As the air turns crisp and cold, our bodies crave extra support to stay healthy. Enter Fire Cider, a traditional herbal tonic known for its bold, spicy flavor and immune-boosting properties. Popularized in folk medicine, Fire Cider is a blend of apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, and pungent ingredients like garlic, ginger, and horseradish. It’s designed to strengthen your immune system, support digestion, and help fight off seasonal sniffles.
Why Fire Cider Is Great for Winter
Boosts Immunity: Garlic, ginger, horseradish, and additional herbs carry antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties to help defend against colds and flu.
Supports Digestion: Apple cider vinegar and warming spices stimulate digestion and gut health.
Improves Circulation & Energy: The spicy kick of horseradish and chilies warms the body and can boost circulation.
Natural Detox: The combination of vinegar and herbs helps support liver function and overall detoxification.
Make Your Own Fire Cider
Before you begin, a few helpful notes:
- Keep the skin on the horseradish, ginger, and turmeric (use fresh root, not powder). Simply soak the roots in a mix of water and apple cider vinegar, rinse, and use.
- You can personalize your fire cider however you want—this should be a fun and quick process.
- For my version, I added a few sticks of lemongrass, 2 Serrano peppers, and 1 jalapeño. This is optional, but any ingredients with antimicrobial or immune-supportive properties are welcome.
- Both fresh and dried chili peppers work well. (Just don’t touch your eyes after handling them!)
- I also added fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs straight from the garden.
- A herbal fire cider is a wonderful variation too—try fresh oregano, parsley, thyme, or rosemary as alternatives or add-ins.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish root
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger root
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 fresh hot chili peppers, chopped (optional for extra heat)
- Zest and juice of 1 organic lemon
- 1 sliced organic orange
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder or 1 inch fresh turmeric, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with “the mother” (enough to cover ingredients)
- Unpasteurized honey, to taste (optional)
- Optional add-ins: lemongrass sticks, Serrano peppers, jalapeño, fresh thyme/rosemary, oregano, parsley
Instructions
- Place all chopped, grated, and optional added ingredients into a large bowl, stir to combine, and then transfer the mixture into a large glass jar with an airtight lid.
- Pour apple cider vinegar over the mixture until everything is fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar.
- Sweeten with honey if desired.
- Take 1–2 tablespoons daily as a preventative tonic, or add to tea or warm water when you feel a cold coming on.
Fire Cider is a simple, natural way to give your body a warming, health-boosting lift as the winter months approach. Bold, spicy, and full of goodness, it’s the perfect seasonal elixir to keep you feeling strong and resilient.