Pic of Fire cider tonic

Fire cider tonic

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Drinks & Juicing

Fire cider tonic

10 min

Traditionally an immune tonic, fire cider has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is our version although if you’re feeling brave, a great addition is a quartered onion, which has antibacterial properties. Raw apple cider vinegar with the mother also contains beneficial bacteria, yeast and enzymes and has been linked to supporting immunity and digestion. You can drink it as an immune boosting shot each day – 1-2 tablespoons are about right – or you can use it as a cordial and lengthen it with some sparkling water and ice. It can be used in a hot toddy to give it an extra kick or even made it into a punchy salad dressing.

Cook's notes

Turmeric has a strong colour that can stain hands and clothes, so kitchen gloves and an apron may help when cutting or straining. Make sure your clip-top jar is properly clean. Lots of hot soapy water and a good rinse and dry, or a trip through the dishwasher.

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Ingredients

  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece ginger
  • 1 thumb turmeric
  • 3 chillis
  • 1 orange
  • 500ml raw cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey, or maple syrup
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 rosemary stalks
  • black pepper
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Method

Prep time: 10 min

  • Step 1

    Peel the garlic. Slice the ginger and turmeric, skin and all. Chop the chillis. Zest and juice the orange.

  • Step 2

    Place the garlic, ginger, turmeric, chillis and orange zest into a sterile 1 litre clip-top jar. Pour over the cider vinegar and stir well.

  • Step 3

    To the jar, add the honey, cinnamon stick, rosemary, and the juice from the orange. Finally, add a few good turns of black pepper.

  • Step 4

    Before closing the jar, make sure that all the ingredients are fully submerged in the vinegar. Store in a cool, dark place.

  • Step 5

    You can start drinking your fire cider after 5 days. Although ideally you want to leave it for 4 weeks, this will ensure the immune boosting properties are maximised. You can leave the ingredients in the fire cider and spoon out the liquid when you are using it. Alternatively, strain through a fine sieve, reserving the liquid.

  • Step 6

    The fire cider will keep in your fridge for up to 6 months.

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