Fire cider honey is a bright, zesty, immune-supportive tonic that blends traditional fire cider ingredients with the soothing sweetness of raw honey. It’s essentially fire cider—a famous herbal folk remedy—enhanced or finished with honey to balance its heat and tang. The result is a spicy-sweet infusion known for its energizing kick and wellness benefits.
What Is It Used For?
People often use fire cider honey to:
- Support immune health during cold and flu season
- Aid digestion and stimulate circulation
- Add a flavorful punch to drinks, marinades, salad dressings, and teas
- Provide a quick, natural pick-me-up when feeling run down
It’s loved for its versatility—part remedy, part culinary magic.
Ingredients & Measurements
A classic small-batch recipe:
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2–3 inches fresh ginger root, sliced
- 2–3 inches fresh turmeric root, sliced (or 1 tsp ground turmeric)
- 1 fresh jalapeño or 1–2 fresh hot peppers, sliced
- 1 lemon or orange, sliced
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 1 tbsp peppercorns (optional)
To Finish
-
¼–½ cup raw honey (adjust to taste)
How to Make Fire Cider Honey
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Chop or slice everything so the vinegar can pull out maximum flavor and nutrients.
2. Add to a Jar
Place all solid ingredients into a clean quart-size mason jar. Pack lightly but leave room for vinegar.
3. Pour in the Vinegar
Cover the herbs and produce completely with apple cider vinegar.
Tip: Use parchment paper between the jar and the metal lid to prevent corrosion.
4. Infuse
Seal and store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks.
Shake daily or whenever you remember.
5. Strain
After the infusion period, strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a clean jar.
6. Add Honey
Stir in the raw honey until it dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.
7. Bottle & Store
Transfer to a glass bottle or jar and label it.
How to Use Fire Cider Honey
A little goes a long way! Try it:
- As a daily wellness shot: 1–2 teaspoons
- Mixed in warm water or tea: soothing when feeling under the weather
- In salad dressings: adds a zesty, sweet kick
- In marinades: great for chicken, tofu, and roasted veggies
- Drizzled into sparkling water: a spicy mocktail twist
- For digestion: sip a teaspoon before meals
Shelf Life & Storage
- Before straining (during infusion): Keep in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks.
- After adding honey:
- Pantry: Up to 6 months
-
Fridge: Up to 12 months
Raw vinegar and honey are naturally preservative, but refrigeration helps maintain flavor and freshness longer.
Another Recipe
Fire Cider Honey (Sweetened Fire Cider)
A traditional fire cider infused with raw honey after straining. It’s spicy, tangy, and lightly sweet — far easier to sip than classic fire cider.
What It’s Used For
- Daily wellness tonic
- Soothing sore throats
- Digestive support
- Mocktail/cocktail ingredient
- Salad dressings + marinades
Ingredients (Quart/Jar Batch)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup garlic, crushed
- ½ cup ginger, sliced
- ¼ cup horseradish root, grated
- 2–3 hot peppers, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2–3 sprigs rosemary or thyme
- Apple cider vinegar (raw, with the mother) — enough to fill a jar
- Raw honey — ½–1 cup (to taste)
How to Make It
- Place all chopped ingredients into a quart jar.
- Cover fully with apple cider vinegar.
- Seal with a non-metal lid.
- Steep 3–4 weeks in a dark place, shaking every 1–2 days.
- Strain the liquid.
- Stir in ½–1 cup raw honey until dissolved.
Usage Tips
- Take 1–2 tablespoons daily.
- Add to warm water with lemon for a soothing drink.
- Combine with oil for a simple dressing.
Shelf/Fridge Life
-
With honey: 6–8 months refrigerated
Room temp: 3–4 months (because honey dilutes vinegar slightly)