This homemade fire cider recipe is a healthy folk remedy tonic that aids digestion, helps ward off the flu and common cold, among other health benefits.
As I began to delve into the world of fermenting for making hot sauces and other recipes from my garden grown fruits and vegetables, I inevitably came across "Fire Cider".
If you haven't heard of Fire Cider, it is basically a very tangy tonic of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar infused with healthy root vegetables and other natural ingredients.
What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider has been long touted as an herbal remedy for generations, said to combat the flu and even the common cold among other things, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
We became interested in Fire Cider tonic because Patty had developed some stomach ailments related to digestive problems and we were looking for something more natural to help her.
It is typically made with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar containing "The Mother", which is a collection of proteins and friendly bacteria that assists with digestion.
The vineger is infused with onion, ginger, horseradish, peppers, garlic and fruits, though you'll find that some recipes vary in the specific ingredients and ratios.
For example, we've found that onions sometimes cause Patty some digestive discomfort, so we've omitted them from our recipe.
Let's discuss how to make fire cider!
Fire Cider Ingredients
- Fresh Horseradish Root.
- Ginger Root.
- Turmeric Root.
- Garlic.
- Pepper Mash. You can use fresh peppers for making fire cider, but we enjoy the additional benefits of fermented peppers, or pepper mash. Use any hot peppers you like, or omit for a milder version. Cayenne pepper is a nice addition for extra heat.
- Citrus. Orange and lemon, though you can use others.
- Black Peppercorns.
- Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. With "The Mother".
- Honey. If you desire a touch of sweetness, use 1-2 tablespoons raw honey.
How to Make Fire Cider - The Recipe Method
Making homemade fire cider is quite simple. In a nutshell, you'll scrub and peel all of your root vegetables, and scrub all of the fruits.
Everything gets chopped or diced, then set into a couple of large sealable jars.
Pour raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar over the ingredients and give them a solid shake.
Set it into a cool, dark place and let the vinegar become infused with the ingredients for about a month or so.
As mentioned, ingredients can vary, as long as they are healthy and natural, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.
With fire cider, you have a natural drink that helps boost the immune system during cold and flu season.
You can easily adjust the sweet-sour balance - just add honey as desired.
Boom! Done! Your fire cider is ready to serve. It is quite easy to make, and ready to help you stay healthy.
Fire Cider Benefits
Fire cider is touted as a natural remedy to help you fight seasonal illnesses like the common cold, flu, and COVID.
It provides a boost to your immune system and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
It can also ease congestion and assist with digestion.
Using Fire Cider
I can tell you, it's great stuff on a cold winter day. Take a shot of it and feel the warmth from the spicy chili peppers.
If you feel it will be too spicy, you can easily cut back on or omit the peppers, though I would encourage you to keep them for the great Health Benefits of Chili Peppers.
You can also incorporate it into other foods and drinks, like tea or with your salad dressing.
We used a bit of fermented habanero pepper mash with our recipe, though fresh chili peppers are more traditional.
We were looking for the additional health benefit of the fermented mash.
See How to Make Fermented Pepper Mash for more information on that.
Why Make Fire Cider at Home?
Making fire cider at home not only allows you to control what goes into your end product, but it is WAY cheaper to make at home. When we were looking into fire cider to help with Patty's digestive issue, we were both surprised at how expensive it is to purchase.
There are a few products available on the market, and WOW were they pricey. We can make a large batch at home for a fraction of the cost of store bought fire cider, and we can make it as hot as we want it.
Keep it on hand as a natural health and immunity booster. Take a tablespoon or two per day, or a tangy shot whenever you're in the mood.
If you feel your fire cider is too tart, swirl in a bit of honey to sweeten it up.
I hope you enjoy your homemade fire cider, my friends! Shoot over your questions. We're happy to discuss.
Fire Cider Variations
You can use different fresh herbs, spices and root vegetables in your fire cider recipe. If a particular ingredient doesn't agree with you, such as onions or horseradish, omit them and replace them with something more palatable.
Consider the world of herbs available to you, other spice powders, berries, fruits, and of course, the entire world of chili pepper types out there.
How Long does Fire Cider Keep and Should it Be Refrigerated?
Fire cider will last many, many months, as it is basically infused vinegar or herbal vinegar.
I keep ours in the fridge where it will last almost indefinitely, though it really only lasts a few months TOPS for me.
Patty's Perspective
"The biggest reason I wanted to make this is because of my recent digestive issues. I wasn't sure how well it would work for me, but was pleasantly surprised (if not ecstatic) at how well it is working for me.
Now I have little to no symptoms and have been able to cut back on other pills I was taking. It's a big relief. Highly recommended. We plan to keep experimenting mainly with flavors.
I even took it with us on vacation, it's that good for me."
If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations. Thanks! -- Mike H.
Homemade Fire Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 6-7 inch horseradish root scrubbed, peeled and finelydiced
- 1 6-7 inch ginger root scrubbed, peeled and finely diced
- 1 6-7 inch turmeric root scrubbed, peeled and finely diced
- 2 heads garlic peeled and finely diced
- 6 tablespoons habanero pepper mash See How to Make Fermented Pepper Mash or use 3-4 fresh habanero peppers, chopped
- 1 orange quartered
- 1 lemon quartered
- 3 tablespoons peppercorns
- 2 quarts raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with The "Mother")
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a couple of 2-quart Ball jars or canning jars. Make sure there is enough raw apple cider vinegar to cover the ingredients.
- Shake and let sit in a cool, dark place like your cupboard for 4 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain and use as needed.
Notes
Yield: About 1.5 quarts or so. The calories are based on about 1 tablespoon per serving. See How to Make Fermented Pepper Mash for more information.
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 12/5/22 to include new information. It was originally published on 2/7/18.
Paul says
Mike ,can I ask ,is it possible to add more cider to the mash when the liquid level goes down ,and leave again for a few weeks,or is it when it’s gone it’s gone, and best to start from scratch,
I’m trying it for my digestive system ,to see if it helps with some bloating ! Hope that’s not to much information lol
Paul
Mike Hultquist says
Paul, you can add in more. Some people do that. At some point you'll want to start over, though. I hope it helps!
Paul says
Have waited 4 weeks for the cider to work its magic after getting the recipe in the email ,tried it today, the weather is cold and icy .wow it warmed us both up my partner loves it ! Will be making some more !
Mike Hultquist says
Outstanding!! Glad you are enjoyed it, Paul! Cheers. Thanks for sharing!
Kynthia says
I wonder if I can substitute genuine Wasabi for the horse radish.
Mike Hultquist says
Absolutely. Wasabi root is great here.
Kathleen Stewart-Taylor says
You forgot to add whisky or moonshine.
Mike Hultquist says
Go for it! A nice cocktail!
jimAND ROSE nashwinter says
i had diticulitus;and am now having severe bowel problems;with direaa will it help??JIM
Mike Hultquist says
This is more of an immune system booster.
Sydney says
Hi! Sounds delish and beneficial, cant wait to make! Patty, do you have an intolerance to night shade vegetables? Only ask because omitting onion was mentioned. I also have digestive issues and though i love onion it doesnt love me. interested to try this!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Sydney. No issue with onions (usually, ha!), but in this case it's more of a flavor preference. Feel free to include it. Enjoy!
James Shoemaker says
What kind and how many onions would you add?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
James, any onion would work though I would lean toward a sweet onion or a shallot. I would start with 1/4 to 1/2 an onion and then adjust future fire cider batches from there. Let me know how it goes for you.
Sarah Chatters says
When ready and strained, should the bottles it goes into be sterilised?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Sarah, as long as the bottles are very clean, you should be fine. Enjoy.
Oona Younger says
Can you use chili peppers that have started to turn red?
Also, I’ve put citric fruit in my fire cider but am wondering about berries, basically for taste but also for anti-oxidant properties?
Thank you!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Oona. Absolutely. Go for it. Same with berries. Such a wonderful addition in flavor. Enjoy!!
marie says
Does it need to be burped or shaken while fermenting? Thanks, Marie
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Marie, no need to burp them, as there is no fermentation. I hope you enjoy it.
Lana Sajaja says
Hi, I can't find Horseradish, can I use regula pink radish or add more ginger and turmeric instead of the Horseradish
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Lana, yes, you can very easily customize this.
Kirsty says
Once strained. Take all the spices and bake in a very low oven until dry, blitz in a food processor and you have a great spice mix to add to your cooking.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
There you go, Kirsty! Nice.
Oleksandr says
Does it ferment without alcohol?
can children drink?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Oleksandr, there is no alcohol in this recipe. Yes, children can drink it, though it may be spicy, depending on the peppers used.
T says
I have a larger glass jar with a plastic latch hook lid (101 oz) . I was able only to fill the jar half way with ingredients and vegetables, is this safe ? Do I need to fill jar to top ? I noticed pieces of my garlic have a green color..first time making this wasn’t sure if that was normal or due to half filling.
Thank you
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
T, this is completely fine. You don't need to fill the jar. Just keep everything submerged beneath the brine. Greenish/bluish garlic is normal as enzymes in the garlic break down and interact with sulfur contained in the garlic. The acidity of the brine is a factor as well.
Liz says
Can I drink this after 2 weeks instead of a month?
I'm drooling
Liz Vincent
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Liz, yes, you can. 2 weeks is plenty of time to let the flavor develop. You'll get even more after a month, but no problem with 2 weeks. Let me know how you like it!
Becky says
I’ve seen some recipes say before closing jars to infuse for a few weeks you should put parchment paper first and then seal the lid- do you do this? I’m not sure what it’s for or if it’s necessary, so just curious!
Thank you!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Becky, I have not seen this, but doesn't seem like it would be an issue.
wendy kelly says
Becky it is because if you are using a metal lid, the vinegar can corrode it, causing rusting.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks for the info, Wendy!
Rusty Park says
The concern with the lid is that if it is metal or aluminmum. The acid from the recicpe could cause a reaction in the lid. If the lid is lined by the mfg or with parchment the reaction from acid would not occur, according to what I have read.
Laura says
Instead of straining, can one just put everything into a blender in order to keep the fiber?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Laura, everything is edible (except for the lemon peels), so technically you should be able to blend and consume. It won't be a cider, though, but more of a sauce, and I'm not sure of the consistency. If you try it, let me know how it turns out for you.
Beth Drostit gets bitter if you blend it says
It gets super bitter if you blend though.
Katrina McAlister says
I am about to make my 2nd batch of your fire cider. I was wondering if it's alright to leave the peel on the garlic bulbs, horseradish, turmeric and ginger, since it will all be strained out eventually? I am using a food processor to chop everything. Thanks for a great recipe!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Katrina. I'm glad you like it. You really don't have to peel the skins from the garlic, horseradish, turmeric or ginger. You can leave the peels intact, though be sure to wash them thoroughly first. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Roxanne says
Why a dark place and cool? Wouldn't warmth speed up the fermentation?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Roxanne, you'll get the best flavors fermenting between 65 degrees F - 72 degrees F (18-22 degrees C). You're right, though, fermenting will go faster at higher temperatures, but you may not get the best flavors.
crissaenz says
how long does this keep and should it eventually be refrigerated?
REPLY: Crissaenz, it will last many, many months, as it is basically infused vinegar. I keep ours in the fridge where it will last almost indefinitely, though it really only lasts a few months TOPS for me. -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.
Kevin King says
Mike;
Where do you get raw tumeric root? Can powdered tumeric tablets be sustituted?
We have been making a tonic of vinegar and honey in water for quite a while but I like the idea of
the fire cider.
REPLY: Kevin, I found some at our local grocer in the produce area. -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.
Len says
Make sure you rinse after drinking it (or have it before a meal). ACV is very corrosive on the teeth.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks for the note, Len!