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Close-up of a jar filled with homemade fire cider tonic, showcasing vibrant layers of dried orange slices, ginger, jalapeños, and herbs steeping in apple cider vinegar.

Fire Cider Recipe (Immune-Boosting Tonic with Apple Cider Vinegar)

This traditional fire cider recipe is a powerful immune-boosting tonic made with raw apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, spices, and a touch of honey. Bold, tangy, and warming, it’s the perfect natural remedy to support wellness during the cold and flu season. Sip daily as a shot, mix into salad dressings, or add to warm drinks for a spicy, invigorating boost.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 0
Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 medium onion chopped (around 1 cup)
  • ½ cup fresh ginger root grated
  • ½ cup fresh horseradish root grated
  • 1 head garlic peeled and crushed
  • 2 fresh hot peppers or chili peppers like jalapeño or serrano, chopped
  • 1 whole lemon with rind chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 2–3 dried orange or fresh orange slices sliced thinly
  • ¼ to ½ cup raw honey to taste, added after straining

Instructions

  • Chop onion, garlic, lemon, and peppers. Use a food processor for quick chopping if you like. Grate ginger, and horseradish. Slice orange thinly.
  • Add all fire cider ingredients (except honey) into a clean quart or half-gallon jar.
  • Pour apple cider vinegar. Use enough to fully cover everything. A plastic lid or a piece of parchment paper under the lid prevents corrosion.
  • Keep in a dark place or cool place at room temperature for 3–4 weeks. Shake daily.
  • After steeping, strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a new jar. Stir in ¼ to ½ cup of raw honey (add more if needed to suit your personal taste). The final product keeps for up to a year in a cool place.

Notes

Fire Cider Benefits & Uses

  • Take a shot of fire cider daily during flu season to support the immune system.
  • Mix with warm water to soothe sore throats.
  • Add small amounts to teas or zesty recipes for flavor.
  • Use in salad dressings or marinades.
  • Stir into soups or stews for extra heat level and medicinal value.
  • Sip with tomato juice or cocktails like Bloody Marys.
This original recipe can be adapted with extra ingredients like black pepper (for improved turmeric absorption), orange peel, or herbs from your garden. As always, adapt for your taste buds.