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Fire Cider Recipe

Fire Cider Recipe

This powerful fire cider recipe creates an immune-boosting herbal tonic that combines apple cider vinegar with healing herbs and spices. Perfect for cold and flu season, this traditional remedy ferments for four weeks to develop its potent antimicrobial properties. Each shot delivers natural health benefits through ingredients like horseradish, ginger, garlic, and raw honey.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Fermentation Time (4 weeks) 28 days
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 48 tablespoons
Course: Health Remedy, Tonic
Cuisine: Folk Medicine, Herbal
Calories: 18
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 3 cups Organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar plus extra as needed to cover ingredients
Fresh Vegetables and Roots
  • 7 oz Fresh horseradish grated or roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 7 oz Fresh ginger grated or roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 oz Fresh turmeric grated or roughly chopped (1/4 cup) or substitute 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 10 cloves Garlic crushed or chopped
Citrus and Peppers
  • 1 whole Lemon sliced with peel
  • 1 whole Orange sliced with peel
  • 2-3 whole Jalapeño peppers sliced, or substitute 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
Herbs and Spices
  • 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
  • 3 sprigs Fresh rosemary approximately 0.1 oz
  • 6 sprigs Fresh thyme approximately 0.1 oz
  • 1 tsp Whole black peppercorns optional
For Sweetening After Fermentation
  • 1/2 cup Raw honey plus more as desired

Equipment

  • 2-quart Mason Jar with lid
  • Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Grater
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Peel and grate the horseradish (work near an open window as it will make your eyes water). Add it to a 1.5-2 quart sized mason jar along with the sliced ginger, turmeric, jalapeños, onion, orange, lemon, and garlic.
  2. Add the fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme), cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns to the jar.
  3. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar, making sure all ingredients are fully covered. Add as much additional ACV as needed to cover the ingredients completely (this prevents spoiling).
  4. Seal the jar using a piece of parchment paper under the lid to prevent the vinegar from touching the metal, or use a plastic lid if available.
  5. Shake the jar well to combine ingredients and store in a dark, cool place for 3-4 weeks. Remember to shake the jar once daily to mix the ingredients (storing in the pantry helps you remember).
  6. After 3-4 weeks, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out all pulp and solid ingredients. Squeeze as much liquid out of the ingredients as possible.
  7. Stir in the honey until fully incorporated. Taste and add more honey to reach your desired sweetness level. Your fire cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet.
  8. Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator or a dry, cool place for up to 6 months. Enjoy 1-2 tablespoons daily or use when cooking!

Notes

Daily Usage: Take 1-2 tablespoons each morning for immune support. Can be sweetened with additional honey or diluted with water if too intense.
Cooking Uses: Add to salad dressings, marinades, stir-fries, soups, or use as a base for sauces.
Storage: Because fire cider is preserved in apple cider vinegar, it's completely shelf-stable and can be stored in a cool, dark pantry or refrigerated for up to 6 months.
Safety: Consult healthcare providers if taking blood sugar medications. Start with smaller doses if you have digestive sensitivity.