Fire Cider with Elderberry for Winter Wellness
At HoneyBeNatural, we believe in honoring traditional remedies that keep us grounded, nourished and resilient through every season. As colder months arrive, one of our favorite practices is making fire cider, a tangy, spicy tonic that supports the immune system and warms the body from the inside out. When enhanced with elderberries and seasonal berries, this beloved winter medicine becomes even more powerful and flavorful.
What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is an herbal vinegar infused with ingredients like garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish and hot peppers. Steeped in apple cider vinegar for several weeks, it’s later strained and often sweetened with honey. The result is a potent, fiery blend known to boost circulation, clear stagnation and fortify the body during colder days.
Why Add Elderberry and Berries?
Elderberries are celebrated for their immune-supportive, antioxidant-rich properties. Adding them along with rosehips, hawthorn berries or seasonal favorites, creates a balanced tonic that’s both strengthening and delicious. The berries bring vitamin C and a touch of sweetness to soften the fire while boosting resilience.
How to Make Fire Cider with Elderberry
Ingredients
Fresh garlic cloves
Onion
Ginger root
Horseradish root (or radish substitute)
Fresh hot peppers
Fresh or dried elderberries
Optional: rosehips, hawthorn berries or other seasonal berries
Raw apple cider vinegar
Honey (to taste)
Directions
Chop roots, peppers, garlic, and onion.
Place them in a clean glass jar with elderberries and any additional berries.
Cover completely with apple cider vinegar, ensuring everything is submerged.
Seal with a non-metal lid and store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Strain, sweeten with honey if desired and store in a glass bottle.
How to Use It
Take a spoonful daily as a preventative tonic or add a splash to warm teas, soups, or even salad dressings. At the first signs of a cold, increase your servings to give your body added support.
Rooted in Tradition, Made for Today
At HoneyBeatural, we see fire cider as more than a recipe, it’s a way of connecting with heritage, supporting wellness, and embracing seasonal rhythms. Making your own batch with elderberry is an empowering way to prepare your body and spirit for the winter ahead.
