Fire Cider Winter Tonic

Fire Cider is a wonderful and protective winter brew that boosts the immune system and warms you right up. If you haven’t heard of it or if it seems daunting to make, now is your chance!

Although fire ciders are a more modern herbal creation, the making of apple cider vinegar tonics and herbal vinegars are a very old tradition. There is just something timeless about herbal potions. And as we wait patiently while they brew, the extraction becomes stronger, the fiery ingredients meld together, and the intention for wellness is set.

This amazing and flavorful tonic promotes circulation and wards off imbalances during the long, cold winter months. It is also great for the lungs, boosts agni, and tastes good too! The recipe for Fire Cider is very flexible and can be made with whatever immune boosters grow in your area. Ingredients can include peppercorns, any type of peppers, different types of onions, berries, and herbs. Feel free to add to this recipe, or adjust it to your liking.

In addition to the ingredients listed below, you will also need a quart-sized canning jar with a tight seal. Let the magic begin!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh grated ginger root
• ½ cup fresh grated horseradish root
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic, crushed or chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
• Zest and juice from 1 lemon
• 3 large orange peel strips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
• Apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup raw local honey, or to taste

Directions:

Prepare all the ingredients and place them in a quart-sized glass jar. Add the apple cider vinegar and honey, filling to the top. Press the entire mixture down lightly, and fill again to the brim.

Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the glass jar and the lid to keep the vinegar from corroding the metal. Let the mixture sit in a cool and dark spot for a month, shaking gently, and turning daily.

At the end of one month, use a cheesecloth to strain the entire mixture into another jar. Taste your finished Fire Cider and if it is too strong, add more honey to taste.

Store this tonic in the fridge for up to 3 months.

 

My personal favorite way to use this is to take a tablespoon daily as a wellness shot throughout the winter to keep my health strong and robust. It can also be used in rice dishes, salad dressings, and pickled veggies. Mix it with juice for kids and add to hot water for a warm tea.