What to Add to Apple Cider Vinegar to Drink?

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of people who try apple cider vinegar struggle with its intense flavor, but adding the right ingredients can make it a delicious and refreshing health drink. Learn what to add to apple cider vinegar to drink to mask its sharp taste and unlock its potential benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced immunity.

Quick Summary

This guide provides creative and tasty additions to make apple cider vinegar palatable. Explore options like natural sweeteners, fruits, spices, and carbonation to find a perfect recipe that fits your wellness routine.

Key Points

Start Diluted: Always mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with at least 8 ounces of water to protect your tooth enamel and digestive tract.
Add Natural Sweeteners: Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia can effectively balance ACV's intense tartness, making it more palatable.
Infuse with Fruit: Fresh lemon, lime, berries, or pure fruit juices add natural flavor and vitamins to your drink.
Experiment with Spices: Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric can add warmth and anti-inflammatory properties to a hot or cold ACV beverage.
Use Carbonation: Mix diluted ACV with sparkling water for a refreshing, soda-like experience without the added sugar.
Consider Herbal Teas: Brewed herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger tea, can serve as an excellent, flavorful base for your ACV tonic.

Why Dilute Apple Cider Vinegar?

Before exploring the delicious add-ins, it's crucial to understand why you should never drink apple cider vinegar (ACV) straight. Due to its high acidity, undiluted ACV can damage tooth enamel, and irritate the esophagus and stomach lining. The key is proper dilution. The standard recommendation is to mix 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV with at least 8 ounces of water. This dilution ratio ensures you receive the benefits without harming your body.

Simple Additions for Sweetness

For many, the biggest hurdle is ACV's intense tartness. Natural sweeteners can effectively mask this, balancing the flavor profile without relying on refined sugars.

Honey: One of the most popular and time-tested pairings. A teaspoon of raw honey adds a soothing sweetness that works well in both hot and cold drinks. When combined with warm water, it creates a comforting tonic.
Maple Syrup: A vegan-friendly alternative to honey, maple syrup provides a rich, sweet flavor and adds its own minerals like manganese and zinc.
Stevia or Monk Fruit: For those managing blood sugar or watching calorie intake, these natural, zero-calorie sweeteners are an excellent option for balancing the taste without adding sugar.

Fruit and Juice Infusions

Fresh fruits and juices not only add flavor but also provide additional vitamins and antioxidants, making your drink even more beneficial. Dilute fruit juices with water to control the overall sugar content.

Lemon or Lime Juice: A simple squeeze of fresh citrus adds a zesty brightness that complements the vinegar's tang. This is a classic combination often used in morning tonics for a metabolism and immunity boost.
Apple Juice: Mixing with pure apple juice can make the vinegar taste less intense while leaning into the apple flavor profile. Use sparkling water and apple juice for a fizzy apple cider spritzer.
Berries: Muddle fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into your drink. They release natural sweetness and fruity flavor, creating a vibrant and palatable concoction.
Pineapple or Mango Juice: For a tropical twist, add a splash of pineapple or mango juice. This is especially refreshing in a cold, sparkling ACV beverage.

Herbal and Spice Combinations

Experimenting with herbs and spices can create warming, invigorating, or soothing beverages, depending on your goal.

Ginger and Cinnamon: Grated fresh ginger and a dash of cinnamon add a warming, spicy kick. This combination is particularly comforting in a warm ACV tea.
Turmeric and Black Pepper: For an anti-inflammatory boost, add a pinch of turmeric. Combining it with a dash of black pepper enhances the absorption of the curcumin in the turmeric.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves add a clean, cooling finish to a chilled ACV drink, making it perfect for summer.

Carbonation for an Effervescent Experience

For those who prefer fizzy drinks, carbonation can completely transform the experience of drinking ACV, making it feel more like a soda or sparkling beverage. Simply combine diluted ACV with sparkling water, club soda, or seltzer. You can then add any of the fruit, herb, or sweetener options above to create a custom sparkling tonic.

Comparison of ACV Flavor-Enhancing Ingredients


Ingredient Category	Example Additions	Best For	Flavor Profile	Potential Health Benefits
Sweeteners	Honey, Maple Syrup, Stevia	Masking strong tartness	Sweet, mellow	Soothing, antioxidant (honey)
Citrus Juices	Lemon, Lime	Brightening flavor	Zesty, tangy	Vitamin C, digestion
Fruit Juices	Apple, Berry, Pineapple	Fruity flavor	Sweet and sour	Antioxidants, vitamins
Herbs & Spices	Ginger, Cinnamon, Turmeric	Warming or soothing	Spicy, earthy, warm	Anti-inflammatory, digestive aid
Carbonation	Sparkling Water, Seltzer	Fizzy drink alternative	Effervescent, refreshing	Hydration, satisfying

Creative Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipes

The Classic ACV and Honey Tonic

Ingredients: 1-2 tbsp raw ACV, 1 tbsp raw honey, 8 oz warm water.
Instructions: Mix ACV and honey into the warm water until dissolved. Drink slowly.

Zesty Citrus and Ginger Refresher

Ingredients: 1 tbsp raw ACV, juice of half a lemon, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 8 oz cold sparkling water.
Instructions: Muddle ginger in a glass, add ACV and lemon juice, then top with sparkling water. Stir and add ice if desired.

Berry and Mint Sparkler

Ingredients: 1 tbsp raw ACV, 1/4 cup mixed berries (muddled), a few fresh mint leaves, 8 oz club soda.
Instructions: Muddle berries and mint in a glass. Add ACV and stir. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Brew

The sharp, acidic taste of apple cider vinegar doesn't have to be a deterrent to incorporating this popular health tonic into your routine. By experimenting with a variety of additions—from natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup to vibrant fruits, warming spices, and invigorating carbonation—you can find a recipe that is not only palatable but truly enjoyable. Start with small, diluted amounts and discover the combination that works best for your taste buds and wellness goals. With the right mix, your daily ACV drink can become a delicious and refreshing ritual. For further reading on the health benefits, consider consulting sources like Verywell Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never drink apple cider vinegar straight. Its high acidity can cause significant damage to tooth enamel and irritate the throat and esophagus. It must always be diluted with water or another liquid.

Most health professionals recommend starting with a small amount, typically 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar per 8-12 ounces of liquid. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and tolerance.

There is no definitive "best" time to drink apple cider vinegar, but many people prefer to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach to kickstart digestion or before meals to help control appetite. Consistency is more important than timing.

Yes, mixing apple cider vinegar with lemon juice is safe, and it's a popular combination for flavor and potential health benefits. However, both are acidic, so proper dilution is necessary to protect your tooth enamel.

Adding honey does not negate the benefits of ACV, but it does add sugar and calories. While honey has its own antioxidant properties, it's best to use it in moderation, especially if you are monitoring your sugar intake.

Yes, you can use bottled fruit juice to flavor your ACV drink. Opt for 100% pure juice with no added sugars. Dilute it with water to control the overall sugar content of your beverage.

If you cannot tolerate the taste, consider other forms of ACV. Some people prefer apple cider vinegar gummies or tablets, which offer a measured dose without the pungent flavor. You can also incorporate ACV into salad dressings, where the flavor is less pronounced.