DIY Elderberry Fire Cider Recipe
Check out this easy DIY elderberry fire cider recipe! It combines elderberries and tons of great ingredients to take care of your immune system and help you stay healthy during the winter seasons.
Looking for a natural way to support your immune system? This DIY Elderberry Fire Cider recipe combines the traditional fire cider tonic with the added benefits of elderberries.
Perfect for cold and flu season, this homemade herbal remedy provides a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste that can help boost your immune system and promote overall wellness.
It took me a while to get the nerve to make my own fire cider. But once I did, I could never go back.
It is so easy to make and is so powerful when we get colds! I combine it with our cold and flu bombs to further help us stay safe during those cold months.
Here is your ultimate guide on making your own DIY elderberry fire cider recipe! It will teach you the benefits, some history of fire cider, and how to make your own with elderberries.
What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made with apple cider vinegar infused with immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers.
It’s known for its ability to support respiratory health, digestion, and the immune system.
Adding elderberries to the mix takes the benefits up a notch, offering even more support!

The History of Fire Cider
Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy that dates back several decades, with deep roots in folk medicine.
Its modern popularity can be largely credited to renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, who coined the term “fire cider” in the late 1970s.
As an advocate of natural healing, Gladstar taught this recipe as part of her herbal courses, emphasizing its potential to support the immune system, promote digestion, and alleviate symptoms associated with colds and flu.
The basic concept of fire cider, however, goes back much further. Herbal tonics made with vinegar and pungent ingredients have long been used across various cultures for their medicinal properties.
Vinegar itself has a long history in health practices, being used for centuries as a preservative, tonic, and natural disinfectant (like this vinegar cleaner recipe).

The addition of immune-boosting herbs and spicy elements aligns with traditional remedies used in Europe and North America to ward off illness and keep the body resilient.
The name “fire cider” reflects the fiery heat of ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper, which contribute to its warming and stimulating properties.
These ingredients are believed to enhance circulation, clear congestion, and support overall vitality, making the tonic a staple in many herbalists’ kitchens during cold and flu season.
In recent years, fire cider has gained mainstream recognition due to the increased interest in natural health and herbal medicine.
Today, fire cider remains a popular DIY health tonic, known for its versatility and effectiveness in supporting wellness.
The addition of elderberries to the traditional recipe is a modern twist, blending two well-loved remedies into one potent immune-boosting formula.
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Benefits of Elderberry Fire Cider
The combination of elderberries and traditional fire cider ingredients can give you more health benefits including:
- Immune Support: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost immune function.
- Digestive Health: Ingredients like ginger and apple cider vinegar aid in digestion and can alleviate bloating.
- Respiratory Support: Garlic, onion, and horseradish have natural antimicrobial properties that help keep respiratory infections at bay.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The ingredients in fire cider help reduce inflammation, providing relief for sore throats and congestion.
Why Add Elderberries to Fire Cider?
Elderberries have long been used in herbal medicine for their antiviral properties, especially against cold and flu viruses.
Adding them to your fire cider enhances the formula, providing an extra layer of immune support. They also add a hint of natural sweetness that balances the spiciness.
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DIY Elderberry Fire Cider Recipe
Now that you know about the benefits, here’s a simple recipe to get you started making your own elderberry fire cider:
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups natural apple cider vinegar
- 1 large horseradish root
- 5 fresh chili peppers
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon
- 4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons elderberries
- 1/2 tsp. dried turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
Wash and prepare all fresh ingredients. Slice the lemon along with the peel. Peel the garlic and onion. Chop them. Leave them to rest in the air for 15 minutes.
Slice the horseradish root into thin circles or grate it. Slice the chili peppers along with the insides and seeds. Leave small peppers whole.

Place herbs and spices, including the elderberries, in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Top the herbs with layers of chopped chili peppers, chopped onion, crushed garlic, lemon slices, and horseradish.

Fill the jar with natural apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top. Close the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the lid is not metal, as the vinegar can corrode it, or use unbleached parchment paper in between the lid and jar. Shake the jar well to mix all the ingredients.
Place the covered jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or closet, for about 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to mix the ingredients.
When the infusion is complete, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or gauze into a clean bottle or jar. Squeeze as much of the liquid from the solids as possible.

Taste your fire cider and adjust the flavor if necessary. You can add a little honey to sweeten or more apple cider vinegar to increase the acidity.
Store fire cider in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- If fire cider seems too spicy for you, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before adding to the mixture. Keep in mind that the spiciness of the cider wanes over time.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste and health needs. Some popular additions include rosemary, oregano, rosehip, and black pepper peas.
- If you prefer a sweeter fire cider, you can add honey to the mixture before corking the jar. Not only will the honey sweeten the tonic, but it will also give it additional health benefits.
- Use organic ingredients whenever possible to ensure they are of high quality and avoid pesticides and chemicals.
- Don’t forget to label your cider with the date the cider was made. This will help you keep track of its freshness.

Elderberry Fire Cider
Materials
- 2-3 cups natural apple cider vinegar
- 1 large horseradish root
- 5 fresh chili peppers
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon
- 4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons elderberries
- 1/2 tsp. dried turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh ingredients. Slice the lemon along with the peel. Peel the garlic and onion. Chop them. Leave them to rest in the air for 15 minutes.
- Slice the horseradish root into thin circles or grate it. Slice the chili peppers along with the insides and seeds. Leave small peppers whole.
- Place herbs and spices, including the elderberries, in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Top the herbs with layers of chopped chili peppers, chopped onion, crushed garlic, lemon slices, and horseradish.
- Fill the jar with natural apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top. Close the jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the lid is not metal, as the vinegar can corrode it, or use unbleached parchment paper in between the lid and jar. Shake the jar well to mix all the ingredients.
- Place the covered jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or closet, for about 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to mix the ingredients.
- When the infusion is complete, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or gauze into a clean bottle or jar. Squeeze as much of the liquid from the solids as possible.
- Taste your fire cider and adjust the flavor if necessary. You can add a little honey to sweeten or more apple cider vinegar to increase the acidity.
- Store fire cider in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- If fire cider seems too spicy for you, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before adding to the mixture. Keep in mind that the spiciness of the cider wanes over time.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste and health needs. Some popular additions include rosemary, oregano, rosehip, and black pepper peas.
- If you prefer a sweeter fire cider, you can add honey to the mixture before corking the jar. Not only will the honey sweeten the tonic, but it will also give it additional health benefits.
- Use organic ingredients whenever possible to ensure they are of high quality and avoid pesticides and chemicals.
- Don't forget to label your cider with the date the cider was made. This will help you keep track of its freshness.
How to Use Elderberry Fire Cider
Here are a few of the many ways to use this elderberry fire cider:
- Daily Tonic: Take 1-2 tablespoons daily as a preventive measure.
- At the First Sign of Illness: Increase to 3-4 tablespoons daily to help fight off colds or flu.
- In Cooking: Use as a tangy salad dressing or add to soups for an immune-boosting kick.
- As a Tea: Mix a tablespoon with hot water and honey for a soothing drink.

FAQs About Elderberry Fire Cider
Q: How long does elderberry fire cider last?
A: When stored in the refrigerator, it can last for 6-12 months. The vinegar acts as a preservative, keeping the ingredients fresh.
Q: Can I use fresh elderberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, but fresh elderberries should be simmered first to remove any potential toxicity, as they can be harmful when raw.
Q: Is elderberry fire cider safe for children?
A: While elderberry is generally safe for children, the spiciness of traditional fire cider may be too strong for young kids. Consider diluting it or using smaller amounts.
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Final Thoughts
This DIY Elderberry Fire Cider recipe is an excellent way to naturally boost your immune system during cold and flu season.
With the combined benefits of elderberries and traditional fire cider ingredients, it’s a powerful addition to your wellness routine.
Give it a try and experience the natural, immune-boosting properties for yourself!
You will love these other great DIY natural recipes:
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