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The BEST Fire Cider Recipe

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Homemade Fire Cider is an age-old natural remedy that boasts powerful immune-boosting properties. Learn how to make this great-tasting spicy concoction here.

a hand holding a jar filled with vinegar and herbs

Filled with both dried and fresh ingredients to support the immune system, get digestive juices flowing and warm you up from inside out — this nourishing fire tonic recipe is both easy to make and versatile in its uses!

a flatlay of fire cider ingredients
a jar of turmeric root top view
a jar of fire cider on wooden backdrop

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire Cider is a folk tonic brought to fame by the amazing herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. It is an infused vinegar filled with a variety of herbs, spices and superfoods known to provide an array of health benefits. Bonus: it tastes amazing!

a hand holding a jar of fire tonic
a hand holding star anise pods
an open jar of sliced ginger root

What is Fire Cider Used for?

  • Take 1-2 tablespoons up to four times a day to keep sickness at bay or to speed up recovery processes. It also helps with circulation, regulating digestion and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Combine with a favorite oil for a delicious salad dressing or bread dip.
  • Mix into water, juice or smoothies.
  • Incorporate into mocktails or cocktails.
  • Mix into your stir-fries or drizzle over roasted veggie or buddha bowls.

Once flu season hits, find your own unique ways to incorporate a shot of fire cider here and there!

a close up of open jar of fire cider tonic
a star anise pod rest on a jar of turmeric root
a hand pouring apple cider vinegar into a jar

Fire Cider Ingredients and Substitutions

Ginger

If you do not have fresh ginger root on hand, dried ginger root or ginger powder can be used in its place. I recommend 1/4 cup dried ginger root or 1 tablespoon ginger powder to substitute.

Onion

Red, white or yellow onions can be used. Sensitive to onions? Simply omit from the recipe.

Garlic

If you do not have fresh garlic on hand, use one tablespoon of garlic powder instead, or simply omit.

Lemon

I like to throw dried lemon peel in for a little vitamin c boost, but a few grates of lemon, lime or orange zest can be used in its place, or simply omit.

Rosemary

If you do not have dried rosemary on hand, a few fresh sprigs of rosemary can be used or you can replace with fresh or dried thyme or oregano instead.

Turmeric

If you do not have dried turmeric root, use 1/4 cup chopped fresh turmeric root or 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric in its place.

Star Anise

If you do not have anise, use a few whole cloves or a little grated or ground nutmeg instead.

Cayenne

While fire cider is traditionally spicy, you can omit the cayenne for a milder tonic. You can also replace with cayenne with a sprinkle of red chili flakes or a few whole dried chiles.

Cinnamon

If you do not have whole cinnamon, use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead.

Honey

For best results, I recommend using a raw honey for full antibacterial benefits. But, if you are on a vegan diet or watching your sugar intake, you can replace honey with maple syrup, agave syrup or a sugar-free honey if you prefer.

Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar will provide the most health benefits, but in a pinch you can also make your infusion with white vinegar.

a flatlay of fire cider ingredients styled

Storage

This fire cider super tonic recipe keeps well stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight for several months. But to ensure freshness, I prefer keeping it stored in the refrigerator throughout use for up to one year.

a wooden spoon filled with dried rosemary

Health Disclaimer

The information shared in this post is not intended nor should be used in place of a medical professional’s advice. All opinions expressed are my own, and are based from my own lifelong relationships with plants. If you are worried or concerned about any of the ingredients listed in the recipe, please consult with a medical professional or do your own extensive research.

an open jar of fire cider with a wooden spoon stuck in

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a styled flatlay of fire cider ingredients on a wooden background
a hand holding a jar filled with vinegar and herbs

Fire Cider Recipe

How to make delicious, heart-warming and immune-boosting Fire Cider! A recipe for igniting the fire within. This overall wellness tonic is super easy to make, flavorful and super versatile.
4.91 from 61 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages, Lifestyle, Vegan
Cuisine: American, Herbal
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Infusion Time: 21 days
Total Time: 21 days 5 minutes
Servings: 50
Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup ginger root sliced
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves crushed
  • 2 star anise pods whole
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tablespoons dried turmeric root
  • 1 tablespoons dried lemon peel
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ground
  • apple cider vinegar to cover
  • 1/2 cup raw honey

Instructions

  • To a large clean jar* add all ingredients except vinegar and honey.
  • Fill jar of ingredients to the top with apple cider vinegar.
  • Place a lid tightly on the jar. If using a metal lid, place a paper muffin liner or cheesecloth over the jar before screwing the lid on to prevent the acid in the vinegar from reacting with the metal in the lid.
  • Place the jar in a cool, dark place to sit for 4 weeks.
  • When four weeks has passed, strain the liquid into a clean jar and stir in the raw honey.
  • Keep in a cool dark place or in the refrigerator for up to one year.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*I like to use a one quart jar for this recipe, but there is wiggle room to go larger or smaller with this recipe. Just be certain to fill the jar to the top with vinegar!
Please refer to the post above for valuable information!
You might like: Storage Apples.
You might like: A Guide to Asian Spices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
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Recipe Rating




 

7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’m really intrigued by this idea and always have these ingredients to hand so I can’t wait to try it. We need all the help we can get in the cold months.

  2. 5 stars
    I love this drizzled over my roasted vegetables, so good! And the health benefits are amazing!

  3. 5 stars
    I really love this. I add a little bit to my green tea in the morning and it gives me a little boast!

  4. If I added the honey to the dry ingredients before adding the vinegar, should I discard the whole thing?

    1. Have you already added the vinegar, too? If not, you can infuse the ingredients in honey and let it sit for 3-4 weeks (this makes a fermented honey base). Then add the vinegar as the last step. If you already added the vinegar, then mix it all well and let it sit to infuse in the fridge instead. I hope this helps!