What Is Fire Cider? Here’s How to Make This Supportive Winter Beverage
Publish Date: November 21, 2023
Last Update: November 3, 2026
Aptly named, fire cider is a tonic of aromatics, herbs, citrus, and spices that blend into a bold, warming kick. Its whole-food ingredients are a big reason people add it to their winter wellness routines.
Fire cider isn’t proven to prevent or treat illness, but it’s a tasty, convenient way to get a variety of nutrient-dense foods in a single sip. When the weather turns cold and your body could use a little extra support, try a shot of this fiery tonic in place of that third cup of coffee.
How Do You Make Fire Cider?
Traditionally, it takes about two weeks to a month to make fire cider (yep, it’s a lengthy process!). First, you combine the ingredients with a vinegar solution, then allow them to sit for a few weeks to fully extract the nutrients, bring out the flavor, and create the most concentrated tonic possible.
Fire Cider Ingredients (and Their Benefits)
While you can get creative and make your own fire cider with the ingredients you prefer, there are a few staples that commonly create the base. Here are a few of the most common fire cider ingredients — and why they’re so important.
Garlic
Garlic is a medicinal plant that’s been used for thousands of years for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its active components are shown to support the immune system.
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Why this one: Our garlic paste is organic and easy to use thanks to its squeezable tube—no mincing required.
Ginger
The bioactive compounds in ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it beneficial for combating inflammation in the body.
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Why this one: Ours is organic and an easy way to add fresh ginger to your fire cider.
Onion
Some studies show that the polysaccharides in onion have potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory (creating homeostasis in the immune system) properties.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are good sources of vitamin C and folate, which help to sustain immunological barriers and support the function of many types of immune cells.
Cayenne pepper
Hot, spicy peppers, such as cayenne, are often used in homeopathic medicine for their capsaicin, an active component that offers antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
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Why this one: Our high quality, organic cayenne pepper powder is carefully sourced and made from real cayenne peppers.
Apple cider vinegar
Some studies show that apple cider vinegar has a positive effect on the body’s immune response.
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Why this one: Our ACV is made from the fermented cider of fresh organic apples.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the main active component in turmeric, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune benefits.
Try: Thrive Market Organic Turmeric Powder
Why this one: Our colorful, organic turmeric powder is thoughtfully sourced from trusted farmers.
Honey
Raw honey contains polyphenols and flavonoids that studies have shown may help to reduce stress and inflammation, and its thick texture may help to soothe sore throats.
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Classic Fire Cider Recipe
The most important step to making fire cider? Time. When you start to feel like cold weather is approaching, stir together a batch of this spicy wellness tonic. In a couple weeks, you’ll have enough fire cider to last you just about the whole season.
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 weeks
Yield: 20-50 servings
Ingredients:
1 medium organic red onion, chopped
1 head organic garlic, chopped
1-2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 organic lemon, chopped
1 organic orange, chopped
Fresh herbs of choice, bruised to help release their oils (thyme, rosemary, and oregano all work well)
½ cup fresh ginger root, grated (or organic ginger root powder)
¼ cup fresh organic horseradish root, grated
½ tbsp organic turmeric powder
10 whole black peppercorns
¼ tsp organic cayenne powder
Apple cider vinegar, to cover
¼ cup raw or local honey
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to an airtight jar and close tightly (Note: if using a jar with a metal lid, add parchment paper under the lid so the vinegar doesn’t corrode the lid).
Store at room temp for approximately two weeks. Shake the jar daily to ensure that all ingredients mix thoroughly.
After at least two weeks, strain the dry ingredients from the liquid using a cheesecloth.
Store the fire cider liquid in a sterilized jar in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry or cabinet).
Take 1-3 tablespoons daily as needed.
Fire Cider FAQs
What is fire cider?
Fire cider is a spicy, herbal tonic made by steeping aromatic ingredients (like garlic, ginger, and citrus fruits) in apple cider vinegar. It comes from folk herbalism, and is usually intended to help soothe illness during cold and flu season (though clinical evidence does not support this).
What are the ingredients in fire cider?
Most recipes start with apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish, and citrus fruits. Black pepper and herbs like thyme and rosemary are popular add-ins. You can easily adjust the heat and sweetness to your taste.
How do you make fire cider, and how long does it take?
It takes just a few minutes to chop and combine the ingredients, but for many fire cider recipes, you’ll need to let the mixture sit for anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
How do you take fire cider?
Because fire cider is very concentrated and has a strong flavor, a little goes a long way. Our recipe makes 20 to 50 servings at 1 to 3 tablespoons each. Many people like to drink it diluted in warm water to cut down on the spice.
How do you use fire cider in cooking?
It works anywhere you’d use a zippy vinegar: whisked into salad dressings and vinaigrettes, stirred into soups and stews, splashed into marinades, or mixed into a warm mug with a little water.
What are the benefits of fire cider?
Fire cider is a food, not a medicine, and it isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Many people enjoy it as a flavorful part of their seasonal wellness routine. If you have health questions, talk with your healthcare provider.
What are the side effects of fire cider?
The heat and acidity may bother people prone to reflux or sensitive stomachs, so if you notice that something feels “off” while drinking it, make sure to stop right away and talk to your doctor.
How long does fire cider last?
If stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, most fire cider will last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. If it looks, smells, or tastes off, toss it.
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The information in this post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition, or before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a food allergy or health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.