Fire Cider Recipe – Immune-Boosting Herbal Tonic

A bold, zesty herbal tonic infused with vinegar, roots, citrus, and spices to boost immunity and energize the body.

Quick Answer

Fire cider is a homemade herbal tonic made by infusing apple cider vinegar with horseradish, garlic, ginger, onion, hot peppers, citrus, and herbs. After steeping for 3–4 weeks, it’s strained and sweetened with honey. A spoonful daily supports immunity, digestion, and circulation with warming, spicy energy.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
3. Ingredients
4. Step-by-Step Directions
5. Steeping Time & Yield
6. Pro Tips & Variations
7. Serving & Pairings
8. Storage & Shelf Life
9. Estimated Nutrition
10. Cook’s Notes
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Conclusion & CTA

Introduction

Fire cider is a traditional folk remedy with deep roots in herbal medicine. Its spicy, tangy infusion of vinegar, garlic, ginger, and peppers has been used for centuries to warm the body, ward off colds, and stimulate digestion. If you enjoy homemade condiments, try our sweet and sour mix or a refreshing strawberry vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-natural immune booster with no preservatives
• Customizable spice levels and flavors
• Simple ingredients, many already in your pantry
• Versatile—use as a tonic, salad dressing, or marinade
• Affordable, homemade alternative to store-bought tonics

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
• 1/2 cup horseradish root, grated
• 1/2 cup fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1–2 jalapeños or hot chili peppers, sliced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Raw honey, to taste (added after straining)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare IngredientsWash, peel, and chop roots, onion, garlic, peppers, and citrus.
2. Fill JarPlace all solid ingredients in a clean quart-size glass jar.
3. Add VinegarPour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, covering completely. Seal tightly.
4. SteepStore in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks. Shake daily to mix and activate infusion.
5. StrainAfter steeping, strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve.
6. SweetenStir in raw honey to taste. Bottle in sterilized jars for storage.

Steeping Time & Yield

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Steep: 3–4 weeks
• Total: About 1 month
• Yield: ~3 cups fire cider

Pro Tips & Variations

Spicy Boost

Add extra chili peppers for a stronger kick. Pair with warming dishes like marry me chicken soup.

Fruit-Forward

Include apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or berries for sweetness.

Vegan

Skip honey and use maple syrup or agave for sweetness.

Herbal Twist

Add turmeric root or cinnamon for anti-inflammatory benefits, similar to our turmeric-inspired dip.

Mild Version

Reduce horseradish and omit hot peppers for a gentler flavor.

Serving & Pairings

Take 1–2 tablespoons daily as a wellness shot, mix with warm water and lemon for a morning tonic, or drizzle over salads like our carrot chickpea salad. It also doubles as a zesty marinade for proteins, balancing heavier dishes like wild turkey.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Store fire cider in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge or a cool pantry.
• Properly strained, it keeps up to 1 year without spoiling.
• Shake before each use to redistribute flavors.

Estimated Nutrition (per tablespoon)

• Calories: ~15
• Carbs: ~4 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: ~2 mg
• Fiber: ~0 g

Values are approximate.

Cook’s Notes

Fire cider is highly customizable—experiment with herbs and roots to find your preferred flavor. Always use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for maximum benefits. Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion & CTA

Fire cider is a fiery, invigorating tonic that’s simple to make and endlessly customizable. It supports immunity, digestion, and overall vitality. Try pairing it with homemade muffins for a bold breakfast contrast. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ rating and share your favorite variations in the comments!

Fire Cider Recipe

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• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: About 1 month
• Yield: ~3 cups fire cider

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Description

A bold, zesty herbal tonic infused with vinegar, roots, citrus, and spices to boost immunity and energize the body.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
• 1/2 cup horseradish root, grated
• 1/2 cup fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1–2 jalapeños or hot chili peppers, sliced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Raw honey, to taste (added after straining)

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Instructions

1. Wash, peel, and chop roots, onion, garlic, peppers, and citrus.
2. Place all solid ingredients in a clean quart-size glass jar.
3. Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, covering completely. Seal tightly.
4. Store in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks. Shake daily to mix and activate infusion.
5. After steeping, strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve.
6. Stir in raw honey to taste. Bottle in sterilized jars for storage.

Notes

Fire cider is highly customizable—experiment with herbs and roots to find your preferred flavor. Always use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for maximum benefits. Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Drink
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Folk Remedy

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 15
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: fire cider, tonic, vinegar, immune booster, natural remedy