When many of us hear the name Fire Cider, we think of a common immune-supporting oxymel made and enjoyed in the autumn and winter months. But this herbal tonic can be used in myriad ways throughout the year. Fire Cider is a popular herbal folk remedy invented by esteemed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. The preparation is made by infusing apple cider vinegar and honey with wellness-supporting ingredients such as horseradish, garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne, and sometimes turmeric and rosemary. The result is a timeless and tasty herbal preparation found in the pantries of herbalists around the world.
About Mountain Rose Herbs’ Housemade Fire Cider
Mountain Rose Herbs crafts two varieties of this remedy: Classic Fire Cider and Turmeric Fire Cider. Both are made in Eugene, Oregon, and are crafted with fresh certified organic ingredients. Each botanical is ground into a fine mash and macerated for 30 days, allowing the apple cider vinegar to fully draw out the bold flavors and healthful qualities of the herbs. The extraction is then strained using a hydraulic press to capture as much of the finished infusion as possible.
After pressing, the rich golden liquid is then blended with organic honey, creating a balanced oxymel that is pungent, warming, and pleasantly sweet. The Mountain Rose Herbs team then fills each bottle by hand, reflecting the attention to detail that goes into each housemade offering.
The result is a flavorful, ready-to-use Fire Cider that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into recipes, like those found below. Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at our Fire Cider crafting process in the coming weeks!
*In 2026, we reformulated our Fire Cider recipes to have less honey. This aims to please a wider range of palettes and increase its number of uses!
10 Fun Ways to Use Fire Cider
While this herbalist’s staple is mostly called upon as part of a sniffle season wellness routine, it has many practical applications year-round. Here are some fun and tasty ways to add some botanical support to your everyday life:
- Wellness Shot: Simply add to a small glass and drink it neat (without anything added).
- Soothing Hot Sipper: Combine Fire Cider with hot water to make a tangy and opening sipper. (Think a healthy “Hot Toddy”)
- Savory Sweet Mocktail: Combine Fire Cider, bubbly water, and fresh citrus for a tasty functional sipper.
- Bloody Mary: Add a splash to this popular brunch staple.
- Salad Dressings: Replace the vinegar portion of salad dressings with Fire Cider.
- Marinades: Combine oils, spices, and Fire Cider to marinade and condition proteins.
- Soup Stocks and Broths: Acids help to brighten rich and earthy stocks and broths. Fire Cider can take it to the next level!
- Deviled Eggs: Add a dash to your favorite deviled egg recipe for added zest and tang.
- Stir Fry & Fried Rice: Brighten and flavor your next wok-made dishes.
- Pasta Salad: Replace some or all of the vinegar with Fire Cider for added flavor and wellness support.
Want to make your own?
Find a Traditional Fire Cider Recipe Here!
You may also be interested in:
- Fire Cider Goes to Court: Fighting for Folk Herbalism
- How to Make Herbal Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
