From the apothecary of our resident Medicine Woman.
Fire Cider is one of those recipes that’s stood the test of time for a reason. It’s strong, simple, and it works. Think of it as liquid fire: warming, clearing, and full of life.
This fire cider recipe is packed with a plethora of good for you ingredients; raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, horseradish, ginger and hot pepper combine to support circulation, digestion and immune strength. Let it sit a few weeks, strain it, and finish with raw honey. That’s it.
A spoonful a day wakes up your system and keeps your immune defenses sharp. When you’re heading into colder weather or a full schedule and your energy dips, Fire Cider is your ultimate ally.
What you’ll need
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1 large onion, chopped
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3–4 heads garlic, chopped
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½ cup fresh ginger root, grated
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¼ cup fresh horseradish root, grated
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1–2 hot peppers (jalapeño or cayenne—choose your heat!)
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Zest & juice of 1 lemon
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A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
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Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (enough to cover)
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Raw honey (to taste)
Prefer sourcing fresh? Support your local farms, farmers markets or co-ops and ask for ingredients that haven’t traveled far.
How to make it
- Combine all ingredients (except honey) in a clean glass jar.
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Cover with apple cider vinegar until all is submerged. Make sure the ingredients are covered by at least a few inches of liquid, then use a piece of parchment or wax paper to cover the jar before capping tightly.
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Seal and store on your countertop or in a cupboard for 3–4 weeks, shaking daily if you think of it. The longer it sits, the stronger it gets! If you're patient and want your Fire Cider to really pack a punch, let it sit for months (just don't forget to shake!).
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Once it's ready, strain out the solids and stir in raw honey to taste, then bottle it up.
- Refrigeration isn't required, but recommended to help extend shelf life.
Bonus: Make it yours! Add ingredients like echinacea, dried elderberries or marshmallow root to get creative, and be sure to share with us your custom fire cider recipe.
How to use it
Take 1 tablespoon daily for maintenance, 2–3 tablespoons if you feel something coming on. Add to soups, dressings, or take straight if you like that heat.
Storage & note
Store in a cool, dark spot or in the refrigerator in a glass jar. It will keep for a few months. Label it clearly.
We love this video from the Herbal Academy demonstrating how they make theirs!
