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Zesty Fire Cider Immunity Shot with Ginger and Honey

fire cider immunity shot - featured image

A potent homemade immunity shot made with raw apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, and honey. This zesty fire cider is a simple, effective wellness ritual to support your immune system during cold season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
  • 1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger root, unpeeled, scrubbed, and thinly sliced
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh turmeric root, unpeeled, scrubbed, and thinly sliced
  • 6 to 8 large garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh horseradish root, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion (red or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 fresh jalapeño (or 1/4 habanero for more heat), sliced
  • 1/4 cup raw honey (or more to taste)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • Optional: fresh rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick, or star anise pod

Instructions

  1. Scrub the ginger and turmeric well with a vegetable brush. No need to peel them. Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife. Thinly slice the horseradish and onion. Slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise (remove seeds for less heat).
  2. Layer the ginger, turmeric, garlic, horseradish, onion, and jalapeño in a 16-ounce glass jar. Add the whole black peppercorns and pour in the lemon juice.
  3. Pour the raw apple cider vinegar over the solids until the jar is completely full. Ensure all solids are submerged; use a clean spoon to push them down if needed.
  4. Seal the jar tightly and shake well. Place in a cool, dark place (pantry or cabinet).
  5. Steep for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar daily. For the first week, keep it on the counter to remind you to shake it, then move to the pantry.
  6. After at least 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Press on the solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
  7. Stir in the raw honey while the liquid is at room temperature. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste. Warm the honey slightly if too thick to mix.
  8. Use a funnel to pour the finished fire cider into a storage bottle. Seal and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Don’t peel the ginger and turmeric—the skins contain beneficial compounds. Use apple cider vinegar with the mother for probiotics. Steep for at least 2 weeks; 3-4 weeks is ideal. If you see sediment, just shake before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fire cider, immunity shot, ginger, honey, apple cider vinegar, wellness shot, cold remedy, immune booster