Traditional homemade fire cider tonic in a mason jar with raw apple cider vinegar and herbs

Homemade Fire Cider Recipe

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What is Fire Cider? Fire Cider is a traditional Appalachian folk herbal tonic popularized by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the 1970s. It is crafted by steeping potent roots, herbs, and aromatics—including fresh horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric, and jalapeños—in raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar for 3 to 4 weeks, then sweetened with raw honey.

⏱ Prep: 20 Mins
⏳ Steep: 3-4 Weeks
🌿 Type: Herbal Oxymel Tonic
🍯 Shelf Life: 6-12 Months

Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made with raw apple cider vinegar, fresh garlic, spicy ginger, fiery horseradish, and potent roots. This homemade fire cider recipe is celebrated for its warming qualities, sinus-clearing power, and immune-supporting vitality during cold and flu season.

How to Take Fire Cider Daily

Fire cider is versatile and easy to incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Daily wellness shot: Take 1 tablespoon (15ml) straight every morning as a fiery kickstart.
  • Warm herbal tea: Stir 1 tablespoon into a mug of warm water with extra lemon and honey for a soothing sore-throat drink.
  • Culinary dressing: Whisk with extra virgin olive oil to make a vibrant, probiotic salad vinaigrette or marinade.
Traditional homemade fire cider tonic in a mason jar with raw apple cider vinegar and herbs
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Homemade Fire Cider Recipe

Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a variety of other potent ingredients. This homemade fire cider recipe is known for its warming qualities and immune-boosting properties, making it a popular choice during cold and flu season.
Keyword Fire Cider Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Steeping Time 30 days
Total Time 30 days 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 quart raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 10 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/2 cup fresh ginger sliced
  • 1/4 cup horseradish root grated
  • 1-2 jalapeños or other hot peppers sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric optional
  • 1-2 tablespoons raw honey optional, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare Ingredients: In a large jar, combine all the chopped and sliced ingredients. Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the mixture, completely covering the solids.
  • Seal and Shake: Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake to mix everything together.
  • Store: Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it steep for at least 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help with the infusion.
  • Strain and Sweeten: After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. If desired, add honey to taste for sweetness.
  • Store: Store the strained fire cider in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It can last for several months.
Traditional homemade fire cider tonic in a mason jar with raw apple cider vinegar and herbs

Homemade Fire Cider Recipe

Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a variety of other potent ingredients. This homemade fire cider recipe is known for its warming qualities and immune-boosting properties, making it a popular choice during cold and flu season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Steeping Time 30 days
Total Time 30 days 10 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 quart raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 10 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/2 cup fresh ginger sliced
  • 1/4 cup horseradish root grated
  • 1-2 jalapeños or other hot peppers sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric optional
  • 1-2 tablespoons raw honey optional, to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare Ingredients: In a large jar, combine all the chopped and sliced ingredients. Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the mixture, completely covering the solids.
  2. Seal and Shake: Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake to mix everything together.
  3. Store: Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it steep for at least 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help with the infusion.
  4. Strain and Sweeten: After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. If desired, add honey to taste for sweetness.
  5. Store: Store the strained fire cider in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It can last for several months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does homemade fire cider last?

Thanks to the natural antimicrobial properties of raw vinegar and honey, strained fire cider keeps for up to 6 months in a cool, dark pantry, or up to 12 months in the refrigerator.

Why do you need parchment paper under the jar lid?

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar corrodes metal canning lids over several weeks. Placing a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the jar and metal lid prevents rust and chemical contamination.

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