Skip to content
Winter can feel like it drags on forever, especially when the weather keeps flip-flopping between sunshine and snowfall. If you're anything like me, those late-winter days call for a little pick-me-up to shake things out of the routine. That's when I decided to try making an apple cider vinegar honey drink—mixing something wonderfully sweet with something decidedly sour.
At first, the idea seemed a bit counterintuitive. Apple cider vinegar and honey together? But I figured I'd trust the process, and I'm so glad I did. This warm, comforting drink has become part of my morning routine, and it's packed with natural nutrients that help me start the day feeling refreshed.
Combining apple cider vinegar with honey, lemon, and a hint of cinnamon creates a surprisingly delicious elixir that's both tangy and sweet. Plus, you can customize it to your taste preferences with additions like fresh ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Why Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Work So Well Together
Apple cider vinegar has been a pantry staple for centuries, valued for its unique flavor and nutritional content. Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains B vitamins, minerals like potassium, and beneficial enzymes from the fermentation process. The cloudy substance you might see floating in the bottle—often called "the mother"—contains these naturally occurring compounds from the fermentation.
Honey brings its own nutritional profile to the mix, providing natural sweetness along with antioxidants and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. When you combine these two ingredients, the honey helps balance out the sharp, acidic taste of the vinegar, making it much more pleasant to drink.
I particularly love using our Wildflower Honey in this recipe. Its floral notes complement the tanginess of the vinegar beautifully, though any of our Eastern Shore honey varieties will work wonderfully.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar? Understanding the Basics
Apple cider vinegar—or ACV for short—is essentially fermented apple juice. The name "vinegar" actually comes from the French term meaning "sour wine," which tells you a lot about how it's made.
The process is pretty straightforward:
- Yeast is added to crushed apples and their juice, which converts the natural sugars into alcohol
- Bacteria are then added to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid
This fermentation traditionally takes about one month. The acetic acid that forms gives apple cider vinegar its characteristic sharp, tangy bite.
The best apple cider vinegar to use is organic, raw, and unfiltered—the kind that still contains "the mother." This cloudy substance at the bottom of the bottle contains the beneficial enzymes and compounds from the fermentation process. Just give the bottle a good shake before using to distribute it evenly.
How to Make Your Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Drink
This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and makes a warm, soothing drink that's become a staple in my morning routine.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 cup warm water (not boiling)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start with the honey: Place a generous dollop of raw honey into your favorite mug. Using raw honey gives you the most nutritional benefit, as it retains all the natural enzymes and compounds that processing can remove.
2. Add warm water: Pour a cup of warm water into the mug. The water should be warm enough to help dissolve the honey, but not boiling hot, as excessive heat can affect honey's natural properties. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved and the water takes on that beautiful golden hue.
3. Mix in the flavor: Add the apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and ground cinnamon to your honey water. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Garnish and enjoy: For a special touch, add a cinnamon stick as both garnish and stirrer. Drink while warm and enjoy the sweet-tart flavor combination.
What's Inside This Wellness Drink? Nutritional Content
Your apple cider vinegar honey drink contains a variety of naturally occurring nutrients:
From Apple Cider Vinegar:
- B vitamins (B1, B2, B6)
- Vitamin C
- Acetic acid
- Minerals including potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Naturally occurring enzymes from fermentation
From Raw Honey:
- Natural sugars (fructose and glucose)
- Antioxidants
- Trace amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C
- Minerals including calcium, iron, and potassium
- Enzymes and amino acids
From Lemon:
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Natural citrus flavors
From Cinnamon:
- Antioxidants
- Natural aromatic compounds
- Trace minerals
It's worth noting that while this drink contains beneficial nutrients, it's not a meal replacement—it's simply a flavorful way to incorporate these ingredients into your daily routine.
Find more healthy honey recipes
Important Safety Information: How to Enjoy This Drink Safely
Before you start making this drink part of your routine, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:
Never Drink Undiluted Vinegar
This is crucial: NEVER drink apple cider vinegar without diluting it first. The high acidity of straight vinegar can:
- Damage tooth enamel over time
- Irritate or burn your mouth and throat
- Cause stomach upset
Always mix your apple cider vinegar with at least one cup of water or another liquid. After drinking, it's a good idea to rinse your mouth with plain water to protect your tooth enamel. You might even want to drink it through a straw.
Recommended Usage
- Limit yourself to 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day
- We don't make this drink more than once daily for 5 days at a time
- Don't drink on an empty stomach if it causes discomfort
- If the drink irritates your throat, follow it with a glass of plain water or tea
When to Avoid This Drink
Please refrain from using this drink if:
- You're under medical care for any illness
- You're taking medications (especially diuretics, insulin, or medications for diabetes or heart conditions)
- You experience any adverse reactions
Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new foods or drinks to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.
Customizing Your Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Drink
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. We always encourage experimenting with your food and drinks to find what you love most. Here are some variations to try:
Spicy Version
Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a warming kick that'll wake you right up
Anti-Inflammatory Boost
Include 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder for its rich, earthy flavor and golden color
Fresh Ginger Addition
Try adding fresh ginger root for a zesty, spicy note (about 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated)
Coconut Water Base
Substitute coconut water for regular filtered water for added natural electrolytes
Green Tea Version
Use organic hot green tea as the base liquid instead of plain water
Herb Garnish
Top with fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for an aromatic touch
Raw Honeycomb Addition
For a special treat, add a small scoop of raw honeycomb made by the bees instead of just liquid honey
Remember to eat honey in moderation due to its natural sugar content—a little goes a long way!
Try Cider + Spice Tea for a delicious treat!
More Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Kitchen
If you enjoy the tangy flavor of apple cider vinegar in this drink, you'll love these other recipes that showcase this versatile ingredient:
Easy Pickled Onions
These stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for at least a week. Using apple cider vinegar in the recipe adds wonderful depth of flavor and creates perfectly tangy pickled onions that brighten up any dish.
Simple Salad Dressing
Honey and apple cider vinegar create a beautifully balanced dressing that adds layers of flavor to even the most basic salad. The sweet-tart combination makes vegetables taste amazing.
A Surprising Use for Apple Cider Vinegar: Bee Health
Here's something you might not expect: we actually add apple cider vinegar to our bee food at certain times of the year!
When we need to feed our bees during periods when nectar isn't readily available, we add a tablespoon or two of ACV to their supplemental feeding. This practice has been part of natural beekeeping for years, and we've noticed a positive difference in our colonies' overall performance since we started this practice over a year ago.
It's fascinating how the same ingredient we enjoy in our morning drink can also support the health and vitality of the bees that make our delicious honey!
Why People Love This Morning Drink
So what makes this apple cider vinegar honey drink so popular? It's all about the combination of flavors and nutrients in a simple, easy-to-make format.
Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy base with its fermented apple flavor and natural acidity. The B vitamins and minerals from the fermentation process add nutritional value. When you mix this with honey, you get natural sweetness that balances the sour notes, plus antioxidants and enzymes from the raw honey.
Add in bright, fresh lemon juice and warm, aromatic cinnamon, and you've created a wonderful morning elixir that tastes good and provides a variety of beneficial nutrients. It's become a beloved ritual for many people who enjoy starting their day with something both flavorful and nourishing.
The best part? You can make it in under five minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's an easy way to add variety to your morning routine and experiment with natural, whole-food ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Drinks
How often can I drink this?
You can enjoy this drink once daily. We recommend limiting it to 5 consecutive days, then taking a break. Always listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
What's the best time to drink it?
Many people enjoy it first thing in the morning on a non-empty stomach, but there's no "wrong" time. Some prefer it before meals, others as an afternoon pick-me-up. Find what works best for your routine.
Can I make a larger batch ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just shake or stir well before pouring, as ingredients may separate. For best flavor and nutrient content, we recommend making it fresh each time.
Does the honey need to be raw?
While raw honey provides the most nutrients and enzymes, any high-quality honey will work in this recipe. We love using our Wildflower Honey or any of our Eastern Shore honey varieties.
What if I don't like the taste?
Start with less apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon) and gradually increase as you get used to the flavor. You can also add more honey or try some of the customization options like ginger or cinnamon to make it more enjoyable.
Can children drink this?
Children under 1 year old should never consume honey due to botulism risk. For older children, consult with your pediatrician first, as the acidity may not be appropriate for young palates or developing teeth.
Will this drink stain my teeth?
The acidity can affect tooth enamel over time. To minimize this, drink through a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water after finishing your drink. Don't brush your teeth immediately after—wait at least 30 minutes to avoid damaging softened enamel.
Though not as healthy, our Apple Honey Lollipops sure are delicious!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Drink
Here are some pro tips I've learned from making this drink regularly:
Choose Quality Ingredients: Look for organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains "the mother." For honey, raw and unprocessed is best—our Eastern Shore honey is perfect for this recipe.
Temperature Matters: Use warm water, not boiling. Water that's too hot can affect the beneficial enzymes in raw honey.
Mix Thoroughly: Make sure the honey is completely dissolved before adding the vinegar. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
Start Slowly: If you're new to drinking apple cider vinegar, start with a smaller amount (1 teaspoon) and work your way up to a tablespoon as your taste buds adjust.
Protect Your Teeth: The acidic nature of this drink means you should take care of your dental health. Use a straw, rinse with water afterward, and don't brush teeth immediately after drinking.
Listen to Your Body: Everyone reacts differently to new foods and drinks. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your routine accordingly.
The Simple Pleasure of a Morning Ritual
There's something special about taking a few quiet minutes in the morning to prepare and enjoy a warm drink. Whether it's the ritual of measuring out ingredients, the aroma of cinnamon wafting up from your mug, or the bright, tangy flavor that helps you feel more awake and alert, this apple cider vinegar honey drink has become a cherished part of many people's mornings—mine included.
It's not about chasing miracle cures or dramatic transformations. It's simply about enjoying a tasty drink made from wholesome, natural ingredients that provide beneficial nutrients and add a little something special to your day. The combination of sweet honey with tangy vinegar, bright lemon, and warm cinnamon creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and invigorating.
Try it for yourself and see what you think. Experiment with the customization options, adjust the proportions to suit your taste, and make it your own. Sometimes the best additions to our routines are the simple ones—a warm drink, quality ingredients, and a few moments of morning mindfulness.
Ready to Try Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Drink?
All you need is:
- Your favorite Bee Inspired honey
- Organic apple cider vinegar with the mother
- Fresh lemon
- Ground cinnamon
- Warm water
Mix it up, take that first sip, and enjoy the sweet-tart balance of flavors. It's a small ritual that might just become your new favorite way to start the day!
Have you tried adding apple cider vinegar to your morning routine? We'd love to hear about your experience and any customizations you've discovered. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
