What Is Fire Cider? Here’s How to Make This Supportive Winter Beverage

Aptly named “fire cider” is a tonic loaded with aromatics, herbs, citrus fruits, and spices that, when combined, create a supremely spicy, warming flavor. They also serve a more important purpose: Each ingredient in fire cider has immune-boosting properties, so when served in the form of a very concentrated tonic, they make a supportive addition to your winter wellness routine. 

Many people drink fire cider because they want to reap the benefits of each individual ingredient in one simple dose. When cold weather creeps in and your immune system needs a bit of extra support, try sipping this healthy, spicy beverage that’s loaded with beneficial ingredients.

How Do You Make Fire Cider? 

Traditionally, it takes about two weeks to a month to make fire cider (yep, it’s a lengthy process!). First, you combine the ingredients with a vinegar solution, then allow them to sit for a few weeks to fully extract the nutrients, bring out the flavor, and create the most concentrated tonic possible. 

Fire Cider Ingredients (and Their Benefits) 

While you can get creative and make your own fire cider with the ingredients you prefer, there are a few staples that commonly create the baseHere are a few of the most common fire cider ingredients — and why they’re so important. 

• Garlic. Garlic is a medicinal plant that’s been used for thousands of years for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its active components are shown to activate the immune system, which may help to ward off illness. 
• Ginger. The bioactive compounds in ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it beneficial for combating inflammation in the body. 
• Onion. Some studies show that the polysaccharides in onion have potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory (creating homeostasis in the immune system) properties. 
• Citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are good sources of vitamin C and folate, which help to sustain immunological barriers and support the function of many types of immune cells.
• Cayenne peppers. Hot, spicy peppers, such as cayenne, are often used in homeopathic medicine for their capsaicin, an active component that may help to alleviate pain and offers antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
• Apple cider vinegar. Some studies show that apple cider vinegar has a positive effect on the body’s immune response.

Classic Fire Cider Recipe

The most important step to making fire cider? Time. When you start to feel like cold weather is approaching, stir together a batch of this spicy wellness tonic. In a couple weeks, you’ll have enough fire cider to last you just about the whole season.

Active time: 10 minutes 
Total time: 2 weeks 
Yield: 20-50 servings 

Ingredients:

1 medium organic red onion, chopped
1 head organic garlic, chopped  
1-2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 organic lemon, chopped
1 organic orange, chopped
Fresh herbs of choice, bruised to help release their oils (thyme,
rosemary, and oregano all work well)
½ cup fresh ginger root, grated (or organic ginger root powder)
¼ cup fresh organic horseradish root, grated
½ tbsp organic turmeric powder
10 whole black peppercorns
¼ tsp organic cayenne powder
Apple cider vinegar, to cover
¼ cup raw or local honey 

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to an airtight jar and close tightly (Note: if using a jar with a metal lid, add parchment paper under the lid so the vinegar doesn’t corrode the lid).

Store at room temp for approximately two weeks. Shake the jar daily to ensure that all ingredients mix thoroughly.  

After at least two weeks, strain the dry ingredients from the liquid using a cheesecloth. 

Store the fire cider liquid in a sterilized jar in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry or cabinet).  

Take 1-3 tablespoons daily as needed.