Make Ahead

Fiery Cider

January 14, 2016
4
4 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Makes about 1 1/2 cups of cider
Author Notes

This recipe is adapted from versions of fire cider on The Kitchn and the Mountain Rose Blog.

Take it like a shot, or treat it like a savory shrub. You can also use it as the base for a vinaigrette or marinade—or stir a little into Bloody Mary. —Caroline Lange

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Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh horseradish
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh turmeric (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 bulb garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 2 jalapeños or 1 habanero, seeded and diced
  • 1 lemon, zested, thinly sliced, and quartered
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh (or dried) rosemary
  • 2 to 3 cups unfiltered apple cider vinegar with "the mother" (like Bragg's)—or as much as you can fit in the jar
  • 1/4 cup raw honey, or more to taste
Directions
  1. Prep all ingredients (except cider vinegar and honey) as indicated. No need to peel the horseradish, ginger, or turmeric! Layer everything (except vinegar and honey) in a quart-sized mason jar with a lid.
  2. Pour as much of the apple cider vinegar as will fit over the contents of the jar. I find it helpful to jiggle the jar a bit between additions to help the liquid settle. The liquid should go all the way up, covering all of the jar's contents.
  3. Place a square of wax or parchment paper between the jar and the lid and screw the lid on tightly. (This will prevent the vinegar from reacting with the lid.)
  4. Let sit in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks and up to a month, shaking daily.
  5. After at least two weeks, strain the vinegar into a new jar. Discard the solids. (Some use them in stir-fries!)
  6. Add the honey to the vinegar. Place a fresh piece of wax or parchment paper between the new jar and its lid. Then shake the jar until the honey and the vinegar are well combined. The fire cider will last well in the refrigerator for up to a year.
  7. Drink fire cider like a shot (it may feel like a shot, too), by the spoonful, or diluted in water (or hot water, for a tea). I like it straight-up and cold (and followed with a chaser).

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Writing and cooking in Brooklyn.

1 Review

LeBec F. February 1, 2016
now THIS is bizarre, Carolyn! Is this considered a health tonic? not really meant to be enjoyed? On the other hand, if it is responsible for your lovely porcelain skin, maybe I should consider it.........