This citrusy blend of lemonade and apple cider is an unexpectedly refreshing, easy-to-make drink that can be served hot or cold. Lightly sweet with bright lemon notes and warm apple character, it’s perfect any time of year and especially lovely on crisp autumn days.
If you’re ready to embrace fall flavors with a small twist, this lemonade cider is a great place to start. Apple cider is a longtime favorite, but combining it with frozen lemonade concentrate brings a bright, tangy balance that refreshes the palate. It’s simple to prepare, scales well for gatherings, and can be adapted to suit hot or cold serving preferences.
I love sitting on the porch on a sunny autumn afternoon with a pitcher of this beverage. On days when the weather surprises you with warmth, the cold version is crisp and thirst-quenching. On cooler evenings, heat it gently for a cozy, spiced drink that feels like a hug in a mug. The recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes to assemble.
Here are a couple of other fall drink ideas you might enjoy alongside this recipe: Old Fashioned Wassail and Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa. Both offer classic seasonal flavors and are easy to make for a crowd.
This lemonade cider is convenient for busy holiday weekends. It keeps people refreshed without tying you to the kitchen, and because it works both warm and cold, you can serve it indoors or outside depending on the weather.
What Do I Need To Make Lemonade Cider?
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- Optional: cinnamon sticks for garnish
How to Serve
You can serve this lemonade cider cold or warm. Both versions are quick to prepare and visually appealing with floating lemon and apple slices. Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a cozy touch when serving warm, or offer ice and lemon wedges for the chilled version.
To Serve Cold
- Pour 1 gallon apple cider into a large punch bowl or pitcher.
- Stir in the thawed can of frozen lemonade concentrate until combined.
- Add lemon and apple slices to the bowl or pitcher.
- Serve over ice with optional lemon wedges and cinnamon sticks for garnish.
To Serve Warm
- Place the apple cider and thawed lemonade concentrate into a 5–6 quart slow cooker or pot.
- Add lemon and apple slices and a few cinnamon sticks if you like.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or heat gently on the stove until warmed through—do not boil.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon slice.
Warm lemonade cider makes a welcoming beverage for cooler evenings, while the chilled version is perfect for daytime get-togethers. Both are easy to scale up: just multiply the ingredients to suit the size of your gathering.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Adjust sweetness by choosing regular or reduced-sugar lemonade concentrate.
- For a spiced version, add whole cloves, star anise, or a cinnamon stick while warming and remove before serving.
- To keep the cold version from diluting, serve punch over ice in individual glasses rather than adding a large ice block directly to the bowl.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for a few days; reheat gently for another warm serving.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
- 1 sliced lemon
- 1 sliced apple
- Optional: cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- For cold: Mix cider and lemonade concentrate in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add lemon and apple slices. Serve over ice with optional garnish.
- For warm: Combine cider and lemonade concentrate in a slow cooker or pot with lemon and apple slices. Warm on low for 4–5 hours or heat gently on the stove. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Per serving (approximate): 146 kcal, 36 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 1 g fiber, 29 g sugar, 10 mg sodium.
This lemonade cider is a small change with big seasonal impact: bright lemon lifts the sweet orchard flavor of apple cider for a drink that’s as adaptable as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want a comforting beverage to enjoy at home, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice.