Fire Cider Recipe: The Spicy Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic for Immunity & Wellness

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire cider. The very name sounds like something you should try—or run from!

This potent tonic is the modern reincarnation of a home remedy used for generations to help ward off winter colds, flu cases, and other infirmities. Many folks mix it into salad dressings or festive grog. 

Indigenous healers have been brewing herbal vinegars for millennia. In fact, humans began making vinegar as long as 10,000 years ago, using it in food and drinks, for food preservation, and for many medicinal and antiseptic purposes. Anywhere in the world that you find apples, you’ll find cider vinegar remedies.

The traditional recipes call for some combination of grated fresh horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric root, and hot peppers soaking in apple cider vinegar for 3 to 4 weeks, then finished with honey to balance the acidity.

I like to add additional flavor-rich herbs and fruits. Other recipes, including mine, include dried or fresh leafy herbs, a few whole spices, and dried fruits or sliced citrus fruits.

Benefits of Fire Cider

While fire cider is more of a folk remedy, several studies have shown that the tonic helps the body balance blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. There have also been studies demonstrating cider vinegar’s ability to fight infections. And yet other studies have shown the tonic aids weight loss with 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, leading to reduced belly fat.

According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, “Apple cider vinegar, a key component of Fire Cider, has been studied for its potential to support healthy digestion and promote gut health. It can support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and may help regulate blood sugar levels.”

We can tell you this for certain: This strong vinegar tincture extracts healthful phytocompounds from a variety of medicinal plant materials. Most of these ingredients contain phytochemicals known for their strong digestive, antiviral, antiseptic, and/or decongestant properties. 

Admittedly, a drink made with fresh horseradish, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper sounds a little off-putting. I think it tastes great. Start with a daily shot to get blood flowing on a cold day. If you can’t handle the bite, sweeten it with extra honey.

It’s worth it—a potent punch that is immune-boosting, antibacterial, and antiviral. Your immune system will thank you!

Try it out! The ingredients are inexpensive and easily accessible.

Fire Cider Recipe

Ingredients

• Start with a quart (4 cups) of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (at least 5% acidity)
• About 1/3 cup grated horseradish
• About 1/3 cup grated ginger roots
• 1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric (or 2 tablespoons dried, powdered turmeric)
• Half a dozen cloves of minced garlic
• 1/2 cup peeled and diced onion
• 1 or 2 habanero chilis, split in half (or, use cayenne pepper)
• One large lemon, sliced rind and all (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
• A cinnamon stick, a few allspice berries, and a few whole cloves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup raw honey, or more to taste

The degree of “fire” in the blend depends on how many hot peppers you add!

As a precaution, I use only organically grown roots, herbs, and fruits to keep agricultural chemicals, waxes, or dyes from migrating into the vinegar.

Instructions

1. Place the vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices in a clean 1-quart jar. Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar.
2. The apple cider vinegar should cover the herbs by an inch or two. Seal your cap tightly. If you cap your jar with a lid containing metal parts, screw the lid on over a piece of cooking parchment or a small plastic bag to keep the lid from corroding. Shake well.
3. Let sit for a few weeks to soak. Shake daily (or when you remember).
4. Then, strain off the plant materials from the vinegar. Sweeten with honey to taste. Honey adds sweetness and blends all the flavors in fire cider nicely.
5. Refrigerate and use within a year.

Yes, to the uninitiated, the mixture sounds as if the final product will taste awful, but you’ll be surprised at how the ingredients mellow as their flavors blend in the vinegar! Find the right mix of sweet, spicy, and sour for you.

How to Use Fire Cider Tonic

• Some herbalists recommend taking a tablespoonful of cider tonic daily as a preventative during cold and flu season, swallowing it right off the spoon.
• Or, add it to a cup of juice or hot tea, perhaps with a bit of honey. You could also mix it with lemonade or orange juice. Diluting apple cider vinegar is best because undiluted vinegar can erode dental enamel.
• Or, you can drink it or take teaspoonfuls throughout the day when you feel a common cold coming on. Others use it as a gargle at the first sign of a scratchy throat.
• Mixing half and half with honey, makes a good cough remedy. (Don’t feed honey to children less than a year old.)
• Use it as you would plain vinegar in salad dressings, marinades for meat or tofu, and vinegar-based sauces.
• Drizzle on steamed vegetables or sautéed greens.
• Add to soups and chilis.
• Try a couple of dashes in a cocktail, such as a Bloody Mary.

Fire Cider FAQ

What is fire cider good for?


Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic believed to support immune health, aid digestion, and help fight off colds and flu. Its ingredients—ginger, garlic, horseradish, hot peppers, and apple cider vinegar—contain natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

How often should you drink fire cider?


Many herbalists recommend 1 to 2 tablespoons daily during cold and flu season as a preventative. If you feel a cold coming on, you can take small sips or teaspoonfuls throughout the day. Always dilute with water, juice, or tea to protect tooth enamel.

How long does homemade fire cider last?


Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, fire cider can last up to one year. Its high vinegar content acts as a natural preservative, but for the best flavor and potency, consume within 6 to 12 months.

Can you drink fire cider every day?


Yes, many people take fire cider daily as a wellness tonic. However, it’s best to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Avoid if you have ulcers, acid reflux, or vinegar sensitivity.

Does fire cider really work?


While scientific studies on fire cider specifically are limited, its key ingredients have been shown to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and fight certain infections. At the very least, it’s a nutrient-packed, flavorful addition to your wellness routine.

How do you use fire cider besides drinking it?


You can use fire cider in salad dressings, marinades, soups, stews, and even cocktails. It also makes a tangy addition to sautéed vegetables or roasted meats.

Final note: As with any herbal remedy, please consult your healthcare professional. Vinegar and perhaps some of the herbal constituents may interact with prescription medications or negatively affect some health conditions. Apple cider vinegar is not recommended for ulcer or acid reflux sufferers.

See if your body feels better, clearer, and healthier with this apple cider vinegar tonic! 

Have you ever made Fire Cider? Tell us about your experience with this magic elixir.