Description
Fire Cider Tonic is a potent, flavorful herbal remedy made by infusing fresh oranges, lemons, ginger, horseradish, and garlic in apple cider vinegar and sweetened with raw honey. This traditional tonic is cherished for its immune-boosting properties and vibrant, spicy-citrus flavor. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and is steeped over several weeks to develop a robust, tangy, and invigorating drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 Oranges (quartered, with peels)
- 2 Lemons (quartered, with peels)
Roots and Vegetables
- 7 oz Ginger root (peeled and sliced)
- 7 oz Horseradish root (peeled and sliced)
- 2 Heads of garlic (crushed)
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 2 bottles Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother (approximately 32 oz total)
- 2-3 tbsp Raw honey
Instructions
- Prepare Produce: Gather and wash all fresh produce thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues.
- Cut Citrus: Quarter the oranges and lemons, retaining their peels to maximize flavor and nutrients.
- Prepare Roots and Garlic: Peel and slice the ginger and horseradish roots. Crush the garlic cloves to release their aroma and active compounds.
- Layer Ingredients: In a large glass jar, layer all the prepared oranges, lemons, ginger, horseradish, and garlic evenly to ensure balanced infusion.
- Add Vinegar: Pour apple cider vinegar with the mother over the layered ingredients until everything is fully submerged to prevent mold and spoilage.
- Add Honey and Seal: Spoon raw honey on top of the mixture to provide a natural sweetness. Seal the jar tightly to preserve freshness.
- Steep: Store the sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and the vinegar to extract the beneficial compounds.
- Shake Periodically: Gently shake the jar every few days to mix ingredients and distribute flavors evenly.
- Strain and Store: After steeping, strain out the solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Transfer the infused liquid to clean jars or bottles for storage and use.
Notes
- The longer the infusion time (up to 6 weeks), the stronger the flavor and benefits.
- Raw honey can be adjusted to taste or omitted for a less sweet tonic.
- Keep the jar sealed and submerged produce to avoid mold development.
- Use glass jars to prevent unwanted reactions with the vinegar.
- This tonic can be consumed daily by the tablespoon to support immune health.
- Shake the jar gently during steeping to improve infusion efficiency.
- Store the final tonic refrigerated after straining to prolong shelf life.
