Easy Fire Cider Recipe
Fire cider is a bold, tangy, and spicy herbal tonic traditionally used to support immune health, especially during the colder months. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a natural way to boost wellness, ward off seasonal sniffles, and invigorate the senses. Keep reading to discover an easy fire cider recipe that you can make at home.
For most of my life, I believed getting sick in the winter was inevitable. This belief was based on the fact that so many people I knew would get sick, and I usually got sick every winter, too.
So, I just accepted that it was a part of life and that there wasn’t much I could do about it.
It wasn’t until I embarked on my health and wellness journey after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s that I realized getting sick every winter wasn’t normal—common yes, normal no.
As I started to change my lifestyle, my health improved significantly.
You can click here to learn more about my health journey.
I realized that so many people get sick during the winter months due to the unhealthy lifestyles we typically lead at that time of year and the toll it takes on our immune systems.
During the winter, we usually spend most of our time indoors, which means less sunlight and fresh air. We tend to eat a lot of sugary sweet foods and foods that are out of season and not in alignment with our biology.
Most of us are stressed by the holidays, shopping, spending time with family, and attending social events.
Winter is a time when we should be slowing down and resting. That is what all of creation does during this time of the year—except for humans.
We tend to be busier during this time of the year, which is in direct opposition to our biology.
There is much more I could say about this, but my point is that you don’t have to get sick every winter. There are many things that you can do to prevent getting ill.
The most important one is to embrace your biology in every season—especially the winter.
I will write an entire post on this soon, but in a nutshell, it means slowing down and doing less, syncing your sleep and eating times with the sun, limiting artificial light in the evenings, eating foods that are in season during the winter, and consuming immune-boosting tonics like the flu bomb, fermented garlic honey, elderberry syrup, and fire cider.
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What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is an herbal tonic made by infusing potent ingredients such as ginger, garlic, horseradish, and onion with apple cider vinegar.
The herbal remedy can boost immunity, support digestion, reduce inflammation, and more.
Rosemary Gladstar, a renowned herbalist and teacher, popularized the recipe for fire cider in the 1970s. She shared it as a simple and versatile remedy that could be made at home using common kitchen ingredients.
Over the years, the recipe has become a staple in herbalism, with countless variations and adaptations.
Benefits of Fire Cider
Fire cider has many different benefits. The benefits will vary depending on the ingredients that you use. You can learn more about its general benefits below.
Boosts Immunity
Fire cider is amazing for boosting immunity, and that is why it is a staple in my home during the winter months.
Many of the ingredients contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help the body fight infections.
Also, the vitamin C in fire cider can support immune health.
Supports Digestion
Fire cider can help balance stomach acidity and promote healthy digestion thanks to the apple cider vinegar.
Also, ingredients like ginger and horseradish can stimulate digestive enzymes and alleviate nausea and indigestion.
Reduces Inflammation
Ingredients like turmeric (if included) and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce discomfort from minor aches or chronic inflammation.
Relieves Congestion
Ingredients such as horseradish, ginger, and hot peppers can act as natural decongestants, helping to clear nasal passages and support respiratory health.
Other Benefits
Fire cider can also help to boost your energy, promote circulation, and act as a natural antimicrobial.
How to Make Fire Cider
Fire cider is really easy to make. You just need a jar, ingredients, and a little patience. Once all of the ingredients are added to the jar, it will take around two to four weeks for the fire cider to be ready to consume.
The ingredients that you use will depend on personal preference. As I mentioned before, there are many different variations and adaptations of fire cider.
There is no exact way to make fire cider. You can make it in many different ways.
Fire Cider Ingredients
Below are the ingredients I recommend for my easy fire cider recipe, as well as optional add-ins.
My favorite Ingredients:
- Lemons
- Jalapenos (you can use any type of hot pepper)
- Red Onion (you can use any type of onion)
- Horseradish
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Raw Honey
Optional Add-ins:
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Black Peppercorns
- Elderberries
- Cayenne Powder
- Turmeric
- Cranberries
- Grapefruits
- Limes
- Oranges
As I previously mentioned, fire cider can be made in many ways with different ingredients. The only ingredient you absolutely have to include is apple cider vinegar.
Fire cider is really easy to make, and it is extremely difficult to mess up.
Basic Fire Cider Instructions
To make fire cider, you’ll need to gather the ingredients you decide to use, chop, slice, or grate them, add them to a jar, fill the jar with apple cider vinegar, cover the jar with a lid, let it sit for 3-4 weeks, and shake it daily.
When the 3-4 weeks are complete, strain the fire cider using a fine mesh stainless steel strainer over a large empty container.
You can add raw honey to the fire cider to improve the flavor. Transfer the fire cider to an airtight bottle or jar using a funnel.
That’s just a basic overview of how to make fire cider. Step-by-step detailed instructions are further below.
Slice vs Grate vs Chop
As I have mentioned repeatedly, there are many different ways to make fire cider. Some recipes instruct you to grate the ingredients, while others instruct you to chop or slice. And some will instruct you to do all three.
There is no exact way to make fire cider, so whether you chop, grate, or slice mainly just comes down to personal preference. It’s up to you to decide how much effort and time you want to invest into your fire cider.
If you really want to save time, you can use a food processor instead of grating, chopping, or slicing!
Choosing a Storage Container
It’s important that you choose the appropriate container to store the fire cider.
You will want to use a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle.
Always avoid plastic when storing fire cider because the acidity of vinegar can break it down over time.
The jar size depends on how much fire cider you want to make. If you want to make a large batch, use a large container.
If you want to make a small batch, then use a small container.
For the recipe below, I used two quart (32-ounce) mason jars.
You will also need lids for your jars. I use plastic lids, but you can also use metal mason jar lids. If you use a metal lid, you might want to place parchment paper under the metal lid to prevent corrosion.
Easy Fire Cider Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for my easy fire cider recipe. This recipe makes two quart-size jars. All of the ingredients are listed below. Use half of the recommended ingredients if you prefer to make just one quart.
However, keep in mind that although the recipe below initially makes two quart-size jars of fire cider, the finished product will not be 64 ounces.
The finished product will be around 32 ounces.
- 2 lemons sliced
- 5 jalapeno peppers sliced
- 1/2 large red onion chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic crushed or chopped
- 1/2 cup of ginger root grated or chopped
- 1/2 cup of horseradish root grated or chopped
- 7-10 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 3-7 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 32-40 ounces of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup or more of raw honey optional
Chop, slice, or grate all of the ingredients.
Divide the ingredients evenly between the two jars. Layer each ingredient one by one.
Fill each jar two-thirds to three-fourths of the way full.
Fill each jar with apple cider vinegar, ensuring all ingredients are completely submerged.
Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.
Attach the lids and shake the jar well. Then, place it in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking it daily.
When the 3-4 weeks are complete, strain the fire cider using a fine mesh stainless steel strainer over a large empty container.
Try to get out as much of the liquid as possible.
Add about a quarter cup of raw honey to the fire cider and mix well. The honey is optional, but it does help to improve the flavor.
Transfer the fire cider to an airtight bottle or jar using a funnel. This recipe typically makes around 32 ounces of fire cider. I usually store it in a 32-ounce mason jar.
How to Use Homemade Fire Cider
Fire cider is simple to use. As a daily tonic, take 1 to 2 tablespoons straight or diluted in a glass of water. If you’re new to fire cider and have never taken it before, I recommend starting with around a teaspoon a day and gradually working up to 1 to 2 tablespoons.
If you prefer not to consume it daily, you can take 1 to 2 tablespoons twice a day at the first sign of a cold or flu to support immunity and fight off infections.
Fire cider can also be used for cooking and preparing meals. It is an excellent addition to salad dressings, marinades, soups, and broths.
Remember to always shake well before each use!
Easy Fire Cider Recipe
Fire cider is an herbal tonic made by infusing potent ingredients such as thyme, garlic, horseradish, and onion with apple cider vinegar. This herbal remedy can boost immunity, support digestion, reduce inflammation, and more.
Ingredients
- 2 lemons (sliced)
- 5 jalapeno peppers (sliced)
- 1/2 large red onion (chopped)
- 5 cloves of garlic (crushed or chopped)
- 1/2 cup of ginger root (grated or chopped)
- 1/2 cup of horseradish root (grated or chopped)
- 7-10 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 3-7 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 32-40 ounces of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup or more of raw honey (optional-added for flavor once the 28 days are complete)
Equipment
- 2 quart mason jars with lids
Instructions
- Chop, slice, or grate all of the ingredients
- Divide the ingredients evenly between the two jars
- Layer each ingredient one by one
- Fill each jar two-thirds to three-fourths of the way full
- Fill each jar with apple cider vinegar, ensuring all ingredients are completely submerged
- Leave about 1 inch of space at the top
- Attach the lids and shake the jar well
- Then, place it in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking it daily
- When the 3-4 weeks are complete, strain the fire cider using a fine mesh stainless steel strainer over a large empty container
- Try to get out as much of the liquid as possible
- Add about a quarter cup of raw honey to the fire cider and mix well (honey is optional, but it does help to improve the flavor)
- Transfer the fire cider to an airtight bottle or jar using a funnel
Notes
Store in a cool, dark place. Always shake well before use.
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How to Store Fire Cider
Fire cider should be stored in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle.
Always avoid plastic when storing fire cider because the acidity of vinegar can break it down over time.
Fire cider should be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. It can also be stored in the refrigerator, although this isn’t required because vinegar is a natural preservative.
When Does Fire Cider Expire?
When stored properly, fire cider can last anywhere from six months to a year and possibly longer.
It should be safe to consume as long as there are no signs of spoilage, such as mold, funky smells, or unusual taste.
Can I Allow the Fire Cider to Sit Longer Than 3-4 Weeks?
You should let fire cider sit for at least 3-4 weeks. However, if you forget about it and let it sit for longer than 3-4 weeks, it will still be good to use.
Some batches I have made have sat for as long as 8 weeks, and it was totally fine.
Once again, if there are no signs of spoilage, such as mold, funky smells, or unusual taste, the fire cider should be safe to consume.
Do I Have to Burp Fire Cider?
You do not have to burp fire cider. Unlike sauerkraut or kombucha, there is no active fermentation taken place therefore there is no gas or pressure build up which means there is no need to burp the jar.
Do I Have to Add Honey?
The honey is 100% optional. However, it really does help to improve the flavor of the fire cider.
How to Use Leftover Fire Cider Pulp?
For those who don’t like anything to go to waste, there are several ways to use the leftover fire cider pulp. My favorite way is to dehydrate the pulp, grind it into a powder, and then put the powder into capsules, essentially making a homemade immunity-boosting supplement.
You can also stir the leftover pulp into homemade vegetable, chicken, or bone broth for extra flavor and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Well, I really hope you enjoy this easy fire cider recipe. As I have already mentioned, you really can’t mess this up.
I hope it helps you and your family stay well all year long. Please let me know if you have any questions!
