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Home » Plant-Based Recipes

Homemade Fire Cider Recipe

Published on 11.9.2020 by Jen Hansard

RECIPE CARD LEAVE REVIEW

Whenever I have a cold or a tickle in my throat, I take shots of fire cider. While there are many versions of this tonic in stores, I like to make my own fire cider recipe to save money. (Warning: this stuff is hardcore, so it's not for the faint of heart. Yet it's become my go-to tonic to quickly rid my body of a cold.)

Fire cider benefits

In order to kick intense colds and sickness from your body, you've got to use some of the most intense, natural foods out there. This recipe features: ginger root, horseradish root, onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño peppers, lemon, and apple cider vinegar. Now do you see why it's called "Fire Cider Recipe"?! Let's take a look at how these ingredients work together to keep the body well:

  • fresh ginger root- helps fight infections, including RSV.
  • fresh horseradish root- contains powerful antibacterial properties.
  • onion + garlic- both high in vitamin C, as well as antioxidants.
  • jalapeños- loaded with vitamin C and vitamin B6.
  • lemon- helps the body absorb iron.
  • apple cider vinegar- ACV has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties which make it a great base for this fire cider tonic.

With all these benefits packed into one shot, I see why a little fire cider goes a long way in prevention as well as shortening the length of sickness.

This fire cider recipe takes a bit of time, yet it's totally worth it to help fight the common cold + flu.

Make your own Fire Cider

To make this DIY recipe, start by chopping up all the raw ingredients. (Scroll all the way down for the complete list with amounts). Place them in a quart-sized mason jar, and fill it the rest of the way up with apple cider vinegar. Cover it with an airtight lid, shake it, and store it in a dark place for at least a month.

I like to shake my concoction every few days to make sure the mixture is... uhh... fermenting nicely.

After a month has gone by, it's time to pour the contents out while using a strainer or a sieve to catch the big clumps. This refined mixture is the final product, and is ready to be used, as well as stored in the refrigerator from here on out.

How to start taking this natural tonic

This powerful, all-natural mixture should not be taken lightly! Start with a small dose at first—maybe a tablespoon or so. Take one or two small doses a day until you feel like you're ready for a full shot glass. Eventually, your body will adjust to the taste and you'll be able to down it like a pro!

Aside from rest, tea and drinking lots of water, a fire cider recipe is the main thing I use when a cold starts to form. It really works!

Storing the finished fire cider

I keep my tonic in a mason jar, with plastic over the mouth, and a lid tightly secured. This keeps the tonic from getting any outside bacteria in it while stored in the fridge. I use this throughout the winter; one batch lasts a long time if you're taking it preventatively. If you know that cold + flu season hits your household hard, I'd start to make a second batch once the first one is ready for the fridge. That way you have a backup on hand if sickness hits.

I'm stocking natural remedies like this one for the winter... my whole family benefits!

Other natural home remedies

I know this fire cider tonic isn't for everyone. It's pretty intense, even though it's super effective. If you aren't ready to give this a try, yet want to bring more natural remedies into your home, check out some of my other great recipes:

  • Honey lemon ginger tea
  • Ginger switchel
  • Elderberry syrup
  • Vitamin C smoothie cubes
  • Homemade vapor rub

My family uses these natural remedies on the regular... and we haven't needed medicine or antibiotics for several years. I can't wait for you to try these too! Do you have any other home remedies/natural recipes you use during cold + flu season? If so, leave a comment letting me know!

Homemade Fire Cider Recipe

4.91 from 10 votes
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Tickly throat? Cough? Congestion? Any time I feel a cold coming on, I start taking shots of my homemade fire cider recipe that'll help a cough and cold naturally and quickly.
Total Time30 days 30 minutes
Servings25

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ginger root (grated)
  • ½ cup horseradish root (grated)
  • 1 yellow onion (chopped)
  • 10 cloves garlic (crushed or chopped)
  • 2 jalapeño pepper (chopped)
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Dice, peel and chop all ingredients into small pieces and toss into a bowl. (If you've never grated fresh horseradish, it can be intense!)
  • Mix it all together and scoop into a quart-sized mason jar.
  • Pour apple cider vinegar on top of all ingredients until completely submerged.
  • Cover with an airtight lid. (You can place a piece of parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or use a plastic lid if you have one.)
  • Shake well.
  • Store in a dark, cool place for a month (like the back of a pantry) and shake every few days.
  • After a month, pour contents through a sieve to separate the liquid from the solids.
  • Pour the liquid that went through the sieve in a sterilized clean jar in the fridge. When you feel the onset of a tickly throat, congestion, cough— take a shot glass full of this a few times a day.

Nutrition (estimated)

Calories: 7kcal Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Sodium: 1mg Potassium: 29mg (1%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 12IU Vitamin C: 5mg (6%) Calcium: 5mg (1%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. T

    June 09, 2021 at 6:35 am

    Okay, so after my last comment, I made sure I wore gloves and was super careful with the jalapenos. It was decanting time this last weekend and all I can say is .... YUUUUUUUUUUM. Most posters have been saying they have to ignore the flavour, but I find this utterly DELICIOUS. I have to stop at two shot glasses when I want to keep drinking! Thank you for this recipe. I love it!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      June 09, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      YESSSSSS T! 🙂

  2. T

    May 08, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    I made this up last night and had a terrible case of jalapeno burn. I'm not overly familiar with jalapenos, so I'm concerned now - can I drink something that gave me such a bad reaction on the skin?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      May 12, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      Oooh T! Make sure to follow the directions with this one. It's not for the faint of heart! After it's made, it should sit to ferment for at least a month before using, making sure to shake the jar every few days. Then the fire cider should be strained through a sieve, and only a shot glass worth consumed at a time. If you make it and then immediately drink it, that could result in burning from the jalapeño for sure!

  3. brenda

    March 28, 2021 at 9:01 am

    hi jen,

    iis it safe to leave in the pantry for a month if you live in a very hot, humid climate?
    is it better to leave it in the fridge instead for one month before consuming, or will it not work if done in this way?
    thank-you for your help, and for the recipe.
    have not been able to buy horseradish, or jalapenos where i live, will it still work without these two ingredients.
    thank-you,
    brenda.

    Reply
    • Tim

      December 19, 2021 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      Brenda, if you live in a hot climate such as south Florida, Louisiana, or Texas, and don't have air-conditioning in your home, there are ways around it. You can generally find a spot cool enough on the floor in your pantry. Just be watchful of the jar. The ingredients are covered in vinegar so they should be okay. If your really concerned about the temp, you can find a spot outside that is shaded for the hottest part of the day. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to fit a 5 gallon bucket in it with the lid about 4+6 inches below ground. Put the bucket in the hole and the jar in the bucket. But remember it needs to be shaken every few days. You can put it in the fridge, bit the fermentation process will be greatly slowed. Or you can get a mini fridge, set it on its warmest setting and stick it in there.

    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 28, 2021 at 7:50 am

      Great advice for all us warm climate rawkstars, Tim. Thanks!

  4. Wayne

    January 21, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Could you blend all the solids up in a Vitamix or equivalent, then add the ACV? I hate to dispose of beneficial fiber and such...

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      January 22, 2021 at 8:22 am

      Hey there Wayne - interesting question! Since you're not consuming huge quantities of this at a time, we're not sure how much fiber you'd really benefit from by blending instead. Yet, it sure wouldn't hurt! When blending though, you may need to add a touch of water as the liquid from the lemon may not be enough in this case. If you give it a try, def let us know how it works for you!

    • Tim

      December 19, 2021 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I'd blend it after fermenting. The cell structure will be pretty week at this point and should blend easily. You can even use a blade from most standard blenders right on the mason jar you fermented it in.

  5. Patti

    January 08, 2021 at 9:13 am

    Can you buy it anywhere or do you suggest making your own? I want to start it NOW!!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      January 09, 2021 at 12:26 pm

      Hey Patti - Oooh good question! Homemade is always best, yet if you'd like to get started taking it now you could try Shire City's Fire Cider. It's widely available (check your local health food store) and will do until you can get your own batch made. 🙂

  6. Erin

    November 12, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    This stuff WORKS. I haven't had to take cold/flu meds for 2 years now, just using this along with the lemon, ginger, honey tea. Incredibly helpful, even if I have a hard time with the taste (I plug my nose when taking a shot!).

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 9:52 am

      This stuff is legit!!

  7. Rudi Juergens

    November 12, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    Hi
    Thank you for all the lovely and healthy information.
    Love
    Rudi

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 9:52 am

      You're very welcome, Rudi!

  8. Rebecca B

    March 03, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    Hi there, I cannot find horsradish root anywhere...Can you use already pre grated horseradish root with no other active ingredients? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 03, 2020 at 4:50 pm

      Rebecca, I think that would be fine to use. As long as it's just pre-grated horseradish root and nothing else.

  9. Aftan

    May 04, 2018 at 9:43 am

    Hello! Hello!
    Can pregnant women and nursing mothers use this? There's so little we CAN use when we're sick. I already swear by apple cider vinegar, but I would love to give it an extra boost.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      May 09, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Aftan,

      It's always best to check with your physician before adding anything new to your diet - especially with baby. They know what's best for you + your body throughout your pregnancy!

      Congrats!

  10. Andrea Schmidt

    March 08, 2018 at 10:55 am

    Will it still work if it doesn't sit for a full month? Like if I start it now, can I let it sit for 2 week and take it before Easter?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 22, 2018 at 12:16 am

      Hi Andrea,

      The magic is in that time that you allow the cider to sit. Need something sooner? Make sure + take a peek at our All-Natural Cold + Flu Remedy here...

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/home-remedies-for-cough

  11. Nayna

    February 01, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    Great recipe! Thank you Jen ❣️

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 22, 2018 at 12:15 am

      Thanks Nayna!

  12. Holly Couch

    February 01, 2018 at 11:16 am

    5 stars
    I made this back from Nov-Dec and really wanted to try it out. I finally got the chance when I woke up with a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose a week ago! For me, that usually means an automatic 5-10 days of swollen eyes, sore throat, and fuzzy head. This time, I took 1 tablespoon a day for three days and by the fourth day, I woke up and my symptoms were completely gone! I took an extra tablespoon on the fourth day just to be sure, although I was already feeling better. I've already promised to give some of my batch to some friends and I will definitely be sharing this all-natural remedy!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 22, 2018 at 12:15 am

      Hi Holly,

      Yea, love that this recipe helped kick your bug to the curb! 🙂

  13. Marion

    January 06, 2018 at 10:59 pm

    Hi Jen,
    Do you leave the seeds in the jalapenos?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      January 08, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Hi Marion,

      Yes! That added spice will help kick your cold or flu to the curb!

  14. Shay

    December 17, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Hi!
    How long will the final product last in the fridge?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 18, 2017 at 10:28 am

      Hi Shay,

      The fire cider will keep at least 6 months and probably up to a year if kept from temperature fluctuations and out of direct sunlight.

  15. Michele S.

    December 07, 2017 at 9:50 pm

    I just put this crazy jar of fire together tonight and I'm oddly excited for it. QUESTION: When you shake it every few days, do you open the lid for a minute to let the gasses out or anything like that?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 13, 2017 at 10:23 am

      Hi Michelle,

      Leave the lid closed + let the magic happen!

  16. Maria

    November 20, 2017 at 6:54 pm

    4 stars
    Wow, this is similar to a concoction my friend called Kill-a-virus (not sure who came up with the name). She gave us some and we used it up. She would never give us the recipe because she felt it was too much trouble. The difference I can detect is straining out the liquid from the rest...after a fermenting period. I think she just left it all in together. This seems better. I can't wait to do this!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 9:53 am

      After you make it, let us know how it compares!

  17. Yas

    November 14, 2017 at 12:14 am

    Heya!
    Theres no horseradish where I live. Is there any alternative? I'm sure I can try finding regular radish.
    Same with jalapenos. Would regular green chilly do?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 15, 2017 at 2:20 pm

      Hi Yas,

      No horseradish? No worries! Just swap out the horseradish for more ginger. So you'll be adding 1 cup overall. No jalapeños? Swap in another spicy pepper you love!

  18. Tammy

    November 07, 2017 at 10:06 am

    I have very bad reactions to jalapeno peppers - I wonder if this would work without them? I think it would still be a bit strong.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 08, 2017 at 9:17 am

      HI Tammy,

      Yes! You can definitely make this recipe without the jalapeños!

  19. Maria

    October 30, 2017 at 11:47 am

    5 stars
    This recipe works people!!’ After searching for alternative cold medicine for weeks I stumble into this awesome remedy. I started putting everything together with excitement, fermented for 1 month and started the process again. I got sick with a terrible cold and right awai took 1T. Every 2hrs, for 1week and BAM COLD GONE. THANK YOU JEN!!’ I shared this with EVERYONE.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 9:53 am

      So glad it worked so well for you, Maria! 🙂

  20. Mary Jo Dowell

    October 26, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    Can one put all the ingredients in a blender or food processer to chop them up?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 27, 2017 at 11:51 am

      Hi Mary,

      That sounds like a great idea!

  21. Charlotte

    October 26, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    I gotta ask: What's the chaser for the shot of fire cider?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 27, 2017 at 11:51 am

      Hi Charlotte,

      A plant-based milk can be a great option to help cool down the "fire"!

    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Charlotte, my husband and I chase it with a very small amount of pineapple juice (Trader Joe's has it with no added sugars). It helps tame the flavors of the cider and it's also good for sore and scratchy throats.

  22. Shasta

    October 26, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    There are a lot of recipes out there that use fire cider as an ingredient. Try a Google search! For an extra health boost, I like to use it as a vinegar replacement in salad dressings - it is great in any type of slaw and gives your meal a nice kick!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 27, 2017 at 11:52 am

      Thanks for sharing, Shasta! I can't wait to look for even more recipes!!

  23. Sunny

    October 26, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    Once drained, do you keep the solids in the fridge? How many rounds can you reuse the solids?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 27, 2017 at 11:27 am

      Hi Sunny,

      Once I've used the solids. I cover them again with Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice and store again for a month. After that use, I then toss the solids and use fresh next time!

      Hope this helps!

  24. Brandi

    October 26, 2017 at 11:02 am

    5 stars
    Is there anything that can be done with the solids? Re-use?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      October 26, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      Exactly! I reuse them for another round of Rawkstar Tonic and start the process all over again.

    • Lynne

      November 09, 2017 at 10:22 pm

      5 stars
      I just took a class on making fire cider and the instructor ran the solids thru a small food processor for a minute or two added a little more honey and made a chutney. The chutney was great on crackers but would be even better with a nice goat cheese.

  25. Peggy

    October 26, 2017 at 9:55 am

    This cracks me up! I can't wait to try it, I would eat dirt if it kept me healthy. Without my health, I can really do nothing. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      October 26, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      You sound just like me. xoxoxox Hope you make it and stay strong too!

  26. Quantrilla Ard

    October 26, 2017 at 9:33 am

    Same question as Ashley P. Also, can you give it to the littles with some adjustments?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      October 26, 2017 at 9:41 am

      You could I guess, but I think the will think you're torturing them if they take it. It's THAT potent and nasty. So I haven't done it with my kids since it's so strong. When they are teenagers, I'll def have them do it. Mine are 8 + 9 years old and would be traumatized from a shot of that. I got the recipe from a friend at church and her so is a teenager and takes it. He says that he can't stand it but he knows it works so he does it.

    • Tiffany

      October 20, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      I give this to my kids with honey. They don’t love it, but they do tolerate it. They are 3, 6, and 8. Hope that helps!

  27. Ashley P.

    October 26, 2017 at 9:24 am

    How long can this be kept in the fridge after the fermenting stage? Is there an expiration date?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      October 26, 2017 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      You can keep it in the fridge for months. I've never had an issue with it going bad—I feel like the longer it sits the stronger it gets. 🙂

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Jen hansard blogger at Simple Green Smoothies About

I'm Jen Hansard, mom of two, plant-based foodie, adventure junkie + cookbook author.

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