Winter Wellness Tonic
Are you hoping to protect yourself and your loved ones from winter cold and illness? This winter wellness tonic tastes delicious - at least it does to me! - and will help your body build immunity!
Gather ingredients for your tonic.
Layer roots, citrus, herbs, spices and berries in jars.
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Top with a brown sugar syrup and apple cider vinegar.
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Layer ingredients in sterilized jars. The jars above have sliced ginger root, horseradish, garlic, lemons and oranges. They also have cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and pepper flakes from a friend (you can use sliced habanero or cayenne peppers instead). Peppers boost metabolism, increase circulation, desensitize migraine headaches, relieve joint pain and build the immune system. Add the peppers according to your taste. You can always add more later. For brain clarity, sage, rosemary and bay leaves were added.
Make a brown sugar syrup - 1 cup brown sugar to 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, simmer and continue to cook until the amount is reduced to half the volume. Mix the approximately 2 cups you have left with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar (Bragg’s is recommended). Heat the mixture to boiling, remove from the heat and when the liquid has cooled to room temperature, pour over the contents in the jar. Be certain contents are completely covered.
Before putting on the jar lids, cover the tops of the jar with parchment paper so the metal won't come in contact with the vinegar. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 30 days, shaking the contents gently daily.
Strain contents through cheesecloth or muslin. Add 1/4 cup of brandy, vodka or rum, if desired. Store in jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. I'm fairly certain you won't have it that long! You can add a spoonful to your tea, use on oatmeal or mixed fruit, or, if you like the flavor as much as I do, you can simply have a spoonful daily.
Make a brown sugar syrup - 1 cup brown sugar to 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, simmer and continue to cook until the amount is reduced to half the volume. Mix the approximately 2 cups you have left with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar (Bragg’s is recommended). Heat the mixture to boiling, remove from the heat and when the liquid has cooled to room temperature, pour over the contents in the jar. Be certain contents are completely covered.
Before putting on the jar lids, cover the tops of the jar with parchment paper so the metal won't come in contact with the vinegar. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 30 days, shaking the contents gently daily.
Strain contents through cheesecloth or muslin. Add 1/4 cup of brandy, vodka or rum, if desired. Store in jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. I'm fairly certain you won't have it that long! You can add a spoonful to your tea, use on oatmeal or mixed fruit, or, if you like the flavor as much as I do, you can simply have a spoonful daily.