Fire cider is a folk remedy believed to combat colds by boosting the immune system. It’s made primarily of apple cider vinegar infused with hot chili peppers, garlic, horseradish, ginger, lemon, and other ingredients to kick the immune system into high gear.
Although the history and origin of this heat-fueled tonic are up for debate, the concept seems to have originated within American herbalist communities, who crafted these tonics to ward off colds and flu during the chilly winter months. Most credit Rosemary Gladstar for coining the term “fire cider” sometime between the late 1970s and early ’80s. However, similar homemade beverages date back centuries and have been passed down from generation to generation.
I decided to try my hand at this spicy home remedy after I harvested a crop of Thai Bird’s Eye chilis from my garden. Initially, I fermented them to make a hot sauce, then used the hot sauce in the cider, and the results were impressive. Unlike other recipes that require further fermenting, my version can be consumed immediately.
The cider is very acidic, with the flavors of onion and garlic giving it an almost salsa-like taste, and the fiery aspect comes through as the cider goes down. This fire cider will definitely pep you up!
Instant Fire Cider
Equipment
- 1 glass jar, 20 ounce size
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chili paste or hot sauce 45g
- 3 tbsp ginger, fresh, finely grated 20g
- 3 tbsp onion, finely grated 30g
- 2 tbsp horseradish, prepared 30g
- 1-2 garlic cloves pressed
- 1 tsp turmeric powder heaping
- 1 lemon, zest & juice only
- 2 tbsp honey 40g
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar, raw
Instructions
- Add the chili paste or hot sauce to a 20-ounce glass jar.
- Follow with the ginger, onion, horseradish, garlic, turmeric, lemon (zest and juice), and honey.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar. (Using raw apple cider vinegar with the mother is essential.) Make sure to shake well before pouring it into the jar.
- Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
- Measure out a serving of cider (1-2 tablespoons) strain, and drink.