With the winter months creeping in, and flu season ramping up, how do you keep those cold bugs at bay? We’ve got our own go-to here at Steamy Kitchen. It’s a homemade fire cider recipe that’s both absolutely delicious and the ideal potent tonic for flu season. This fiery little drink is packed with immune-boosting properties and wellness-supporting ingredients that help your body create a barrier (and treatment) against the common cold. 

Inspired by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, we created our own version of this traditional folk remedy using raw apple cider vinegar, fresh turmeric root, and just the right amount of honey to sweeten things up.

Why This Recipe Works

• It’s Got Traditional Ingredients: Each ingredient, from red onion to fresh ginger, brings its own unique set of health benefits to this drink.
• It Supports the Immune System: We’ve thrown in immune-boosting staples like garlic, turmeric, and lemon to ward off sore throats and sniffles.
• It’s Customizable: This spicy tonic is super adaptable. Feel free to dial in the taste as you like. You can even use a bit of honey or maple syrup to balance the pungent flavor of this cider’s immune-boosting ingredients.
• It Lasts A While: This cider can stay good for a long time as long as you keep it in a dark, cool place. This will also ensure the flavors fully develop.

 

All About Fire Cider

What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is an herbal remedy that’s been around for a long time, and is a staple of traditional herbal medicine in general. It’s an especially popular remedy during cold days, and works by combining natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, spices, and raw honey to give your immune system a boost.

The Health Benefits of Fire Cider

• It Supports Immunity: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and garlic work together to help strengthen your immune system. (Take a look below for more specifics about the health benefits of fire cider ingredients.)
• It Aids in Digestion: The vinegar and spices found in this drink stimulate blood circulation and can help to improve digestion.
• It’s an All-around Cold Remedy: As a preventative, a shot of fire cider a day is a valuable winter ritual that works to keep colds at bay. In the off chance that you do develop a cold this season, fire cider is known to help with sore throats, coughs, and congestion.

Disclaimer:

• If you have a sensitivity to hot peppers, acid reflux issues, or are on medications that interact with herbs, be sure to speak with your doctor before consuming fire cider.

 

An In-Depth Look at the Health Benefits of Fire Cider Ingredients

• Garlic: Often used in herbal medicine, garlic is packed with antioxidants and is known to help combat sore throats, coughs, and congestion. Studies show it may boost immune function and help reduce the severity of cold symptoms. And, garlic’s natural sulfur compounds also make it a great anti-inflammatory.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds yet another layer of warmth to fire cider, but it’s also well-known for its anti-nausea and digestive properties. Ginger contains gingerol, a bioactive compound that’s got anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to support digestion and circulation.
• Turmeric: Fresh turmeric root (or organic turmeric powder) is loaded with curcumin, a compound known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It’s also a popular choice if you’re looking to support joint health, boost immunity, and promote heart health.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The key component of  fire cider is raw apple cider vinegar, which is rich in acetic acid that supports digestion by regulating stomach acid levels, and it may even help stabilize blood sugar levels. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains probiotics, which benefit gut health and, because most of your immune system is in your gut, your immune health as well.
• Honey: Sure, raw honey adds a natural sweetness to the mix, but did you know it’s also a potent ingredient for soothing sore throats? It boasts natural antimicrobial properties and also gently supports the immune system.
• Black Pepper: Adding black pepper helps you to absorb more curcumin from the turmeric. Piperine, a compound in black pepper, also increases the bioavailability of the other ingredients, so you can get the most out of this immune-boosting tonic.
• Lemon: Lemon juice and zest have vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
• Rosemary and Thyme: While both add a touch of piney flavor, they’re also known for their antioxidant properties. Rosemary supports memory and circulation, while thyme is a natural expectorant that can help with respiratory issues.
• Jalapenos: Jalapenos are chock-full of capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, while also helping to clear congestion and improve circulation.

 

Fire Cider Ingredients

• 1 small red onion
• 1 head garlic
• ½ cup fresh ginger
• 1 lemon
• ½ cup fresh turmeric root (or 2 Tbsp organic turmeric powder)
• 2 jalapeno peppers
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 1 tsp black pepper
• apple cider vinegar (preferably unfiltered apple cider vinegar)
• honey to taste

Substitutes

• Jalapeno Peppers: For less heat, swap jalapenos out with milder chili peppers.
• Honey: You can always replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Raw apple cider vinegar is best, but if unavailable, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar works great as a replacement.

 

How to Make Your Own Fire Cider

1. Chop & Juice: Finely chop the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and jalapenos. Juice lemons.
2. Assemble: Place all ingredients (minus the apple cider vinegar and honey) into a 1 quart mason jar.
3. Add Vinegar: Pour in your apple cider vinegar til it reaches the top of the jar. If you have a metal lid, add a piece of parchment paper between the lid and jar to prevent rust.
4. Ferment: Store the jar in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Let the mixture infuse for at least three weeks.
5. Strain and Sweeten: After three weeks, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and mix in honey to taste. Store the final product in a clean jar.

 

Tips for Best Results

• Prep in a well-ventilated area: The hot peppers and vinegar will pack a punch, so it’s good to have a little air flow.
• Store in a dark place: This will keep your fire tonic potent and fresh.
• Adjust to taste: Add more or less honey depending on your preference. You may even want to add some cinnamon sticks to your cider!
• Drink in shots: The most common way to enjoy fire cider is to take a small shot glass full each day. 

 

FAQs

What else can I use fire cider for?
Fire cider is super versatile. Use it as a daily tonic, or mix it into salad dressing, soups, or even hot teas for an extra health boost.

How long does fire cider last?
Stored properly in a cool, dark place, fire cider can keep for up to a year.

Can I use a food processor to chop ingredients?
Definitely! This can save you time and create evenly chopped ingredients.

Why use fresh ingredients over dried ones?
Fresh herbs and roots give you the best flavor and health benefits. Dried options don’t have the same nutrient content.

Can I use a plastic lid instead of a metal one?
Sure, just make sure it’s food-safe.

 

​Time to Get Fiery!

We hope you enjoyed this tried-and-true traditional fire cider recipe. It’s super easy to make, packed with immune-boosting ingredients, and perfect for cold days! This is one folk remedy that stands the test of time, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Have you ever tried fire cider before? Do you have any favorite ingredients that you like to add to your own fire cider recipe? How do you use fire cider in your meals, or do you just prefer taking it as a shot of fire cider? Leave us a comment below. We always love hearing your experiences, tips, and any creative twists you add to your fire cider!

 

More Ways to Use Food as Medicine

• Rose and Maca Chocolate Bark Recipe for an Adaptogenic Body Boost
• Salmon & Creamy Spinach with Mushroom Sauce Recipe for Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Seared Salmon Salad with Baked Crispy Chickpeas & Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe to Improve Cognition