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fire cider tonic - featured image

Fire Cider Tonic: 5 Ingredients for Immunity


  • Author: SALY
  • Total Time: 2-4 weeks (infusion time)
  • Yield: 1 gallon 1x

Description

A potent, homemade immune-boosting tonic made with apple cider vinegar, fresh horseradish, cayenne, and other aromatic vegetables. This budget-friendly recipe is easy to make, has a long shelf life, and offers a spicy, tangy flavor profile.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon (3.78L) raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’
  • 1 cup (240g) raw honey
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) filtered water (optional)
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh horseradish root, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 cup (100g) fresh ginger root, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (80g) fresh turmeric root, sliced (or 2 tbsp dried powder)
  • 12 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 head garlic cloves, peeled (about 1012 cloves)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • Orange peel from 2 oranges
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano (or 6 tbsp fresh)

Instructions

  1. Wear gloves to protect your skin and eyes from horseradish and garlic fumes.
  2. Prep vegetables: Peel and grate the horseradish, peel garlic, slice ginger and turmeric into thin coins, quarter the onion, and remove orange peel (avoiding the white pith).
  3. Pack a large 1-gallon glass jar about 2/3 full with the prepped vegetables, herbs, and spices. Add any vegetable scraps if desired.
  4. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the vegetables until everything is completely submerged, leaving about an inch of headspace. Add filtered water if using a milder version.
  5. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar every few days.
  6. Let the mixture infuse for 2 to 4 weeks. Taste a drop to check potency; wait longer if it is too mild.
  7. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag into a large bowl. Gently squeeze the bag to extract liquid without crushing the solids to avoid bitterness.
  8. Stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness or spice level to taste.
  9. Pour the finished tonic into small glass bottles using a funnel. Label with the date and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Notes

Always wear gloves when handling fresh horseradish and garlic to prevent skin irritation. Do not use plastic containers as vinegar can leach chemicals. If using dried turmeric powder, add it after straining to avoid grittiness. The tonic can be diluted in water, added to smoothies, or used in salad dressings. Consult a doctor if you are on medication, as garlic and vinegar can interact with some drugs.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 15
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 3

Keywords: fire cider, immune support, horseradish, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, homemade tonic, immunity booster, natural remedies, wellness, zero waste