Making Fire Cider (Recipe)
When I first tried fire cider, I had no idea what to expect. I had never heard of the drink before, and even the list of ingredients couldn't quite prepare me for the shocking heat and savory spice that followed the shot of this delicious beverage. After a few choice expressions crossed my face, making my companion wonder if I was going to pass out, I had to have another.
Fire cider is a traditional New England drink which combines a feisty collection of ingredients to make a sinus clearing drink that wards off colds and warms you right up. The combination of ingredients is a powerhouse of flu-fighting, digestion-improving, circulation boosting herbs and vegetables, and so a daily does of this drink is great for your health. Its pungent odor and fiery taste means that it is not for everyone, but if you like it chances are you are going to absolutely love it.
Needless to say, after a few shots of fire cider I knew I had to make my own and fortunately the recipe is simple. You can tweak the ingredients to reflect your own tastes, increasing the honey if you'd like it a little sweeter, more vinegar for more sour, or throwing in more herbs for other flavors. The recipe that I used below can be completely made your own based on your tastes.
What You'll Need:
1/2 cup peeled & diced ginger root
1/2 cup peeled & diced horsereadish root
1/2 cup peeled & diced turmeric root
1/2 cup of onion, chopped
1/4 cup of minced garlic
1 habanero pepper or 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1/2 lemon, quartered
Raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey to taste
You can also include a tablespoon or two of various fresh chopped herbs to vary the flavor of the cider and increase its healing powers. Herbs recommended include rosemary and thyme.
After dicing and mincing all of the ingredients, add all of the roots to a mason jar and top with the onion, garlic, peppers, and lemon slices (and herbs, if you're using them). Pack them tightly and press down the ingredients so they're all smashed together filling the jar about 3/4 of the way. Cover with Apple Cider Vinegar. You should use enough to cover all of the ingredients, but leave a little bit of space before the lid of the jar to allow for expansion.
The recipe I worked with recommended using wax paper between the ingredients and the lid, to avoid corrosion. Screw the lid on tightly and leave in a dark place at room temperature for 3-4 weeks.
After 3-4 weeks shake your concoction well and strain all of the ingredients using cheesecloth so you are left with only the brownish liquid. The cider can then be sweetened to taste with raw honey, and enjoyed by the tablespoon or shot. You should refrigerate the finished product, and use it within a year.
The most popular recipe for fire cider is from Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, which you can use as a resource for this concoction and many others.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on this web site is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
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