How To Make Fire Cider

In southern California, the seasons don’t feel tremendously different to me. A little cloudy around June (hello June-gloom), a little cooler in the “winter”, but it isn’t exactly life-changing.

Even with the constant temps all year round here, winter colds don’t seem to miss a beat. I combat the knock-you-on-your-butt-colds with a heaping dose of this spicy drink every day. Let’s talk about how to make fire cider today!

For a couple of years now I’ve made up a batch or two of the old farmer’s version of fire cider during the summer months so that it’s ready to drink when the fall hits. Sure, you can probably buy a premade version at a health-food store but it’s super simple to make.

If you’re looking for a natural way to combat colds and sickness, keep reading to learn how to make fire cider and benefit from its immune-supporting ingredients.

Fire Cider Ingredients

The ingredients in this old farmer’s fire cider tonic are suggestions rather than must-haves. You can change, omit, or add whatever ingredients you might find beneficial after doing some research on different options.

Here’s what I use to make it:

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1 Quart sized mason jar
Plastic regular mouth lids to fit the jars
1 Red onion
Ginger root (½ cup freshly grated)
Horseradish root (½ cup freshly grated)
10 cloves of garlic, smashed and roughly chopped
1 lemon, zested and then sliced into rounds
2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
¼ tsp of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 heaping tablespoon of peppercorns
2 cinnamon sticks
Bragg’s unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar

I know what you’re thinking… it’s… a lot. And sounds super spicy. And you’re not wrong. BUT if you need something to kick a cold on its butt, this is it, my friends.

Chop all those ingredients up (it doesn’t need to be pretty) and stuff them into the quart jars to the top. Fill with organic apple cider vinegar. Use either a plastic saver lid or a regular metal canning lid with ring. If you use the metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the vinegar so that the vinegar doesn’t touch the metal.

Now that you’ve finished wiping the onion and horseradish-induced tears from your face, place the closed jar in a dark place or fridge for 4-8 weeks to let it brew. Give it a shake every day too!

Once your fire cider has finished stewing, use a cheesecloth or mesh strainer to separate the solids. They will happily add some spunk to your compost pile.

Reserve the liquid and add honey to taste. If you feel a tickle coming on, or want to give your system a boost, take 1-2 tablespoons a day.

Fire Cider Health Benefits

Now that you know how to make fire cider, you might be wondering why these particular ingredients were chosen.

Let’s dig into some of them!

Onion—has properties that are antimicrobial and antibacterial to help fight off unwanted illnesses

Ginger root—helps tremendously with digestion

Horseradish—after grating it, I’m sure you noticed how well it opens your sinuses up!

Garlic—similar to onions, garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to help support your immune system

Apple cider vinegar—this powerhouse isn’t something new; its benefits have been abundant for eons. It can help stabilize blood sugar and has antimicrobial properties as well!

How To Use It

It’s no secret that this combo of heavy-hitting ingredients can help your immune system and protect you from colds and illness. Take it daily, 1-2 tablespoons. Mix it with a glass of water if that makes it easier, but I prefer to shoot it back fast.

One of my favorite ways to include immunity-boosting fire cider is in a classic Canadian caesar (alcoholic or not!) and it gives it a nice little kick. You could also create a delicious salad dressing with it by adding some EVOO.

The options are truly endless with this spicy elixir. Now that you’ve got the baseline for your own fire cider, let me know in the comments when you’ve had a chance to taste yours!

Note: Please consult with your healthcare professional before using purchased or homemade cider-vinegar tonic on a regular basis.

How To Make Fire Cider