Fire cider is a spicy tonic that has been used by herbalists for decades to boost the immune system and ward off oncoming colds.*
Feeling under the weather? Keep reading to learn about this popular folk drink’s history and wellness benefits, plus discover a delicious and healthful fire cider recipe you can make at home.
Fire Cider Recipe
Fire cider has a long history of use in folk healing practices, which means there are as many recipe variations as there are herbal practitioners. The general recipe consists of pungent spices and citrus fruits steeped in apple cider vinegar and sweetened with honey.
Our fire cider recipe calls for a head-clearing blend of lemon, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper blended with apple cider and an Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Single Sips® packet. Feel free to experiment with adding other common fire cider ingredients such as horseradish, garlic and onions to find the recipe you like best.
Ingredients
- 1 Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Single Sips® packet
- 4 oz. water
- 4 oz. apple cider or juice
- 2 oz. lemon juice
- 3 slices of fresh ginger, peeled
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
- dash of cayenne pepper (or more if you want it hotter)
- ½ tsp. honey
Directions
Stir together and heat on the stovetop until hot. Serves one.
Fire Cider History
Fire cider is considered to be an oxymel — an herbal remedy featuring both vinegar and honey. These have been used as healing tonics since ancient times, and were popular among the Persians, Greeks and Romans.
The first fire cider recipe was developed by the famed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar during the 1970s. According to Gladstar, sipping this spicy infusion offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-boosting benefits.
Each year as autumn rolls into winter and a new flu season begins, herbal enthusiasts around the globe reach for fire cider to support their natural immunity and soothe the first sign of sniffles.*
Other people simply love the taste and enjoy warming up with this cold-weather tonic on a blustery winter day. While an infusion made with cayenne and ginger may sound intense, the sweetness of the honey provides a welcome balance to the spice. The flavor just may surprise you!
Fire Cider Benefits
In recent years, fire cider has become one of the world’s most beloved immune-boosting tonics. It can be sipped regularly to support your body’s natural defenses, or at the onset of a cold to ease symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat and cough.*
- Apple cider vinegar — May have antimicrobial effects, digestive system benefits and the ability to lower blood sugar levels.*
- Lemon— Rich in vitamin C and may provide antioxidant benefits.*
- Ginger — High in antioxidants and may ease cold and flu symptoms.*
- Cayenne — Warming spice that may improve circulation and help to clear congestion.*
- Cinnamon — May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.*
- Honey — Soothes sore throats and may provide antimicrobial benefits.*
Whether you enjoy sipping it for the bold flavors, to warm up during the chilly winter months or for its immune-boosting benefits, fire cider is a warm and tasty tonic that can be customized according to your preferences. No matter which recipe you follow, delight in the bold taste and savor sip by sip.
*Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
