How to take apple cider with honey?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

The combination of vinegar and honey has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries to address a variety of ailments. This guide provides a comprehensive look at how to take apple cider with honey in a number of simple, effective ways for modern wellness routines.

Quick Summary

This guide details effective ways to consume apple cider vinegar and honey, including daily tonics and culinary applications. Key takeaways cover optimal preparation, timing, and important safety tips for enjoying this potent combination in your wellness routine.

Key Points

Dilute Properly: Always mix apple cider vinegar with water or another liquid to protect your teeth and stomach lining.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with "the mother" and raw, unfiltered honey for maximum probiotic and enzymatic benefits.
Optimal Timing: Consuming the tonic in the morning on an empty stomach or 20-30 minutes before a meal can aid digestion and curb appetite.
Protect Your Teeth: Use a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking the acidic mixture to prevent enamel erosion.
Customize Your Drink: Add extra ingredients like lemon, ginger, or cinnamon to enhance flavor and potentially boost health benefits.
Start Slow: Begin with a smaller dosage, like 1 teaspoon of ACV, to see how your body reacts and prevent any gastrointestinal discomfort.
Consider Other Uses: Beyond a drink, the ACV and honey mixture can be used in salad dressings and marinades, offering culinary versatility.

Why Combine Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey?

Historically, both apple cider vinegar (ACV) and honey have been used for their unique health properties. ACV, rich in acetic acid and probiotics, may assist with digestion and weight management, while raw honey provides antioxidants, prebiotics, and natural sweetness. When combined, the honey helps to mellow the vinegar's intense, acidic taste, making it more palatable for daily consumption. This sweet and tangy duo is popular for supporting gut health, boosting immunity, and offering potential benefits for weight management and blood sugar control.

The Basic Wellness Tonic Recipe

One of the most popular ways to consume this mixture is by preparing a simple tonic. This allows for controlled dosage and is easy to fit into a daily routine.

Ingredients:
- 1–2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with "the mother")
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- 8–10 ounces of warm or room-temperature water
Instructions:
1. Combine the ACV and honey in a glass.
2. Pour in the water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Drink slowly, preferably through a straw to protect tooth enamel.

Variations for Enhanced Flavor and Benefits

To customize your daily tonic and introduce additional health properties, consider these variations:

Lemon and Ginger Kick: Add the juice of half a lemon and 1/2 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the basic tonic recipe. This variation is particularly soothing for a sore throat and can aid metabolism.
Cinnamon Spice: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cayenne Pepper Metabolism Boost: For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Cayenne can further stimulate metabolism and add a warming effect.
Green Tea Base: Instead of plain water, use a cup of brewed green tea as the base for your tonic. This combines the benefits of ACV and honey with the antioxidants of green tea.

Other Delicious Ways to Take Apple Cider with Honey

Beyond the daily tonic, you can incorporate this powerful duo into your diet in other ways:

Salad Dressing: Whisk together ACV, honey, olive oil, and herbs for a tangy, healthy vinaigrette.
Marinades: Use the mixture as a base for marinades to tenderize meat and add a sweet-sour flavor.
Hot Toddy Alternative: For a soothing, alcohol-free warm drink, mix ACV and honey with warm herbal tea.
In Smoothies: Blend a teaspoon of ACV and a teaspoon of honey into your favorite fruit or green smoothie for added benefits.

The Right Ingredients and Precautions

Choosing the right quality of ingredients is key to maximizing the potential health benefits. When selecting your ACV, look for raw, unfiltered versions that contain "the mother"—a cobweb-like substance of bacteria and enzymes that forms during fermentation. For honey, opt for raw and unfiltered varieties to ensure you're getting the most nutrients.

It's crucial to exercise caution when consuming ACV due to its high acidity. It can erode tooth enamel and cause stomach irritation if not properly diluted. Using a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water immediately after is recommended to mitigate dental risks. Additionally, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to see how your body reacts, especially if consuming on an empty stomach. If you have diabetes or other health conditions, consult your healthcare provider, as ACV and honey can affect blood sugar levels.


Feature	Warm Tonic	Cold Tonic/Refreshing Drink
Temperature	Warm water (not boiling)	Room temperature or cold water, possibly with ice
Effect	Soothing, comforting, may aid digestion and sleep	Refreshing, energizing, good for warm weather
Best Time	Morning, evening, or before meals	Morning or afternoon
Absorption	May aid absorption due to warmth	Standard absorption
Add-ins	Cinnamon, ginger, lemon, tea	Lemon, ginger, fresh mint, cayenne

Conclusion

Learning how to take apple cider with honey is a simple and effective way to incorporate a time-tested wellness remedy into your daily life. Whether you prefer a comforting warm tonic, a refreshing cold drink, or a savory salad dressing, the key is to dilute the ingredients and use quality, raw products. By starting with a moderate dosage and listening to your body, you can enjoy the potential digestive, immune-boosting, and metabolic benefits this popular combination may offer. For more information on managing blood sugar, consider consulting resources on diabetes and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to kickstart metabolism and aid digestion. Others prefer to drink it before a meal to help curb appetite, or in the evening to support digestion before bedtime.

For most people, it is safe to drink this mixture daily in moderation, typically once or twice a day. It's best to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts and to ensure proper dilution to avoid side effects.

For maximum health benefits, use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains "the mother". The mother is a colony of beneficial bacteria and enzymes formed during fermentation.

A common ratio is mixing 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of raw honey in 8–10 ounces of water. You can adjust the honey to taste while keeping the ACV dosage within the recommended range.

Some studies suggest that ACV may increase feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. The combination, as part of a healthy diet, can support appetite control and metabolism.

The high acidity of apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel over time. To minimize this risk, always dilute it, drink it through a straw, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards.

Yes, many people add lemon juice, grated ginger, or a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor and provide additional health benefits.

Yes, a warm tonic with honey and ACV is a popular folk remedy for soothing a sore throat. The honey can coat the throat, while ACV has antimicrobial properties.