Can you freeze cider?

You can freeze cider. Fresh apple cider freezes well and keeps its quality for up to a year, as long as you leave about 10% of the container empty for expansion. Alcoholic hard cider can be frozen too, but it may lose its fizz, and sealed cans or glass bottles can burst, so pour it into a freezer-safe container first.

Updated 2026-10-03

Key facts

Freezing in general. USDA says "You can freeze almost any food. Some exceptions are canned food or eggs in shells." [1]
Fresh apple cider. A University of Tennessee extension guide says apple cider "may be frozen and held up to a year or longer with no deterioration in quality". [2]
Leave headspace. Freezer containers "should only be filled about 90 percent full", because the cider expands as it freezes. [2]

How do you freeze cider?

Choose a container. Use a freezer-safe plastic bottle or jar, not a sealed can or glass bottle. [1]
Leave room. Fill to about 90% to allow for expansion. [2]
Freeze quickly. Start cooling fresh cider straight after pressing for best quality. [2]
Thaw in the fridge. Thaw it in the refrigerator and shake it well, as solids settle.

Frozen cubes of fresh cider are also handy for cooking; see cooking with cider.

What happens when you freeze hard cider?

Alcoholic cider freezes at a lower temperature than juice and may turn slushy rather than solid. Carbonation escapes when it thaws, so a sparkling cider may come back flat. For keeping hard cider unopened, the fridge or a cool cupboard is usually better; see can cider go bad. Freezing cider on purpose to concentrate the alcohol is a different process, covered in can you make apple brandy at home. For fresh cider in the fridge, see how long apple cider lasts.

Related answers: how long apple cider lasts · can cider go bad

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Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.

Questions

How long can apple cider stay in the freezer?

Up to a year or longer with no loss of quality, according to a University of Tennessee extension guide. [2] For the fridge, see how long apple cider lasts.

Can you freeze cider apples?

Apples can be frozen like most foods, but they soften when thawed, so freeze them only if you plan to press or cook them; for storing fresh cider apples, see where to buy cider apples. [1]

Can I freeze cider in the can or bottle?

It is safer not to. USDA lists canned food among the exceptions to freezing, and liquids expand as they freeze, so pour cider into a freezer-safe container with headspace. [1] [2]

Sources

Freezing and Food Safety — USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Home Apple Cider Production (SP307-O) — University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service