🌶✨ Brewing FireCider Magic for Yule

Immune Boosting Traditions for the Winter Solstice

Magical Brews: Golden Elder Fire Cider and Solar Shield Infusion

When the first major cold front rolls through North Florida, it catches people off guard. The air snaps crisp, frost settles on the grass, and the forecast reminds everyone that — surprise — Florida does freeze. As we brace for the upcoming nights of icy weather, our family's tradition begins: brewing Fire Cider, the ultimate winter tonic to warm the bones and ignite the immune system.

This year, we toned down the heat just a bit so our daughter could enjoy it too — keeping the fiery kick balanced with citrus, elderberry, and just a little less punch by removing the jalapenos and or horseradish. For us, Fire Cider isn't just about testing your spice tolerance; it's about family connection, seasonal rhythm, and sharing a tradition that warms from the inside out.

At Six Point Survival, this ritual is more than a recipe — it's an act of resilience and remembrance. Fire cider has deep folk roots in old-world herbalism, a tradition carried forward by modern healers as a fiery elixir for strength, immunity, and vitality through the coldest months.

Fire Cider first sparked to life in the late 1970s, born from the hands and heart of herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Her goal was simple — to create a tonic that could warm the blood, clear the lungs, and strengthen the immune system during the cold months. Over time, it spread like folklore — passed from kitchen to kitchen, each maker adding their own touch of heat or herb, allowing the recipe to evolve with the land and the seasons.

I've brewed countless versions over the years, experimenting with roots, herbs, and fiery blends until I refined what I call the Five Fundamentals of an OG Fire Cider — a balance of fire, root, citrus, vinegar, and herbs. This version preserves the roots of that tradition but strips it back to its essence — no sweeteners, no fillers, just fire, earth, and intention. Every batch brewed here carries that same rebellious spirit: crafted by hand, infused with gratitude, and meant to remind you that real medicine doesn’t come from a lab — it grows, burns, and breathes right beside you.

So take the fundamentals, make them your own, and let your creativity guide the flame. 🌶️🌿🔥 If you're feeling bold, keep reading — below the basics, I've shared a few of my favorite creative brews that play with different roots, herbs, and heat levels for every season and personality.

The Five Components of OG Fire Cider

Jump Ahead

1. 🔥 The Magic Behind the Brew

2. 🌕 ☀️ Recipes

3. 🔮 Fire Cider at Yule

4. 🏕️ The Six Point Takeaway

5. 🧰 Gear Guide

6. 📚 References

7. Donate Here

   
   

🔥 The Magic Behind the Brew

Fire cider starts with apple cider vinegar (ACV) — the base that extracts and preserves the vital compounds in herbs, roots, and fruits. I highly recommend Bragg's Organic ACV. If you choose another brand, it must contain the mother, and you really do want to opt for organic ingredients with this recipe. What you add next turns simple vinegar into liquid gold.

Each ingredient tells a story:

• Ginger and turmeric warm the body and stoke circulation — a classic pairing proven to support respiratory and circulatory health (Cui et al., 2018).

• Garlic and horseradish ward off winter's ailments. (Getting the Goodness of Garlic, 2008)

• Citrus and berries brighten the spirit and supply vitamin C.

• Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Tulsi steady the nervous system and restore balance when days grow dark. (Arumugam et al., 2024) (Gautam et al., 2022)

  
  

Over time, these flavors mingle — spicy, sour, and sweet — creating a potion that both protects and connects us to the season.

💫 A Note Before You Brew:

There are countless fire cider recipes out there — each one with its own twist, flavor, and folklore. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Add your favorite herbs, fruits, or even a dash of magic. And when you do, tag us @SixPtSurvival — we'd love to see your version and share how your brew turns out.

Be the change you want to see!

🌕 Golden Elder Fire Cider

(Immune-boosting • Adaptogenic • Kid-friendly)

Ingredients

• ¼ cup freshly grated ginger

• ¼ cup fresh turmeric root (or 1 Tbsp dried/powder)

• ¼ cup chopped onion (I used a whole one, no measurements, just plopped it in. If you know me, you know that's how I cook: eyeball it with love... lol!)

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed (or more... haha)

• 2 Tbsp grated carrot (I just diced them up)

• 1 small orange, sliced (peel on)

• ½ lemon, sliced (peel on: I definitely threw in the whole lemon)

• 1 Tbsp fresh horseradish (or reduce to 1 tsp or remove for a mild batch)

• 😄 Okay, now I did measure out all of these:

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• 1 Tbsp dried or 2 Tbsp fresh Holy Basil (Tulsi)

• 1 Tbsp dried Ashwagandha root (I am running low and this is my prized adaptogen, so I had to leave it out of this one, just this time)

• ¼ cup dried elderberries

• (Optional: 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary)

• 1 quart raw apple cider vinegar (with the "mother")

• ½–¾ cup raw honey (to taste, added after straining)

  
  

☀️🍋 Solar Shield Fusion "Cider”

(Kid-approved immune potion — fruity and full of sunshine)

Ingredients

• 1 small apple, chopped

• ½ cup fresh pineapple chunks (🪄 We totally didn't measure here either — we just followed our hearts (and the size of the jar). Trust your instincts, your spoon, and your ancestors. They'll tell you when it's enough. 😄)

• ½ orange, sliced (peel on: used the whole orange)

• ½ grapefruit, sliced (peel on)

• ½ lemon, sliced (peel on: you guessed it, we threw the whole lemon and lime in there)

• ½ lime, sliced (peel on)

• 2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger

• 1 Tbsp fresh grated turmeric (1/2 tbsp or dried herb if you prefer)

• 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed

• ½ tsp whole cloves (we didn't have as much left as I thought, so we just sprinkled a bit over the top)

• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp powder)

• 1 Tbsp dried or fresh mint leaves

• ½ cup blueberries

• 1 quart raw apple cider vinegar (with the "mother")

• ½–¾ cup raw honey, added after straining

  
  

🧪 Directions

1. Place all ingredients except honey into a clean glass quart jar.

2. Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until they are fully covered. Full coverage is very important, or you will end up with mold and funk building instead of magic!

3. Seal the container with parchment under the lid (to protect against corrosion) and shake gently.

4. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily if possible. Every few days is fine, too. Just as often as you remember. Don't stress about this step; just ensure that the food stays covered. You can add more ACV as needed. I highly recommend using a fermentation weight to aid in this process. Especially if you are a leave it and forget it type of person.

5. When ready, strain through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. If you added any fibrous herbs, I recommend performing a second strain to minimize any potential throat irritation. You can also use a coffee filter in a pinch.

6. Stir in raw honey to taste. Depending on the situation, I often skip this step. Honey has numerous benefits, but it can also add too much sugar to your diet, depending on your daily routine.

   
   

🌬 How to Use

• Take 1–2 tablespoons daily as a tonic during the cold/flu season.

• Mix with warm water or tea for a soothing, spicy drink.

• Use as a salad dressing base or drizzle over cooked greens for a nutritional kick.

✨ Love this recipe? Get our printable Six Point Fire Cider Recipe Cards emailed to you - ready to print and brew!

Drop in the Message: Email Me My Fire Cider PDFs

🔮 Fire Cider at Yule

This batch finishes brewing right in time for Yule — when families gather, fires burn low, and stories grow long. We pour the first sips together as a toast to health and endurance, just as our ancestors might have done to welcome the return of the sun.

Brewing fire cider has become one of our favorite family traditions. It's hands-on, aromatic, and reminds us that health isn't only in what we take — it's in the intention we stir into every jar.

My Apothecary: The OG Medicine Cabinet

🏕️ The Six Point Takeaway

Fire Cider isn't just an herbal remedy — it's a seasonal ritual of resilience. It teaches patience, gratitude, and the art of creating alchemy with everyday ingredients.

So whether you're deep in the woods, nestled at home, or gathered around your own hearth this Yule, remember — the fire lives within you, too. 🔥

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new herbal or nutritional regimen. Use caution when sourcing wild or foraged ingredients — avoid areas near roadsides or those that have been treated with pesticides.

📚 References

Ying Cui, Zheng Wang, Ling-Ling Li, Rui-Jie Li, Jing Feng, Kai Ma, Bei Pan, Yuan-Fei Niu, Xing-Han Guo, & Yuan-Yuan Li. (2018). Effective components of dried ginger in warming lung to reduce watery phlegm and In vivo tissue distribution based on the “syndrome-efficacy-biological sample analysis” method. World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4(3), 105–111. https://doi.org/10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_16_18

Getting the Goodness of Garlic. (2008). Agricultural Research, 56(3), 23.

Arumugam, V., Vijayakumar, V., Balakrishnan, A., B Bhandari, R., Boopalan, D., Ponnurangam, R., Sankaralingam Thirupathy, V., & Kuppusamy, M. (2024). Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 20(6), 103062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062

Gautam, S., Gautam, A., Chhetri, S., & Bhattarai, U. (2022). Immunity against COVID-19: Potential role of Ayush Kwath. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2020.08.003

🧰 Gear Guide

Using our affiliate links helps keep our vinegar bubbling, our jars sealed, and this site running — all at no extra cost to you.

1. Half Gallon Glass Jars: Go wide-mouth if you can — it's easier to pack roots, fruits, and your enthusiasm inside.

2. Funnels: Because pouring vinegar without one is an Olympic sport, nobody wins.

3. Cheesecloth or Fine Mesh Strainer: For that satisfying moment when you separate the potion from the pulp.

4. Parchment Paper: A simple layer between vinegar and metal lids keeps your batch tasting like sunshine, not rust.

5. Fermentation Weights: Keep your ingredients submerged where they belong — no floaters, no funky science experiments (unless that's your thing).

6. Wooden Spoon or Chopstick: Perfect for stirring spells or just making sure everything's submerged.

7. Labels and Marker: Because six weeks from now, you'll thank yourself for knowing which jar is "Solar Shield" and which one's "That Time I Got Creative.”

🌄 Until Then…

If you've been waiting for a sign to get outside, reconnect, and reset — this is it. The forest is calling. Your spirit knows the way.

Stay wild. Stay ready.

— Courtnie, Six Point Survival

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