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Homemade Fire Cider Immune-Boosting Tonic Recipe

homemade fire cider - featured image

A spicy, tangy, and immune-boosting tonic made with simple ingredients like garlic, ginger, horseradish, and apple cider vinegar. This easy homemade fire cider is a proactive way to support your health during cold season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (red or yellow)
  • 10 cloves garlic, smashed or chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated or thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh horseradish, grated
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (or habanero for extra heat)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (organic preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (or 1-inch fresh turmeric, sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother), enough to cover ingredients (about 2-3 cups)
  • 23 tablespoons raw honey, or to taste (added after steeping)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion, smash the garlic cloves, and slice the ginger and horseradish. Slice the lemon into thin rounds and quarter them.
  2. Layer everything in a clean quart-sized glass jar: Start with onion and garlic at the bottom, then add ginger, horseradish, jalapeño, lemon slices, turmeric, peppercorns, and herbs. Pack tightly.
  3. Add the vinegar: Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until completely covered, leaving about an inch of headspace. Use a chopstick or wooden spoon to release any trapped air bubbles.
  4. Seal and shake: Screw the lid on tightly, shake the jar well, and label it with the date.
  5. Steep: Place the jar in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for at least 2 weeks, preferably 4 weeks. Shake gently every day.
  6. Taste and adjust: After 2 weeks, taste the cider. If it’s spicy and flavorful enough, it’s ready. If you want more kick, let it steep longer.
  7. Strain and sweeten: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Press on the solids to extract all liquid. Stir in raw honey to taste (start with 2 tablespoons).
  8. Bottle: Use a funnel to pour the finished fire cider into clean glass bottles or jars. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Use fresh horseradish root for the best heat. Raw apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ is recommended for flavor and health benefits. Do not add honey until after steeping to preserve its antimicrobial properties. Shake the jar daily to prevent mold and distribute flavors. If any ingredients float above the vinegar line, use a glass weight to keep them submerged. The fire cider will keep in the refrigerator for up to a year.

Nutrition

Keywords: fire cider, immune booster, wellness tonic, homemade, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, horseradish, cold season, natural remedy