Fire cider is a popular herbal tonic which was created during the late 1970s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.  Yet while Gladstar named and formalized the recipe, the tonic was inspired by oxymel - an ancient medicinal remedy combining vinegar, honey, and herbs which dates back to ancient Greece and Persia. 

Modern day versions basically steep immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish, and chilli in apple cider vinegar for several weeks, with the resulting mixture being strained and sweetened with honey.

While fire cider is traditionally used as a health tonic to boost the immune system, it also has many other delicious culinary uses. Here are a few different ways to enjoy this vinegar infusion:

  1. For a health tonic: A shot of fire cider is a great way to support your immune system during the flu season. Take a tablespoon straight up or mix it into a glass of water or juice. 

  2. Salad dressing: Mix 2 tablespoon of fire cider with ¼ cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt for a flavorful salad dressing.

  3. Drink flavor: Add 1 tablespoon to a glass of ginger ale, sparkling water, or apple juice. 

  4. Cooked vegetables: Add a drizzle to roasted or steamed vegetables to give them a burst of flavor.

  5. Marinade: Make a simple marinade with 1 cup of olive oil, ½ cup of fire cider, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

  6. Tea: Add 1 teaspoon to a cup of chai or rooibos tea.

Common Ingredients

A traditional fire cider recipe utilizes hot, sour, sweet, and pungent elements: 

  • Apple cider vinegar: Used as a base and preservative.  Rich in potassium it also extracts the minerals from the other ingredients.

  • Garlic and Onions: Known for their antimicrobial properties.

  • Ginger and Horseradish: Warming agents that help soothe the sinuses and improve circulation.

  • Chilli: Adds heat (capsaicin) to boost metabolism and circulation.

  • Honey: Used to balance the sharp, sour flavors and soothe the throat.

  

RECIPE FOR FIRE CIDER:


Ingredients:

1 head of garlic (smashed)

1 tbsp granulated dried horseradish (or freshly sliced horseradish)

2.5cm piece of fresh ginger root  (sliced)

1 lemon (cut into wedges)

1 small onion (roughly cut)

2 red chillies (chopped roughly)

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/4 to 1/2 cup of raw honey

OPTIONAL: turmeric, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano

Instructions:

  1. Place the garlic, horseradish, ginger, onion, lemon, herbs, and chillies into a large 1 litre jar. 

  2. Pour over the apple cider vinegar. 

  3. Leave the mixture steep in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks.  

  4. After 4 weeks, strain the vinegar from the mixture using a piece of muslin cloth or a fine strainer. Discard the solid ingredients. 

  5. Add the honey to the vinegar, then stir. 

  6. Store in a sealable bottle in your refrigerator for up to 1 year.