you include some of the juice from the can for maximum flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This is crucial for sweetness and for creating the “pie” essence. White granulated sugar is standard, but you could experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like undertone that complements the cherry wonderfully. The slow cooker will ensure it dissolves completely, creating a smooth base.
- Tart Cherry Juice: Pure tart cherry juice amplifies the cherry flavor and provides a balanced tartness to cut through the sweetness, just like a real cherry pie. Look for 100% tart cherry juice without added sugars for the best control over the final sweetness. Avoid artificially flavored cherry drinks.
- Everclear or High-Proof Vodka: This is where the “moonshine” comes in!
- Everclear (Grain Alcohol): For an authentic, high-proof moonshine experience, Everclear is the traditional choice due to its neutral flavor and potent alcohol content (often 151 or 190 proof). It allows the fruit flavors to truly shine.
- High-Proof Vodka: If Everclear isn’t available or you prefer a slightly less potent spirit, a good quality, high-proof vodka (at least 80 proof, preferably 100 proof) works beautifully. Choose a neutral vodka to let the cherry flavors be the star.
Equipment You’ll Need
Making homemade moonshine in a slow cooker is straightforward, but having the right tools makes the process even smoother and more enjoyable:
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): This is your star appliance. We highly recommend using a crock pot that has a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature ensures your mixture doesn’t overcook and allows for worry-free preparation, knowing your ingredients will perfectly infuse. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
- Large Kitchen Spoon or Stirring Utensil: Essential for combining ingredients and ensuring the sugar dissolves evenly during the cooking process.
- Mason Jars, Canning Jars, or Other Sealed Storage Containers: For storing your finished cherry pie moonshine. Quart-sized mason jars are popular for gifting and storage, but any airtight container, such as a gallon or liter bottle, will work. Ensure lids fit securely to preserve freshness and flavor. Sterilizing your jars beforehand is always a good practice, especially for longer storage.
- Funnel: A funnel will be incredibly helpful for pouring the moonshine into jars without spills, especially if you plan on including the cherries.
- Ladle: For scooping out the moonshine and cherries from the crock pot into the jars.
How to Craft Your Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine: Step-by-Step
Creating this delicious cherry shine is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Begin by pouring the canned cherries (including their juice), granulated sugar, and tart cherry juice into your slow cooker. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures the sugar is evenly distributed and ready to dissolve.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 1 to 2 hours. The goal here is to gently heat the mixture until all the sugar has completely dissolved. Stir occasionally to help the process along. You’ll notice the liquid becoming a beautiful, rich cherry color and slightly thicker. Do not allow the mixture to boil; a gentle simmer is sufficient.
- Cool Down Completely: This is a crucial step! Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off your slow cooker and allow the cherry mixture to cool down completely to room temperature. This can take several hours, so plan accordingly. It’s essential that the mixture is cool before adding the alcohol to prevent evaporation and maintain the full potency of your moonshine.
- Add the Alcohol: Once the cherry mixture is fully cooled, carefully pour in your Everclear or high-proof vodka. Stir gently to incorporate the alcohol evenly with the cherry mixture.
- Bottle and Store: Using a funnel and ladle, transfer your homemade cherry pie moonshine into clean, sterilized mason jars or other sealed storage containers. Ensure there’s enough room for some of the delicious cherries in each jar if you like, as they continue to infuse flavor. Seal the jars tightly.
Note on Preparation: While the slow cooker method is recommended for its ease, this recipe can also be adapted for a large saucepan on the stovetop. If using a saucepan, cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Be vigilant to avoid boiling and ensure the mixture cools completely before adding alcohol. The total time needed will vary with this method.
Preparation and Storage Tips for Your Homemade Moonshine
Make Ahead for Enhanced Flavor
This slow cooker moonshine recipe is relatively quick, with the cooking process taking only one to two hours for the sugar to dissolve. However, like many infused spirits, Cherry Pie Moonshine benefits greatly from aging. Preparing it a few weeks or even months in advance allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a smoother, more complex taste. This makes it an excellent candidate for making ahead, especially if you plan to give it as gifts.
Optimal Storage for Longevity and Taste
Once bottled, store your unopened Cherry Pie Moonshine in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar. This helps maintain its vibrant flavor and extends its shelf life significantly. Unopened flavored moonshine can last for an extended period, often up to a year or more. Once a jar is opened, it’s best to keep any leftover Cherry Pie Moonshine refrigerated in an airtight storage container, like a mason jar. When refrigerated, enjoy your leftovers within three to six months to ensure the best quality and taste. Always make sure the lids are sealed tightly to prevent air exposure.
Freezing Your Cherry Pie Moonshine
Yes, you can freeze moonshine! Due to its high alcohol content, homemade moonshine (especially with Everclear) typically won’t freeze solid, but it will become slushy and very cold, which some people prefer, especially for shots. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer, depending on how you prefer to enjoy them. Freezing won’t degrade the flavor and can provide a wonderfully chilled sipping experience. Just ensure you use freezer-safe containers that allow for a little expansion, though alcohol content typically prevents significant freezing.
Recipe Variations & Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine
Customize your homemade cherry pie moonshine to perfectly suit your taste preferences with these helpful tips and variations:
Ingredient Substitutions & Enhancements:
- Alcohol Choice: As mentioned, Everclear grain alcohol or a high-proof vodka (like 100 proof) are your primary choices. Experiment to see which you prefer for flavor and potency. Remember to always drink responsibly.
- Sugar Options: While white granulated sugar provides a clean sweetness, consider using brown sugar for a richer, warmer, and slightly caramel-like flavor that beautifully complements the cherry notes, enhancing the “pie” aspect. You could also try a blend of both.
- Spiced Moonshine: For an even deeper “pie” flavor, consider adding whole cinnamon sticks, a few cloves, or a dash of almond extract to the crock pot along with the cherries and juice. Remove the whole spices before bottling.
- Mashing Cherries: We love having the full cherries in the moonshine for both flavor and visual appeal. However, if you prefer a smoother texture or want to intensify the cherry flavor release, you can use a potato masher to gently mash the cherries in the crock pot after they’ve cooked and cooled, before adding the alcohol.
- Other Fruit Flavors: This base recipe is incredibly adaptable! Substitute cherries with other canned or fresh fruits like peaches, apples (with apple juice and cinnamon), blackberries, or blueberries for different fruit moonshine variations.
Dietary Considerations:
- Vegetarian & Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly, as its core ingredients are canned cherries, sugar, cherry juice, and alcohol. No animal products are used.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe should be safe for those following a gluten-free diet, as none of the typical ingredients contain gluten. However, for severe sensitivities or celiac disease, always check the labels of canned cherries and cherry juice to ensure they are certified gluten-free and to avoid any possibility of cross-contamination.
- Alcohol-Free Option: To enjoy the delightful flavor of cherry pie without the alcohol, simply replace the Everclear or vodka with an equivalent amount of an alcohol-free spirit substitute or even additional tart cherry juice mixed with a touch of vanilla extract for depth.
- Sugar-Free: For a sugar-free version, opt for sugar-free canned cherries, cherry juice with no sugar added, and substitute the white sugar with your preferred sugar-free sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste, as alternative sweeteners can vary in intensity.
Scaling & Batch Adjustments:
This Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine recipe is remarkably easy to scale up or down to meet your desired serving size. It doubles and triples beautifully, making it perfect for large gatherings or when preparing multiple batches for gifts. If you’re significantly scaling up, you might need to work in batches, depending on the capacity of your slow cooker, to ensure even heating and proper dissolution of sugar.
When to Serve Your Homemade Cherry Pie Moonshine
This versatile and delicious homemade moonshine is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Holiday Gatherings: A festive and unique addition to Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or Thanksgiving feasts.
- Special Occasions: Ideal for Valentine’s Day as a romantic drink, or as a spirited addition to any special dinner.
- Happy Hour: Elevate your happy hour at home with this delightful concoction, served chilled or in a cocktail.
- Thoughtful Holiday Gifts: As mentioned, beautifully bottled moonshine makes a cherished, homemade gift for friends, family, and hosts.
- Dessert Enhancement: A luxurious topping for vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or even a base for boozy milkshakes.
- Summer BBQs: Serve it over ice with a splash of soda for a refreshing adult beverage during outdoor gatherings.
Creative Cocktails and Pairings with Cherry Pie Moonshine
Let this homemade slow-cooker moonshine shine as a fantastic vodka substitute or a flavorful addition to your favorite cocktails. Its distinct cherry pie flavor adds a unique twist to many classic drinks. Here are some ideas from our extensive cocktail recipe collection that you can adapt:
- Cherry Pie & Sprite Cocktail: Replace the vodka with your cherry pie moonshine for a sweet, fizzy, and incredibly easy drink.
- Cherry Pie Bomb Shot: Give the classic “Cherry Bomb” a homemade spin with your infused moonshine.
- Cherry Pie Kamikaze Shot: Add a fruity, sweet-tart depth to this classic shot.
- Cherry Pie Moscow Mule: The ginger beer and lime will perfectly complement the cherry notes.
- Dirty Cherry Pie Shirley: An adult version of the childhood favorite, with a grown-up cherry flavor.
- Cherry Pie Bay Breeze: Enhance the tropical notes with a hint of cherry pie.
- Cherry Pie Sunrise: Create a beautiful layered drink with orange juice and a splash of this moonshine.
- Cherry Pie Woo Woo: A delightful twist on this cranberry and peach schnapps cocktail.
Other Fantastic Crock Pot Drink Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed making this Cherry Pie Moonshine, you’ll love exploring other incredible drink recipes that harness the convenience of your slow cooker:
- Crock Pot Apple Pie Moonshine: Another beloved classic, perfect for autumn and winter.
- Crock Pot Lemonade Moonshine: A refreshing, tangy, and sweet option for warmer weather.
- Crock Pot Hot Buttered Rum: A cozy, warming beverage ideal for chilly evenings.
- Boozy Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal delight for coffee lovers.
Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine Recipe Card
Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine
Print Recipe
5 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 5 minutes
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 30 Ounce Canned Dark Cherries
- ½ cup White Sugar
- 32 Ounce Tart Cherry Juice
- 2 cups Everclear (or high-proof vodka)
Instructions
- Combine canned cherries (with juice), white sugar, and tart cherry juice in the crock pot. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
- Turn off the crock pot and allow the cherry mixture to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial before adding alcohol.
- Once fully cooled, pour in the Everclear or high-proof vodka. Stir gently to integrate.
- Transfer the finished cherry pie moonshine into sterilized mason jars or other sealed containers. Store as directed.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
- Mason Jars or other sealed containers
- Large spoon and funnel
Enjoy crafting this delightful Crock Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine! For more recipe inspiration and tips, check out our other culinary guides.
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Recipe originally shared on April 20, 2015. Updated and expanded in December 2020.