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Easy Fire Cider Recipe for Immune-Boosting Tonic

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This easy fire cider recipe is a potent immune-boosting tonic made with simple, real ingredients like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. It’s customizable, costs pennies per serving, and lasts for months in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1012 cloves garlic, crushed or sliced
  • 23 inches fresh ginger root, sliced thin
  • 23 inches fresh turmeric root, sliced thin
  • 1 medium jalapeño or habanero, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes
  • 12 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • Raw apple cider vinegar (enough to cover everything)
  • 24 tablespoons raw honey (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash all produce thoroughly. Chop the onion into rough chunks. Crush or slice the garlic cloves. Slice the ginger, turmeric, lemon, and orange into thin rounds.
  2. Layer everything in a quart-sized glass jar: start with the onion and garlic at the bottom, then add the ginger, turmeric, and peppers. Tuck the citrus slices in along the sides. Add the peppercorns, cayenne flakes, and herbs if using. Pack the jar about three-quarters full with solids.
  3. Slowly pour the apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until everything is completely submerged. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top. Use a wooden spoon or chopstick to poke around and release any air bubbles.
  4. Close the lid tightly and give the jar a good shake to mix everything up.
  5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard or pantry) for 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar every day when you remember.
  6. After two weeks, start tasting it every few days with a clean spoon. When it tastes balanced (spicy, sour, and slightly sweet), it’s ready.
  7. Once you’re happy with the flavor, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or large measuring cup. Press on the solids to get every last drop.
  8. Stir in the raw honey to taste, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more if desired.
  9. Use a funnel to pour the finished fire cider into clean glass bottles or jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Don’t throw away the strained solids! Use them in salad dressings, marinades, or stir into soups for an extra kick. For the best flavor, use the freshest garlic and ginger you can find. If you can’t find fresh turmeric, substitute 1 tablespoon dried turmeric powder per inch of fresh. Wear gloves when handling hot peppers. Keep the steeping jar away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Label your jar with the date and contents. Start small with the heat—you can always add more later.

Nutrition

Keywords: fire cider, immune-boosting tonic, homemade fire cider, apple cider vinegar tonic, garlic ginger tonic, wellness shot, cold remedy, natural immune support