Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is basically nature's elixir and since the 1970s, the vinegar has been promoted to soothe various ailments. Apple cider vinegar is essentially apple juice with yeast added, fermenting the sugar into alcohol. The bacteria inside then turns it into acetic acid, leading to the signature vinegar scent and taste. Used as a preservative in cooking and baking, apple cider vinegar is often touted for its health benefits, ranging weight loss, lowering high blood pressure, raising heart health, helping those with diabetes, easing a sore throat, and soothing indigestion.
No matter the weather, when you're feeling a cold creeping on, pour up one of these apple cider vinegar tonic recipes as natural remedies to fighting colds.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Fire Tonic
From The Spruce comes this Apple Cider Vinegar Fire Tonic that features fresh ginger root, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and turmeric, among other ingredients.
This is one of the most intense cleanse recipes on this list as it's designed to be the most effective fermented foods recipe out there, tuning into the antiviral and antibacterial effects of ACV. The addition of raw honey, especially local, can also hope those with allergies because it contains bee pollen. Find the recipe here.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic
This tonic recipe has less ingredients the first one, but still relies on lemon juice, turmeric, raw honey, and grated ginger. Here you'll use warm water (not boiling water) so you can immediately sip. Great for neutralizing blood sugar levels, this drink requires fresh ginger, but you can sprinkle in ground ginger if that's what you have in your pantry.
A good detox drink, this is an easy recipe to whip up if you're trying to lose weight or feel more bloated that usual. Find the recipe here.
3. Cinnamon Apple Cider Gut Tonic
Specifically designed for gut health and immunity, ground cinnamon and sea salt are added here with filtered water. While it does call for hot water, you could also use cold water or sparkling water if you're in a rush.
I like to stir my drink with a cinnamon stick because it makes me feel fancy, and sometimes I even add a little honey for sweetness. Find the recipe here.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Drink
This 3-ingredient recipe from POPSugar relies on cold water for a quick sipper that gets you the health benefits in half the time. This looks a lot like my own on-the-go ACV drink, but sometimes I'll add a tiny bit of fresh apple juice and the peel for extra flavor.
I've also been known to top my ACV drinks with Green Apple Perrier when I splurge. Anything that stops bloating is good in my book. Find the recipe here.
5. Tart and Tangy Berry Mocktail
Admittedly one of the funner recipes, this brightly colored drink still packs the health benefits of ACV, along with the benefits you can glean from fresh mint and berries.
Great for those with an eye on weight-loss efforts, this is the perfect mocktail for teetotalers that are practicing healthy eating. Find the recipe here.
6. Creamy Turmeric Ginger Latte
If you've never considered using ACV to fight a hangover, then this is the drink to start with. Ginger helps reduce pain in the body and eases motion sickness, while turmeric relieves the stomach of gas and bloating.
This tasty latte benefits from a pinch of cayenne pepper to add just the tiniest touch of heat. The maple syrup acts as an optional sweetener, and I've enjoyed the recipe both with and without it. Find the recipe here.
7. Berry Lemon ACV Drink
This drink recipe uses fresh or frozen berries, particularly raspberries, that are muddled at the bottom. Honestly, I like to use frozen berries as ice cubes in my version of this recipe as I don't always feel like muddling, especially when I'm sick.
I add a small dab of local honey for a little extra sweetness as the fresh lemon juice emphasizes the tart vinegar taste. I've also added orange juice in this drink before, and I highly recommend that. Find the recipe here.
Pour Yourself a Glass From a Mason Jar Dispenser
KooK Mason Jar Glass Drink & Beverage Dispenser
This post was originally published on February 22, 2018.
