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Homemade Fire Cider

Gari McMellon
Fire cider is a traditional folk tonic made by infusing warming roots, aromatics, and hot peppers in raw apple cider vinegar. It has been used for generations to support immune health, digestion, circulation, and respiratory wellness, especially during seasonal shifts. This version follows the classic backbone ingredients, with honey added at the start for a more integrated, rounded flavor.
Fire cider is not meant to be gentle. It is meant to be strong.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, condiment, tonic
Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Traditional

Equipment

  • ½-gallon glass jar (recommended for this ingredient volume)
  • Non-reactive lid or flour sack towel + rubber band

Ingredients
  

Fire Cider Backbone

  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 head garlic, cloves smashed
  • 1 large piece fresh ginger, about 4–5 inches, sliced or grated
  • 1 large piece fresh turmeric, about 3–4 inches, sliced or grated(or 2 tablespoons dried turmeric)
  • 1 cup fresh horseradish roots, peeled and grated(about 1 cup grated)
  • 2-3 hot peppers, sliced(jalapeño, cayenne, or habanero)
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Raw apple cider vinegar, enough to fully cover ingredients
  • 2-4 tbsp Raw honey

Optional Add-Ins

Instructions
 

  • Prepare ingredients
    Wash and prep all ingredients. Slice, grate, or chop to expose surface area. A food processor with a slicing or grating blade may be used for everything except garlic.
    Fill the jar
    Add all backbone ingredients and any optional add-ins to a ½-gallon glass jar. Drizzle honey over the ingredients.
    Add vinegar & remove air bubbles
    Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until fully submerged.
    Use a chopstick or skewer to gently press down and release trapped air bubbles, then top off with more vinegar as needed. Leave about 1 inch of headspace.
    Cover & infuse
    Cover with a flour sack towel secured with a rubber band or a non-reactive lid. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every day or two.
    Strain
    Strain out solids using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing well to extract all liquid.
    Adjust & store
    Taste and add additional honey if desired. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle and store refrigerated or in a cool pantry.

How to Use

  • As a shot:
    Take 1 tablespoon straight for a strong, warming kick.
    Diluted:
    Mix 1 tablespoon into warm water, herbal tea, or sparkling water for a gentler option.
    During seasonal challenges:
    Use 1–2 tablespoons daily, straight or diluted, based on preference.
Keyword fermented, healthy, homemade, spicy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!