Fire Cider Recipe for Immune Support & Digestion Aid
Fire cider is a fiery folk remedy that’s been passed around herbal circles for decades. Popularized in the 1970s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, it was created as an easy way to infuse apple cider vinegar with immune-boosting roots, herbs, and spices. Over the years, it’s grown into a grassroots movement, with makers across the country putting their own spin on this zesty, vinegar-based tonic.
I first started making fire cider at home over a decade ago, and it quickly became one of my pantry staples. I even taught a class on how to make fire cider many, many years ago on a homestead in Asheville, NC.
Since then, I’ve always kept a bottle of fire cider tucked away. I take it by the spoonful when I start to feel a head cold coming on or if I feel a tickle in my throat. You can also incorporate it into your daily routine. I know some people use it as a salad dressing.
Is Fire Cider Actually Good For You?
Immune & Respiratory Support – Garlic, ginger, and horseradish have been used traditionally for centuries to help clear sinuses and support the immune system.
Digestive Aid – Apple cider vinegar helps stimulate digestion and improve gut balance.
Circulation & Warmth – The spicy ingredients naturally warm the body, making it a go-to during chilly weather.
Everyday Versatility – Beyond wellness, it brightens dressings, soups, marinades, or even sparkling water for a spicy tonic.
What Ingredients Are in Fire Cider?
One of the best things about fire cider is that you really can’t mess it up. Once you’ve got the basics of vinegar, roots, and spice, you can customize it endlessly to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
Some batches lean hot and peppery, others bright and citrusy, and some come out earthy and grounding. That’s the beauty of it—fire cider is flexible, forgiving, and always unique to the maker.
Hot & Peppery Fire Cider Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 head garlic, peeled and sliced or chopped
½ cup fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced or chopped
½ cup fresh horseradish root, chopped or sliced or chopped
1–2 hot peppers (jalapeño or habanero), sliced
1 lemon, sliced
2 tbsp fresh turmeric root, peeled and sliced or chopped
1–2 sprigs rosemary and/or thyme
Raw honey, to taste (after straining)
Instructions
Place all ingredients except honey in a clean glass jar.
Cover completely with apple cider vinegar, using parchment under the lid if it’s metal.
Store in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and stir in raw honey until balanced.
Store in the fridge or pantry.
What To Do With Your Fire Cider
If you are busy and don’t have the time to make homemade fire cider but want the health benefits, you can try the organic fire cider by Herbal Revolution to the right.
Once you have fire cider you can:
Take 1–2 tablespoons daily as a tonic.
Add to vinaigrettes, marinades, or soups.
Mix into sparkling water for a refreshing, spicy drink.
Use as a wellness shot when you feel run down.
The Takeaway
In recent years, fire cider became the focus of the “Free Fire Cider” movement, after an attempt was made to trademark the name and restrict its use. Herbalists across the country pushed back, arguing that fire cider was a traditional folk remedy belonging to the community, not a brand to be owned.
Their victory ensured that anyone can continue to make, share, and teach fire cider recipes freely. That legacy carries forward every time you craft your own batch at home—keeping alive a tradition rooted in resilience, self-sufficiency, and community care.
Let Us Know
Have you tried to make fire cider? Share your experience and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
