Apple Pie

Drink:

Apple Pie

Recipe:

1 Gallon Apple Juice

1/2 Gallon Apple Cider

3-4 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Liter Everclear 

Combine juice, cider, and cinnamon sticks in large pan. Simmer on stove top, taking care to avoid boiling, for aprox. 2 hours. Remove from heat and add Everclear. Allow to cool to room temperature, then serve.

Description:

No

No

...what

There we go.

Apple pie is a surprising concoction. Despite the significant amount of high proof grain alcohol, the final product (if properly prepared) has little to no alcoholic bite and actually does taste quite a bit like taking a bite of it's namesake. 

Despite it's high alcohol content, its not terribly worrisome to most drinkers as few I have met are interested in more then a single glass; much like actual apple pie, many will find the sweet richness to be a bit much if a second is consumed.

Apple pie is easily prepared in large quantities, stores and keeps extremely well, is palatable even to those that are squeamish about hard liquor, and is best served at room temperature as opposed to chilled. These traits make it an excellent contribution to an event or gathering. 

I would offer a few tips:

• If you live in the Northwest, this drink is best made in fall when you can get fresh cider and juice from local orchards. This will increase the quality of the final product greatly.
• There doesn't seem to be a notable difference in strength of the final product whether you use 151 proof Everclear or the rarer 190 proof variety, so don't worry if only the lower proof is available in your area.
• Some folks try to fancy up the recipe by adding more spices or caramel. This is ill advised, and I have yet to come across any additions to the recipe that positively impact it's taste.
• It makes a great gift, especially around the holidays. Whip up a batch and dole it out into mason jars (adding a stick of cinnamon to each if you are feeling fancy) for a round of nice gifts with a rustic charm.

The line between "Rustic" and "White-Trashy" is pretty thin.