Fire cider is a bold, immune-boosting tonic packed with medicinal herbs and fresh ingredients. This traditional folk remedy combines raw apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and a spicy kick to help keep colds and flu at bay during the colder months. It’s simple to make and a great addition to your herbal remedy collection.
Fire cider is packed with immune-supporting ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, and turmeric, known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The raw apple cider vinegar enhances digestion, while honey adds a touch of sweetness with soothing benefits for sore throats. Personally, I find it a lifesaver during flu season—just a shot warms me up on cold days and keeps my sinuses clear!
Contents
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Immune-Boosting Power: Packed with medicinal herbs like ginger and turmeric for extra health support.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level or ingredients to suit your personal tastes.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a natural remedy or a tangy addition to meals.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store.
- Connection to Tradition: A fun way to embrace a beloved folk remedy.
🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Onion: Adds depth and antibacterial properties. Use shallots for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Garlic: A powerhouse for immune support. No substitutes here—it’s a must-have!
- Horseradish: Clears sinuses like magic. I used powdered as it’s all I could find, but fresh is optimal. If unavailable, try wasabi root as a backup.
- Fresh Ginger: Provides warmth and anti-inflammatory benefits. Ground ginger works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Chili Peppers: Brings the heat! Any hot peppers will do, or use cayenne pepper for an extra kick if fresh isn’t handy.
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and vibrant. Fresh turmeric root or ground powder both work.
- Black Peppercorns: Black pepper enhances turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Adds a subtle warmth; ground cinnamon can be used sparingly if needed.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The unpasteurized kind (with the mother) is key for its health-boosting benefits. Stick with the raw version for best results.
- Honey: Balances the tangy vinegar with a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup works for a vegan option.
🥣 How to make homemade fire cider
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the onion, lemon, orange, and chili peppers. Mince the garlic, and grate the ginger and horseradish. It’s a bit of chopping, but trust the process—it’s worth it!
- Fill the Jar: Add all the prepared ingredients to a clean mason jar. My jar size was 1 liter (1 quart/32oz). Pack it full, leaving a little room at the top. Note: I used Chinese cinnamon bark. Regular cinnamon sticks are ideal.
- Pour in the Vinegar: Cover the ingredients completely with raw apple cider vinegar. You may need more or less than 2 cups depending on the size of your jar.
- Seal the Lid: Place a piece of parchment paper under the lid (to prevent vinegar from reacting with metal), and tighten it securely.
- Shake It Up: Give the jar a good shake to mix everything together.
- Store It Right: Keep the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks. Shake it daily to keep things moving and infusing.
- Strain the Mixture: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the solids.
- Add the Honey: Stir in the honey to taste. This step balances the fiery kick with a touch of sweetness.
- Store and Enjoy: Seal the jar and store it in the fridge or a dark, cool space. It keeps for up to 6 months!
🪄 Recipe notes & tips
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with one chili pepper or skip it entirely. Love it hot? Add an extra kick with cayenne powder.
- Honey Last: Always mix in honey after straining to preserve its natural enzymes and health benefits.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and horseradish make all the difference in flavor and medicinal properties.
- Shake Daily: This step ensures the ingredients infuse evenly—plus, it’s oddly satisfying.
- Label Your Jar: Write the date you started so you don’t forget when it’s ready to strain.
- Double the Batch: Make extra! It’s great to share or stash away for those long, cold winter months.
🫙 Storage instructions
- Cool and Dark: Keep your fire cider in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark spot like a pantry or cabinet.
- Fridge Friendly: For longer freshness, store it in the fridge. It can last up to 6 months this way!
- Airtight is Key: Use jars with plastic lids or parchment paper under metal lids to avoid any vinegar reaction.
- Shake Before Use: Separation is natural, so give it a quick shake before pouring a shot.
✨ Variations
- Citrus Swap: Replace lemon with lime or orange for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- Extra Herbs: Add sprigs of thyme or oregano for added antibacterial benefits.
- Spiced Up: Toss in a few cloves or a star anise for a warming, aromatic twist.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
- Milder Option: Skip the chili peppers and use mild paprika for a more gentle heat.
- Fruit Fusion: Add sliced apples or cranberries for a fruity twist and additional health benefits.
🍽️ How to serve this recipe
As a Health Tonic
- Morning Kickstart: Take a tablespoon first thing in the morning for an immune boost.
- Sore Throat Soother: Mix with warm water and additional honey to ease sore throats.
In the Kitchen
- Salad Dressing: Drizzle over salads or mix with olive oil for a zesty dressing.
- Marinades: Use it to marinate meats, tofu, or veggies for a flavorful dish.
- Cooking Boost: Splash some into soups or stews for an extra depth of flavor.
With Warm Drinks:
- Tea: Mix with tea for an extra immunity boost.
- Warm water: Stir into warm water with a touch of honey for a soothing drink.
🔥 The health benefits of fire cider
Fire cider isn’t just spicy—it’s packed with powerhouse ingredients that bring a variety of health benefits. Here’s why this traditional remedy is worth a spot in your pantry:
- Energy Boost: The spicy kick gets your circulation moving, giving you a natural pick-me-up on cold winter days.
- Immune System Support: Garlic, ginger, and turmeric are known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, making this a go-to during flu season.
- Sinus Congestion Relief: Horseradish clears up stuffy noses like a charm, while chili peppers add heat to help open airways.
- Digestive Health: Apple cider vinegar aids digestion and balances stomach acidity, keeping your gut happy.
- Antibacterial Power: Garlic and honey are natural antibacterials, helping fend off germs and infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Turmeric and ginger work together to reduce inflammation, which can benefit your joints and overall health.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but fresh ingredients provide better flavor and medicinal properties. If you use dried, adjust the quantities (about 1/3 of the fresh amount) and expect a slightly different taste.
Is fire cider safe to drink daily?
For most people, yes! A tablespoon or two daily is a common dose, but always listen to your body and adjust as needed.
Can I skip the honey?
Absolutely. Honey is optional, especially if you prefer a sugar-free version or want a sharper flavor.
What if I don’t have horseradish?
While horseradish is traditional, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of wasabi paste for similar sinus-clearing properties.
Can I give fire cider to kids?
This tonic is spicy, so it might not be suitable for young children. If you’d like to try, dilute it heavily with warm water and skip the extra chili.
How long does it take to work?
It’s not an instant fix, but with consistent use during flu season, it can help strengthen your immune system with a little boost and keep you feeling great!
Can I reuse the solids after straining?
Not for another batch of fire cider, but they can be composted or even blended into a spicy sauce if you’re feeling creative. I put mine in my compost bin. The worms were happy!
😋 More fermented recipes you will love
- Ginger Bug
- Sauerkraut Recipe
- Crockpot Mulled Wine
- Air Fryer Pork and Sauerkraut
- How to Cook Sauerkraut
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📖 Recipe
Fire Cider Recipe
Fire cider is a bold, immune-boosting tonic packed with medicinal herbs and fresh ingredients. This traditional folk remedy combines raw apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and a spicy kick to help keep colds and flu at bay during the colder months. It's simple to make and a great addition to your herbal remedy collection.
Equipment
- 1 jar 1 liter, 1 quart, 32oz
- fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 tablespoons horseradish powder or 4 tablespoons fresh horseradish, grated
- 4 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
- 2 chili peppers sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary 0.1oz
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar plus more to top up
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Add everything except the honey to a jar. You may need more or less apple cider vinegar depending on the sizes of your produce, but for me it was exactly 2 cups.1 onion, 8 cloves garlic, 1.5 tablespoons horseradish powder, 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, 2 cups apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon turmeric powder, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 chili peppers, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, 1 lemon, 1 orange, 4 cinnamon sticks
- Place parchment paper over the top and secure the lid.
- Shake well.
- Store in a cool, dark space (a pantry is ideal) and shake once per day for 3-4 weeks.
- After 3-4 weeks, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Mix in the honey.1/4 cup honey
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge or a cool, dark space for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with one chili pepper or skip it entirely. Love it hot? Add an extra kick with cayenne powder.
- Honey Last: Always mix in honey after straining to preserve its natural enzymes and health benefits.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and horseradish make all the difference in flavor and medicinal properties.
- Shake Daily: This step ensures the ingredients infuse evenly—plus, it’s oddly satisfying.
- Label Your Jar: Write the date you started so you don’t forget when it’s ready to strain.
- Double the Batch: Make extra! It’s great to share or stash away for those long, cold winter months.
Storage instructions
- Cool and Dark: Keep your fire cider in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark spot like a pantry or cabinet.
- Fridge Friendly: For longer freshness, store it in the fridge. It can last up to 6 months this way!
- Airtight is Key: Use jars with plastic lids or parchment paper under metal lids to avoid any vinegar reaction.
- Shake Before Use: Separation is natural, so give it a quick shake before pouring a shot.
Nutrition
Calories: 33kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!