(A spicy vinegar tonic passed down through generations for immune support and warming the body during cold season.)

Fire Cider is a beloved old-fashioned folk remedy—It’s spicy, tangy, and packed with immune-boosting herbs. Below is a classic, traditional Fire Cider recipe, very much like what your grandmother probably used. I’ve also added few tips for variations and usage.

Old-Fashioned Fire Cider Recipe

A spicy vinegar tonic passed down through generations for immune support and warming the body during cold season.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 1/2 cup fresh ginger root, grated
• 1/2 cup fresh horseradish root, grated
• 2 jalapeno peppers (or cayenne peppers), sliced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder (or 2 tablespoons fresh grated)
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, lightly crushed
• 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar the kind with mother (enough to cover)
• Raw honey, to taste (added after straining)

Optional Add-ins: Orange peel, cinnamon stick, star anise, or elderberries for a twist

Directions:

1. Prep & Combine:
   Place all chopped and grated ingredients into a clean glass jar (a quart mason jar works well). Pack it loosely but fully.
2. Add Vinegar:
   Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until completely covered. Use a piece of parchment paper under the lid to prevent corrosion, then seal the jar tightly.
3. Steep:
   Store in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for 3–4 weeks. Shake the jar daily or every few days to keep things active.
4. Strain & Sweeten:
   After steeping, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean jar. Add raw honey to taste (start with 1/4 cup), and stir until dissolved.
5. Bottle It Up:
   Store in the fridge or a cool dark cabinet. It keeps for several months thanks to the vinegar base.

How to Use:

• Take 1–2 tablespoons daily as a tonic.
• At the first sign of a cold, take 1 tablespoon every 3–4 hours.
• Add it to salad dressings, marinades, or even splash a little into tea with lemon for a spicy boost!

Granny B’s Tips:

• Fire cider is supposed to warm you up and kick that crud out. If it doesn’t make your eyebrows raise just a little, it might need more horseradish or pepper!
• Use gloves when chopping hot peppers or horseradish—unless you want to find out how long “fiery fingers” last.
• Let the kids know this isn’t apple juice… unless you want to see their eyes bug out. 😲

Love, Granny B ❤️