If you enjoy drinks that are simple but still feel a little special, this Apple Cider Lemonade Recipe is one I think you’ll love. I made it by combining apple cider with frozen lemonade concentrate, and the sweet-tangy flavor surprised me in the best way.

I also added fresh apple and lemon slices, which made the drink look beautiful without much extra work. I love that I can serve it cold on a warm afternoon or make it warm when I want a cozy fall drink. After making it myself, I found it especially useful for family gatherings because the preparation is quick and the recipe makes plenty.

Cooking Time

This recipe is wonderfully flexible because the cold version needs almost no cooking, while the warm version takes longer in a slow cooker.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours for the warm version
Total Time: About 4 hours 5 minutes for the warm version

The original recipe lists about 4.5 quarts and says it serves approximately 18 people, making it a practical drink for gatherings.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this apple cider lemonade drink. The combination keeps the preparation easy while giving you plenty of flavor.

1 gallon apple cider — This forms the sweet, fruity base; use your favorite apple cider for the best flavor.
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate — It adds bright citrus flavor and balances the sweetness of the cider.
1 sliced lemon — Fresh lemon slices add a pleasant citrus aroma and make the pitcher look inviting.
1 sliced apple — Apple slices reinforce the cider flavor and give the drink a pretty garnish.
Cinnamon sticks, optional — I like using them as a simple garnish, especially when serving the drink warm.

Note: serves several — approximately 18 servings according to the source recipe.

Equipment You Need

The equipment is minimal, which is one reason I find this recipe so convenient for parties.

Large punch bowl or serving pitcher — Use it to combine and serve the cold cider lemonade.
5- or 6-quart crockpot — I use this when preparing the warm version slowly.
Large spoon or ladle — Helpful for mixing the drink and serving it into glasses.
Serving glasses or mugs — Choose glasses for a chilled drink and mugs for a warm presentation.

How to Make Apple Cider Lemonade Recipe?

The recipe comes together with very little effort.
I simply combine the cider and lemonade concentrate, then add the fresh fruit slices.
From there, I choose whether I want to serve it cold or warm.

Prepare the Fruit

Start by slicing the lemon and apple into attractive, thin slices. I prefer keeping the slices neat because they will remain visible in the finished drink and add a fresh homemade look.

Combine the Cider and Lemonade

For a cold apple lemonade recipe, pour the gallon of apple cider into a large punch bowl. Add the frozen lemonade concentrate and stir the two ingredients together until they are evenly combined.

Add the Fresh Slices

Add the sliced lemon and sliced apple directly to the mixture. I like distributing the slices around the bowl so they float throughout the drink instead of collecting in one spot.

Serve It Cold

If you want a refreshing apple lemonade drink, serve the mixture cold after combining the ingredients. Add a lemon wedge and a cinnamon stick to individual servings if you want a more decorative presentation.

Make the Warm Version

For a cozy version, add the apple cider and lemonade concentrate to a 5- or 6-quart crockpot. Stir them together, then add the sliced apple and lemon.

Slow-Cook the Cider

Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low for about 4–5 hours. I find this option especially appealing for autumn gatherings because guests can enjoy the drink warm straight from the slow cooker.

Garnish and Serve

Ladle the warm drink into mugs and add a cinnamon stick if desired. For a cold serving, a lemon wedge alongside the glass gives the drink a simple, fresh finishing touch.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe, these are the little things I would keep in mind:

I slice the fruit neatly: Attractive apple and lemon slices make the drink look much more inviting.
I choose the serving temperature around the occasion: I prefer it cold for refreshing afternoons and warm for relaxed autumn evenings.
I use cinnamon as a finishing touch: I find that a cinnamon stick makes the warm version feel especially seasonal.
I prepare a large batch for gatherings: Since the recipe makes several servings, I find it convenient when entertaining family or friends.
I keep the garnish simple: A lemon wedge, apple slice, and cinnamon stick are enough to make the drink look special without complicating it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I avoid forgetting the fruit: Adding the lemon and apple slices gives the drink a more attractive presentation and reinforces its fresh flavor.
I don’t skip the mixing step: I make sure the cider and lemonade concentrate are properly combined before serving.
I don’t rush the warm version: I keep the crockpot on low and allow the drink to cook for the recommended 4–5 hours.
I don’t overcomplicate the garnish: In my experience, simple lemon slices and cinnamon sticks are all this drink needs.
I don’t assume it has to be served only in fall: I enjoy it throughout the year, whether chilled or warm.

How to Serve Apple Cider Lemonade?

This drink is easy to turn into a centerpiece for a casual gathering. For a cold presentation, I like serving it in a large punch bowl or pitcher with apple and lemon slices floating on top. For individual glasses, add a lemon wedge and, if desired, a cinnamon stick. The combination of bright lemon, apple slices, and cinnamon creates a simple seasonal appearance.

For the warm version, serve it in mugs directly after slow-cooking. A cinnamon stick in each mug makes the drink feel cozy and works particularly well for fall evenings. If you’re searching for an apple lemonade fruit drink that works for a crowd, this recipe is particularly convenient because the ingredients can be combined in one large batch.

Variations

The original recipe is intentionally simple, but I can see several ways to customize the presentation or serving style while keeping its basic character:

Green apple lemonade recipe: Use green apple slices as a visual variation when garnishing, while keeping the cider and lemonade combination the same.
Extra citrus presentation: Add more fresh lemon slices to the serving bowl for a stronger visual citrus theme.
Cinnamon-forward version: Add cinnamon sticks when serving the warm drink for a more noticeable seasonal presentation.
Cold party version: Serve it chilled in a punch bowl for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Warm gathering version: Prepare it in a crockpot and keep the serving style cozy with mugs and cinnamon sticks.
Apple drinks non alcoholic: This recipe naturally fits a non-alcoholic drink table because its listed ingredients are apple cider, lemonade concentrate, fruit, and optional cinnamon.

One useful search question is “can you mix apple juice and lemonade?” You can certainly find drinks built around that general flavor idea, but this particular recipe uses apple cider, not plain apple juice, together with frozen lemonade concentrate.

Nutritional Information

The source recipe provides the following nutrition information per serving. It lists calories, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sugar, and sodium; fat is not provided in the source, so I have not estimated it.

Calories: 146 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fat: Not provided in the source recipe

The source lists the serving nutrition as 146 calories, 36 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 10 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, and 29 g sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

I find this recipe convenient to prepare ahead when I’m expecting guests because the ingredients are simply combined in a large serving vessel. For the cold version, prepare the mixture shortly before serving and add the fruit slices for presentation. For the warm version, the original instructions call for combining everything in a 5- or 6-quart crockpot and cooking on low for 4–5 hours.

Reheating

The source specifically explains how to prepare the drink warm in a crockpot, rather than providing separate reheating instructions. If I were reheating leftovers, I would warm them gently rather than boiling them. Keep the goal simple: warm the drink enough for serving while preserving the pleasant apple-and-lemon character.

Freezing

The provided recipe does not give freezing instructions or a recommended freezer storage period. Because of that, I would not assign a specific freezer life without additional tested information. For the best texture and presentation, I prefer preparing the drink fresh, especially when using sliced apples and lemons as part of the presentation.

How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

The source does not specify an exact refrigerator storage period. For that reason, I would follow standard food-safety practices and use your judgment based on how the drink has been handled and stored. For the best appearance, I personally prefer serving it soon after preparation, when the fruit slices look fresh and attractive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This is one of those recipes I like because it gives you a crowd-friendly drink without a complicated ingredient list.

It’s incredibly easy: I only need apple cider, lemonade concentrate, sliced fruit, and optional cinnamon. There is no complicated preparation or long ingredient list.
It works hot or cold: I can serve it chilled when I want something refreshing or warm it in a crockpot for a comforting drink.
It’s great for gatherings: I love recipes that can serve a crowd without requiring individual preparation. This recipe makes approximately 18 servings.
It looks beautiful: Fresh apple and lemon slices add color and texture, while cinnamon sticks give the drink a seasonal finishing touch.
It’s easy to customize: I can change the presentation depending on the occasion while keeping the basic cider-and-lemonade combination intact.

The original recipe specifically highlights the drink as suitable for family gatherings and says it can be enjoyed throughout the year, although it is especially appealing during autumn.

FAQs

Can you mix apple juice and lemonade?

Yes, apple and lemonade can be combined as a drink concept. However, this particular recipe uses apple cider rather than plain apple juice, along with frozen lemonade concentrate.

Is apple cider lemonade served hot or cold?

Both options work. The cold version is mixed in a large punch bowl, while the warm version is prepared in a 5- or 6-quart crockpot on low for 4–5 hours.

What is the cider and lemonade name?

This combination is called Lemonade Cider in the source recipe. It combines the sweet apple character of cider with the bright, tangy flavor of lemonade.

Can I make this apple lemonade recipe for a party?

Absolutely. I find it especially convenient for gatherings because the recipe makes approximately 18 servings. You can prepare it cold in a punch bowl or warm in a crockpot.

What can I use to garnish apple cider lemonade?

I like keeping the garnish simple with sliced apples, lemon wedges or slices, and optional cinnamon sticks. These ingredients also appear in the original recipe’s serving instructions.

Final Thoughts

I think this apple cider lemonade recipe is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can create a drink that feels much more special than the effort involved. The cider provides the fruity base, lemonade brings a refreshing citrus contrast, and fresh apple and lemon slices make the presentation inviting.

Whether I serve it cold during a warm afternoon or warm it slowly for an autumn gathering, I love how easily this drink adapts to the occasion. If you’re looking for a simple apple lemonade drink or a crowd-friendly addition to a non-alcoholic drinks table, this is a recipe worth keeping handy

Ash Tyrrell

Apple Cider Lemonade Recipe

If you enjoy drinks that are simple but still feel a little special, this apple cider lemonade recipe is one I think you’ll love. I made it by combining apple cider with frozen lemonade concentrate, and the sweet-tangy flavor surprised me in the best way.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 4

Servings: 18

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider — This forms the sweet fruity base; use your favorite apple cider for the best flavor.
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate — It adds bright citrus flavor and balances the sweetness of the cider.
1 sliced lemon — Fresh lemon slices add a pleasant citrus aroma and make the pitcher look inviting.
1 sliced apple — Apple slices reinforce the cider flavor and give the drink a pretty garnish.
Cinnamon sticks optional — I like using them as a simple garnish, especially when serving the drink warm.

Method

Start by slicing the lemon and apple into attractive, thin slices. I prefer keeping the slices neat because they will remain visible in the finished drink and add a fresh homemade look.
For a cold apple lemonade recipe, pour the gallon of apple cider into a large punch bowl. Add the frozen lemonade concentrate and stir the two ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
Add the sliced lemon and sliced apple directly to the mixture. I like distributing the slices around the bowl so they float throughout the drink instead of collecting in one spot.
If you want a refreshing apple lemonade drink, serve the mixture cold after combining the ingredients. Add a lemon wedge and a cinnamon stick to individual servings if you want a more decorative presentation.
For a cozy version, add the apple cider and lemonade concentrate to a 5- or 6-quart crockpot. Stir them together, then add the sliced apple and lemon.
Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low for about 4–5 hours. I find this option especially appealing for autumn gatherings because guests can enjoy the drink warm straight from the slow cooker.
Ladle the warm drink into mugs and add a cinnamon stick if desired. For a cold serving, a lemon wedge alongside the glass gives the drink a simple, fresh finishing touch.

Notes

I slice the fruit neatly: Attractive apple and lemon slices make the drink look much more inviting.
I choose the serving temperature around the occasion: I prefer it cold for refreshing afternoons and warm for relaxed autumn evenings.
I use cinnamon as a finishing touch: I find that a cinnamon stick makes the warm version feel especially seasonal.
I prepare a large batch for gatherings: Since the recipe makes several servings, I find it convenient when entertaining family or friends.
I keep the garnish simple: A lemon wedge, apple slice, and cinnamon stick are enough to make the drink look special without complicating it.