Why You’ll Love Fire Cider

This lively herbal tonic is not only simple to make, but it also utilizes common kitchen ingredients—no cooking required! I’ve enjoyed making this daily tonic for years. You can take a shot each day (it’s best paired with meals, as it may be a bit intense on an empty stomach) or create a soothing tea by adding it to hot water. Fire Cider also adds a zesty kick to salad dressings, soups, and sauces, and it can even give your cocktails a fiery spin—think Bloody Mary or a spicy hot toddy.

Traditionally, Fire Cider is an herbal remedy made from apple cider vinegar infused with a vibrant medley of spicy ingredients and aromatic herbs like garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish, and hot peppers. This robust blend, popularized in the early 1980s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, is well-known for its many health benefits. It serves as a digestive aid, immune booster, and a great source of overall wellness, especially beneficial during the chill of winter months.

Fire Cider Ingredients

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Rich in antioxidants for digestion, weight loss support, and potential heart health benefits. Always choose organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
• Onion and Garlic: These alliums are anti-inflammatory powerhouses, packed with vitamins and minerals that promote respiratory health.
• Fresh Turmeric, Ginger, and Horseradish: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, digestive support, and immune-boosting abilities. Try to use organic and unpeeled turmeric and ginger for maximum benefits.
• Organic Lemon and Orange: Excellent sources of Vitamin C that balance the robust flavors of this tonic.
• Hot Peppers: Infuse your cider with spices like jalapeños, Fresno chilis, or habaneros. Alternatively, cayenne pepper powder can be used.
• Fresh Thyme and Sage: Antimicrobial herbs that can add depth to your tonic. Rosemary can also be a wonderful addition!
• Black Peppercorns: Enhances the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, boosting its health properties.
• Raw Honey: Optional, but it brings a touch of sweetness to balance the spicy flavor. Honey is also known for its antioxidants and soothing qualities.
• Optional Additions: Consider incorporating green pine needles, rosemary, rose hips, lemon balm, elderberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, beetroot, or nettle leaves for an extra nutritional boost.

How to Make Fire Cider

1. Layer Ingredients: Grab a ½-gallon mason jar, or use a couple of quart jars. Layer in the onion, turmeric, ginger, horseradish, garlic, lemon, orange, thyme, sage, and black peppercorns. You can also add any optional ingredients you wish.




2. Add Apple Cider Vinegar: Pour the vinegar over the layered ingredients until they are fully submerged, leaving around an inch of headspace. Seal the jar tightly using a plastic lid or a layer of wax paper or plastic wrap under a metal lid (do not let vinegar touch metal).
3. Store and Infuse: Place the jar in a cool, dark location for four weeks. Shake or stir it gently once a day to mix the ingredients well.




4. Strain the Mixture: After four weeks, strain out the solids using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. If desired, whisk in raw honey to taste. Transfer the liquid to sterilized bottles with non-reactive lids. Your Fire Cider can be stored in the fridge for up to a year.

How to Take Fire Cider

• Enjoy a daily shot straight from the bottle.
• Stir it into hot water for a healthful tea.
• Add a splash to salad dressings or sauces.
• Mix it into soups for an extra kick.
• Drizzle it over roasted veggies for added flavor.
• Include it in cocktails such as a Bloody Mary or a spicy hot toddy!

Chef’s Tips

1. Customize Your Tonic: Don’t hesitate to tailor your Fire Cider by adding any of the optional herbs and spices that suit your taste.
2. Handle Horseradish with Care: When grating horseradish, it’s wise to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation. Work in a well-ventilated area due to its potent odor and ensure your cutting board is stable while you grate.

Storing Fire Cider

To maintain freshness, store your Fire Cider in sterilized bottles with well-sealing, non-reactive lids. Refrigeration is key, allowing it to last up to one year.

Fire Cider FAQs