The Ultimate Fire Cider Recipe for Cold and Flu Season

A vibrant collection of fire cider essentials featuring slices of onion, lemon, and orange, accented with rosemary, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and fiery red peppers.

I love the beginning of autumn.  Something about it makes me start to want to prepare the cupboards for the long dark months ahead (if you are in the UK!).  We are coming toward the end of the school holidays so have been out foraging in the hedgerow.  So far we have blackberries, hawthorn berries and leaves (to support out heart health) and rose hips (rich in Vitamin C and great for the children).

As the sniffles and coughs have already made their way into our house,  I have been in the kitchen brewing up a batch of Fire Cider.

A spicy, probiotic-rich tonic to support your immune system through the colder months

It’s an old folk remedy that’s been used for generations to help the body fight off those winter bugs. Think of it as a spicy, probiotic-rich tonic that gives your immune system a little extra love

Fire Cider

Ingredients (all finely chopped or grated)

Ingredients (all finely chopped or grated)

• 1 onion - antibacterial, supports the respiratory system

• 1 whole bulb garlic - immune-boosting and antimicrobial

• 2 fresh chillies - clears blocked sinuses, warms the body

• 1 lemon - rich in vitamin C

• 1 inch fresh ginger root - anti-inflammatory, soothes digestion

• 1 inch fresh turmeric root - anti-inflammatory (may stain hands yellow)

• A handful fresh thyme and rosemary - supports chest, lungs, circulation

• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns - enhances turmeric absorption, adds warmth

• Raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”) - enough to fully cover ingredients

  
  

Method

1. Place all chopped ingredients into a clean glass jar.

2. Pour in enough raw apple cider vinegar to cover completely.

3. Seal the jar and shake gently.

4. Infuse at room temperature (away from sunlight) for 4–6 weeks, shaking every few days.

5. Strain the solids and pour liquid into a clean bottle or jar. Add honey if desired.

How to take

• 1 tablespoon daily as a tonic

• Stir into warm water for a soothing drink

• Drizzle over salads or cooked vegetables

• Sweeten with honey for children if needed

Variations and Additions

• Horseradish root - clears sinuses, supports respiratory health

• Oranges or citrus - adds sweetness and vitamin C

• Cinnamon sticks or cloves - warming and antimicrobial

• Cayenne pepper - extra heat for spice lovers

Leave comments below and share your own experience in preparing the recipe.