Looking for an easy traditional fire cider recipe to make? This quick fire cider recipe can be made in less than 10 minutes, requires no grating and is virtually mess-free.
Fire cider is a powerful wellness tonic that has been used for decades.
This deliciously tangy brew made from fresh root vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices contains healthy minerals like iron, antioxidants like vitamin C, immunity boosters like garlic, and even circulation-stimulating agents like horseradish.
Fire cider strengthens the immune system while aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting energy levels, fighting off infection – the list goes on. Not only does this all-natural drink provide numerous health benefits, but it’s also simple to prepare; all you need is 5 minutes!
Fire cider is one of the best natural remedies to have on hand at home!
With so many viruses circulating during the winter, this recipe is a great tool for prevention and for staying healthy.
So, pull up your sleeves and get ready to brew some delicious immunity booster!
What Is Fire Cider?
Fire cider. Sounds kind of mysterious, right?
Fire cider is a vinegar infusion. It combines spicy herbs, vegetables, and spices to create a lively firecracker of a health tonic.
It’s great for immunity support, stimulating circulation, aiding digestion, and much more. Some people use it year-round for allergies, to clear sinuses, for immunity maintenance, and just as a general health tonic.
In my recipe, I add honey, which technically makes the fire cider an oxymel (a vinegar infusion with honey). Still, I find that it enriches the flavour twice as much and makes it a truly enjoyable health tonic.
History of Fire Cider
Fire cider was invented by a herbalist named Rosemary Gladstar and her students in 1979 at the California School of Herbal Studies.
It has since become a widely popular winter staple and can be found in pantries of herbalists, homesteaders, and natural health and wellness enthusiasts worldwide (like you and I!).
Rosemary used her knowledge of herbal medicine and some experimentation to create this potent tonic that people adapt and use today.
Rosemary believes Fire Cider should be free for everyone and is a huge advocate against companies trade-marking this traditional home recipe.
Over five years ago, a company trademarked the fire cider name and recipe and started to take legal action against herbalists sharing the recipe for free. After a 5-year court battle, it was ruled that ‘fire cider’ would remain a generic term and free of trade marking restrictions.
So, we can all enjoy this delicious brew for free, year by year, made in your kitchen!
The science behind Fire Cider’s immune-boosting properties
Fire cider comprises of several powerful ingredients that work together to boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients and their benefits.
Onion (Allium cepa)
Onions are potent antimicrobial agents with antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
They also contain active compounds like sulfur and superoxide-dismutase, which act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic contains an active component called Allicin, which possesses anti-bacterial properties that can help prevent and treat colds and flu.
It’s known for its immune-boosting properties due to its high concentration of sulphur compounds. These compounds help stimulate the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting off infections.
Horse Radish Root (Armoracia rusticana)
Horseradish is rich in potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, and vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system..
Active compounds called Glucosinolates, possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Horseradish can be beneficial in treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis sinusitis, minor muscle aches, and as an expectorant for colds and flu. It can also protect against different microbes.
Horseradish can help clear congestion and relieve sinus symptoms.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
I’m sure you’ve used ginger in your home before, whether in tea for an upset stomach or a lozenge for combatting nausea.
Ginger root has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.
It helps reduce inflammation in the body, which can benefit overall immune health. Ginger also aids digestion and can soothe an upset stomach or nausea, which often accompanies colds and flu.
Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Chilli peppers contain Capsaicin, an effective analgesic that has therapeutic properties for bronchitis, chest colds, flu, and coughs. It also has antimicrobial properties.
It is also a great source of antioxidants in Vitamins C, E, and carotenoids.
The spiciness of hot peppers is especially wonderful during wintertime to help warm your body up.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Malus pumila)
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented product that contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics. It helps alkalize the body and improve digestion, supporting overall immune function.
Apple cider vinegar also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off pathogens.
For the best benefits, use an unpasteurized, unfiltered ACV. (Not sure what the difference is? Read here).
Rosehips (Rosa canina)
I include rose hips in my fire cider because of their vitamin C content.
Most people don’t know that these small red fruits have any plant’s highest vitamin C content. Rose hip provides up to 20 times the amount of vitamin C compared to any citrus fruit!
Especially during winter, when fresh fruit and vegetable availability is low, vitamins are especially important to stay healthy.
Rosehip also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These cute but powerful little red fruits are a staple in my winter wellness toolbox and make the perfect addition to this quick fire cider recipe.
Raw Honey
Honey is truly liquid gold. It’s a valuable nutrient, natural drug, and healing ointment all in one.
Raw, unprocessed honey is jam-packed with enzymes, making it an effective antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating agent.
To ensure you’re getting all of these amazing health benefits, use raw, local honey.
Generally, the ones sold in grocery stores are processed to the point where little to no pollen and beneficial enzymes remain, ultimately reducing it to sugar and potentially food colouring/dyes.
Related Posts You May Love:
- Easy Homemade Natural Cough Syrup With Honey and Lemon
- Simple Homemade Honey Onion Cough Syrup
What Is Fire Cider Good For?
Fire cider is a powerful tonic with many uses, such as:
- Immune Support
- Congestion Relief
- Cold, Flu & Cough Remedy
- Digestive Aid
- Anti-Inflammatory
Fire Cider Ingredients
This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and can be adjusted to make your very own unique fire cider recipe. Mix and match, try a new variation every time and see what flavours you create!
The ingredients you’ll need for this quick fire cider recipe:
- Purple onion
- Garlic
- Ginger Root
- Horse Radish Root
- Hot Pepper of your choice
- Peel and Juice of an Orange & Lemon
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Fresh or dried rosehips
- A couple of sprigs of thyme & rosemary (can also you 1 TBSP of dried herbs in needed)
- Turmeric root (or ground)
- 1 Cinnamon stick (can substitute 1TSP ground cinnamon)
- Raw Honey
Related Posts You May Love:
- Easy Homemade Natural Cough Syrup With Honey and Lemon
- Simple Homemade Honey Onion Cough Syrup
Quick Fire Cider Recipe
For this recipe, the fire cider ingredients you will need include:
- 1 large purple onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 ginger root
- 1 turmeric root
- 3/4 cup horse radish root
- 2 fresh hot peppers of choice
- Apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized and unfiltered!)
- Handful of fresh or dried rosehips
- Peel and juice of a lemon and orange
- 2-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary & thyme
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Organic, local honey (to be added after the fire cider is ready and strained)
**Note: Feel free to substitute ground spices for the cinnamon stick and fresh herbs if needed.
A step-by-step guide to making Fire Cider at home
This is an easy, quick fire cider recipe that requires minimal prep work for all of the busy women out there. This recipe doesn’t require many tools or grating, making it practically mess-free.
You only need a glass jar (or two!) and 5 minutes. Ready? Let’s get chopping!
Step 1
Thoroughly clean a large glass jar and allow it to dry fully.
Step 2
Chop up the onion (don’t worry chopping fine, larger chunks are fine). Peel and roughly mash your garlic cloves and peel and roughly chop the horse radish, ginger, and turmeric root (some skin is totally fine!). Halve and remove the seeds of your chilli peppers.
Step 3
Juice the orange and lemon into the jar and roughly chop up both peels.
Step 4
Add all of your ingredients to your jar. You may need to press down to make it fit gently. Add in your rose hips, cinnamon stick, rosemary and thyme, and apple cider vinegar, ensuring everything is submerged.
Step 5
Seal your jar with a tight lid. Label it with the date, place it in a cool, dry area, and let it sit for 3-4 weeks to infuse. You’ll want to gently shake your jar to help infuse the flavours and nutrients.
After about a month or so, you’ll notice that the fire cider tonic has darkened and that your ingredients are almost colourless and translucent. At this stage, it’s ready to be strained!
Step 6
Once your brew is ready, strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar.
At this stage, you can either add honey to your whole fire cider or leave it as is and add it later before you take it each time. I like to leave it as is because I often add mine to homemade salad vinaigrette, so I don’t want the whole batch sweetened.
Once it’s all strained, just seal your jar and place it in your fridge.
That’s it! Now, you can enjoy immune-supporting benefits all winter long.
5 Ways To Use Fire Cider
Fire cider is a very versatile tonic. Many ways to use it extend beyond taking it straight up. Because let’s be real, it can be really hard to take it straight up.
Most people take 1-3 TBSP daily throughout winter months, more if needed for cough, cold or flu.
Here are five amazing ways to use fire cider at home:
- A Wellness Shot – Take 1-2 Tbsp (1 oz) in a small shot glass and drink it straight up. Add honey to sweeten it to your liking!
- Add It to Soups – Add a splash into your soups for a delicious tang and immunity kick. Fire cider is really great in pumpkin soup and chicken noodle soup.
- In Herbal Tea- Add 1 Tbsp to herbal tea. It is great as a preventative measure throughout winter and an excellent remedy for congestion symptoms.
- Mix With Juice – Prep fire cider for kids by mixing 1oz into fresh juice or a fruit smoothie.
- As A Salad Dressing – Combine 3 Tbsp of fire cider with 2 TBSP of cold-pressed flax oil (or another organic oil) to make a simple and healthy vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
I love to use it as a salad dressing! It’s super versatile, and you can play around with flavours for different salads and veggie mixes while getting awesome immune-supporting benefits.
three flavour variations:
Sweet and Spicy
Add a few tablespoons of maple syrup or raw honey to the recipe for a touch of sweetness, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes for a spicier kick.
Herbal
Include fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Citrus
To add a refreshing twist to the recipe, experiment with different citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemon or lime. You can also increase the amount of lemon or orange juice for a stronger citrus flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe doesn’t require any grating. Will it still work?
This fire cider recipe doesn’t require any grating, just chopping. I created this recipe to be as simple and easy as possible for people who are short on time but still want to be able to make healthy, natural remedies.
You don’t need to spend hours grating each and every ingredient – Just chop it all up and throw it into a jar!
The infusion of the flavours and nutrients is just as potent and still makes for a great brew!
What can I do to make a fire cider for kids?
You can adjust this recipe to be for kids by adding in raw honey to make it sweeter and less spicy. You can also mix it in some juice or a smoothie.
How long does fire cider last?
According to the Natural Centre for Home Food Preservation, vinegar infusions are shelf-stable for up to 3 months in cool storage and up to 8 months and beyond when refrigerated.
As with any homemade products, practice good storage habits by making sure your glass jar is clean before making your fire cider and using a jar with a tight seal.
If you notice mold growing on the surface or any other signs of spoilage, such as new colour changes, cloudiness or texture change, it is best to discard the fire cider.
Who should not take fire cider?
While fire cider is generally safe for most people, it’s essential to be aware of a few precautions and potential side effects.
The high acidity of apple cider vinegar may cause stomach discomfort or irritation in some individuals. The spiciness of the ingredients, especially the horseradish and cayenne pepper, may cause digestive issues for those with sensitive stomachs, GERD or other digestive conditions.
Some medications may be contraindicated. If you’re unsure if fire cider is safe for you, speak with your general practitioner.
It’s always wise to start with a small amount and monitor your body’s response. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Should I store it in the fridge or the pantry?
You can store this quick cider recipe in your refrigerator and cold storage. If you know you’ll get through your batch quite quickly, cold storage works great. However, to err on the safe side, I recommend finishing your fire cider within three months if storing it in the pantry.
Storing in the refrigerator will keep it longer and may help preserve the quality of your brew for longer.
How Often Should I Take Fire Cider?
The frequency of consuming fire cider depends on your preference and tolerance. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if desired.
Taking fire cider daily or several times a week can provide immune-boosting benefits.
Can Fire Cider Help With Weight Loss?
Fire cider is not a magic weight loss solution but can help support overall health and digestion. Combining ingredients in fire cider, such as apple cider vinegar, may help boost metabolism and support a healthy weight when combined with a balanced diet and exercise.
Quick Fire Cider Recipe + 5 Ways To Use It
Recipe by Tess
Prep time
10
minutes
Looking for a traditional fire cider recipe to make? This quick fire cider recipe can be made in minutes, requires no grating and is pretty much mess-free. It’s also a great fire cider recipe for kids, so the whole family can stay healthy all winter long!
Ingredients
1 medium purple onion
5 garlic cloves
1 medium ginger root
1 turmeric root
3/4 cup horse radish root
2 fresh hot peppers of choice
Apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized and unfiltered)
Handful of fresh or dried rosehips
Peel and juice of 1 lemon & 1 orange
2-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme
1 cinnamon stick
*Optional: organic, local honey (to be added after the fire cider is ready and strained)
Directions
- Thoroughly clean a large glass jar and allow it to dry fully.
- Roughly chop the onion, peel and mash your garlic cloves, and peel and roughly chop the horse radish, ginger, and turmeric root (some skin is totally fine!). Halve and remove the seeds of your chilli peppers.
- Juice the orange and lemon into the jar and roughly chop up both peels, adding them to the jar.
- Add all of the rest of the ingredients to the jar. You may need to press down to make it fit gently. Add in your rose hips, cinnamon stick, rosemary and thyme, and apple cider vinegar, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Seal your jar with a tight lid. Label it with the date, place it in a cool, dry area, and let it sit for 3-4 weeks to infuse. You’ll want to give your jar a gentle shake a couple of times a week to encourage the infusion of all of your ingredients.
- After about a month, you’ll notice that the fire cider tonic has slightly darkened and that your ingredients are almost colourless and translucent. At this stage, it’s ready to be strained!
- Once your brew is ready, strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a new clean jar.
- *Optional: At this stage, you can either add honey to your whole fire cider or leave it as is and add it later before you take it each time. I like to leave it as is because I often add it to homemade salad vinaigrettes, so I don’t want the whole batch sweetened, but feel free to mix it in!
- Once it’s all strained, just seal your jar and place it in your fridge.
That’s it! Now you can enjoy immune-supporting benefits all winter long
Notes
- Fire cider is a super versatile health tonic. Take it as a wellness shot to a homemade salad vinaigrette, soup or tea or mix it with juice for kids!
Do you have a secret ingredient in your fire cider recipe? What’s your favourite way to use yours at home?
Looking for more easy homemade remedies?
Related Posts You May Love:
- Easy Homemade Natural Cough Syrup With Honey and Lemon
- Simple Homemade Honey Onion Cough Syrup
Disclaimer: This post is not personal medical advice or meant to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose conditions or diseases and is meant for educational purposes. As always, please consult your doctor before trying new treatments or supplements.
References
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Rahman. (2007). Allicin and Other Functional Active Components in Garlic: Health Benefits and Bioavailability.International Journal of Food Properties,10(2), 245–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942910601113327
Shahrajabian, Sun, W., & Cheng, Q. (2019). Clinical aspects and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern industry.Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica. Section B, Soil and Plant Science,69(6), 546–556. https://doi.org/10.1080/09064710.2019.1606930
Tsai, Chen, H.-W., Sheen, L.-Y., & Lii, C.-K. (2012). Garlic: Health benefits and actions.Biomedicine (Taipei),2(1), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomed.2011.12.002
Ullah, A., Munir, S., Badshah, S. L., Khan, N., Ghani, L., Poulson, B. G., Emwas, A. H., & Jaremko, M. (2020). Important Flavonoids and Their Role as a Therapeutic Agent.Molecules (Basel, Switzerland),25(22), 5243. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225243
Walters. (2021). Horseradish: A Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species for Improving Human Health.Horticulturae,7(7), 167–. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070167
