Looking for a homemade way to fight off seasonal bugs? This easy fire cider recipe is a powerful herbal tonic made with raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and other potent ingredients. Perfect for boosting immunity naturally, fire cider is a must-have in every off-grid, homesteading, or self-sufficient home. I’ll show you exactly how I make mine—step-by-step—and how you can adjust it to suit your taste.
Easy Fire Cider Recipe – A Spicy Tonic to Keep You Healthy!
Around here, when the seasons shift and sniffles start spreading, I don’t reach for a bottle from the pharmacy—I head to my pantry. One of my go-to homemade remedies is this simple and effective fire cider. If you’ve never made your own before, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think, and once you try it, you’ll never want to be without a jar again!
This is old folk medicine at its finest—tangy, spicy, a little wild—and you can tailor it to what you’ve got on hand or what grows in your garden. Here’s how I make mine ready to fight off whatever winter tries to throw at us.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 head of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh horseradish, grated (if you can find it—sub more ginger if not)
- 1 jalapeño or cayenne pepper, sliced (or use dried chili flakes to taste)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (or orange for a sweeter twist)
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons turmeric (fresh or ground)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Raw apple cider vinegar (enough to cover everything in your jar)
- Raw honey (to taste, added after steeping)
How to Make Fire Cider
1. Pack your jar
I use a wide-mouth quart mason jar, but you can scale this up or down. Add all your chopped and grated ingredients to the jar. It’s okay if it looks a little chaotic—this is folk medicine, not fine dining!
2. Pour in the vinegar
Fill the jar with raw apple cider vinegar until everything is submerged. If you’re using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid to avoid corrosion. Or use a plastic jar lid.
3. Shake and store
Give your jar a good shake and set it somewhere cool and dark (a pantry or cupboard works great). Shake it once a day and let it steep for 3 to 4 weeks.
4. Strain and sweeten
After it’s infused, strain out all the solids using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Stir in raw honey to taste—just enough to take the edge off the heat.
5. Bottle it up
Store your finished fire cider in a clean bottle or jar in the fridge or a cool pantry. It’ll last for months!
How to Use Fire Cider
I take about a tablespoon each morning as a preventative (diluted in water if I’m feeling delicate). If someone in the family comes down with something, we bump it up to 3x a day. You can also use it in salad dressings, mix it into tea (yes, really), or splash it into soups and broths for a flavor and health boost.
Conclusion
Making your own fire cider is empowering. It’s one more way to say, “I’ve got this,” when the world gets cold and sniffly. Plus, it’s deeply satisfying to know exactly what’s going into your medicine and that you can make it yourself with ingredients you recognize.
This is the kind of recipe that reminds me why I live the way I do—intentional, hands-on, and connected to the earth. And I hope it brings you the same comfort and strength that it brings our family each year.
Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.
- Fire Cider Tonic – By Herbal Revolution
- Fire Cider Recipe – Sour and Sweet – By The Kitchn
- Homemade Fire Cider Recipe – By Good Food Baddie
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does fire cider last?
Properly strained and stored in a cool, dark place, fire cider can last up to 6 months—or even longer if kept in the fridge.
2. Can I drink fire cider every day?
Yes! A tablespoon a day is a great daily tonic. Just be sure to listen to your body and dilute with water if the taste is too strong.
3. Is it safe for kids?
Fire cider can be too spicy for young children. You can make a milder version with less heat and more honey, but always check with your pediatrician first.
4. What if I don’t have horseradish?
No problem—just add extra ginger or a bit of radish for bite. The beauty of fire cider is its flexibility!
Easy Fire Cider Recipe
Equipment
- 1 gallon size jar
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 head of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh horseradish, grated
- 1 large jalapeno or cayenne pepper, sliced (or dried chili flakes to taste)
- 1 zest and juice of 1 lemon or orange
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1-2 tbsp turmeric (fresh or ground)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- Raw apple cider vinegar (enough to cover everything in your jar)
- Raw honey (to taste, added after steeping)
Instructions
1. Pack Your Jar
- I use a wide-mouth quart mason jar, but you can scale this up or down. Add all your chopped and grated ingredients to the jar. It’s okay if it looks a little chaotic—this is folk medicine, not fine dining!
Pour In the Vinegar
- Fill the jar with raw apple cider vinegar until everything is submerged. If you’re using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid to avoid corrosion. Or use a plastic jar lid.
Shake and Store
- Give your jar a good shake and set it somewhere cool and dark (a pantry or cupboard works great). Shake it once a day and let it steep for 3 to 4 weeks.
Strain and Sweeten
- After it’s infused, strain out all the solids using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Stir in raw honey to taste—just enough to take the edge off the heat.
Bottle It Up!
- Store your finished fire cider in a clean bottle or jar in the fridge or a cool pantry. It’ll last for months!
How to Use Fire Cider
- I take about a tablespoon each morning as a preventative (diluted in water if I’m feeling delicate). If someone in the family comes down with something, we bump it up to 3x a day. You can also use it in salad dressings, mix it into tea (yes, really), or splash it into soups and broths for a flavor and health boost.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to improve your health with herbal medicine under the guidance of your physician and begin to reap the benefits of what medicinal herbs offer.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
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Here are some more of my gardening inspiration posts to check out!
The Ultimate Guide to Holistic Health Nutrition
Barefoot Grounding: 7 Best Surfaces to Revitalize Your Power!
Discover the #1 Secrets of Growing a Japanese Tea Garden!
Thyme: Powerful Health Benefits of Thyme
Lavender: Powerful Health Benefits of Lavender
Chamomile: Powerful Health Benefits of Chamomile
Sage: Powerful Health Benefits of Sage and Its Effects
Garlic: Powerful Health Benefits of Garlic and Its Effects
Holy Basil: Powerful Health Benefits of Holy Basil and Its Effects
16 Best Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Your Garden Now
8 Best Natural Pain Relievers For Survival Without Pharmaceuticals
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
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