How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink (and Why You Should)
Updated: Feb. 17, 2023
You've probably read about drinking apple cider vinegar for its health benefits—you may also have heard it can be harmful. Our guide aims to clear up the confusion, and shares an apple cider vinegar drink if you're curious to try it.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural product made from apples that are crushed and fermented, which creates a host of good bacteria. The result is a vinegar, rich in acetic acid compounds, long used as a folk remedy for a variety of health benefits. While you can enjoy potential benefits just by cooking with apple cider vinegar, you can also try an apple cider vinegar drink recipe—with some caveats. By the way, here’s the difference between white and apple cider vinegar.
Potential Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar has been a folk remedy for a long time, scientists are still researching its benefits. They may help with:
- High blood sugar
- Weight loss
- Digestion
- Immunity
- High blood pressure
- Sore throat or congestion
- Stopping infection
- Increasing energy
- Used externally, there are several beauty benefits to using apple cider vinegar.
Common Apple Cider Vinegar Questions:
Can I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day?
Many proponents of ACV advise taking 1-2 tablespoons daily, whether in a drink or with food. As with any remedy, you should check with your doctor first, especially if you’re pregnant.
Is It Better To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning or at Night?
Sip your apple cider vinegar drink first thing in the morning or right before a meal. Taken before a meal, the vinegar drink can help you feel full faster, which can aid in weight loss. Take a look at these unexpected ways to use apple cider vinegar around the house.
Should I Take a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar?
No! Taking a shot of vinegar alone is an acidic blast that can harm the enamel of your teeth and even damage your esophagus and lungs. The key is to dilute the vinegar in water. Here are some other common mistakes to avoid when taking apple cider vinegar.
Can You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar on an Empty Stomach?
Yes, you can drink diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. In fact, it’s the recommended way to take ACV. Just wait about 20 minutes or so after drinking apple cider vinegar to eat.
How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
The ratio:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (We like Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 8 ounces water
Even diluted, the vinegar drink may not taste fabulous, so you can add a squeeze of honey and/or a dash of cinnamon or ginger.
Sip the drink slowly. If you’re drinking ACV daily, you may want to drink through a straw to prevent wearing the enamel of your teeth. Next, check out some of our favorite homemade beauty recipes.
It’s easy to make healthy eating part of your everyday routine with these five-ingredient healthy recipes.
Grilled Buttermilk ChickenI created this recipe years ago after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding them to the buttermilk mixture; this tends to release the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts SaladThis salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better after it sits for a while in the fridge, so I make it ahead. I use my homemade honey mustard dressing, but any type works just fine. —Alexandra Weisser, New York, New York
Spicy Plum SalmonI created this sweet and spicy salmon after being challenged to use healthier ingredients. The fresh plum sauce really complements the smoky grilled fish. —Cheryl Hochstettler, Richmond, Texas
Jicama Citrus SaladNever tried jicama? It is a crunchy Mexican turnip, and I love to use it in this super easy salad. The jicama is ideal alongside the vibrant flavors of the tangerines and shallots. Between the sweet and sour flavors in this salad and its crunchy texture, it's all delish if you ask me. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Asparagus Nicoise SaladI’ve used my Nicoise as an appetizer or a main-dish salad, and it’s a winner every time I put it on the table. Here’s to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota
Crab Phyllo CupsI always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Pina Colada Carrot SaladThis sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Tomato & Avocado SandwichesI'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Red Potato Salad DijonMy mother made the best warm potato salad, and now it's a tradition at all of our tables. Sometimes I use Yukon Gold potatoes to make it even prettier. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini PeppersMini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Chicken Pesto Roll-UpsOne night I looked in the refrigerator and pondered what I could make with chicken, cheese, mushrooms and pesto. This pretty dish was the result. Add Italian bread and a fruit salad for a complete meal! —Melissa Nordmann, Mobile, AL
Marinated OrangesThis flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
Spicy Grilled EggplantThis side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Mocha Pumpkin SeedsRoasted pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack. Kick them up a notch with instant coffee and cocoa powder for a mix that’s mocha genius at any time of year. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Crispy Dill TilapiaEvery week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced SandwichesI work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Cucumber Melon SaladThis colorful salad is tangy and delicious. The unexpected combination is such a pleasant surprise. You can use whatever type of melon you have on hand. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Homemade YogurtYou'll be surprised by how easy it is to make homemade yogurt. Top with granola and your favorite berries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Zesty Sugar Snap PeasLemon-pepper seasoning and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and an ideal accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this six-ingredient dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa VerdeEven though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Strawberry Tomato SalsaHere’s a sweet and tangy salsa that's miles away from the spicy version people expect. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping, or make it part of the main event and spoon it over chicken or pork. —Amy Hinkle, Topeka, Kansas
Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & ArtichokesThis is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona
Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat CheeseI wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It's really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
Grilled Lemon-Dill ShrimpThis grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Goat Cheese & Ham OmeletAs a busy working mom, my breakfast needs to require minimal prep. I often combine the egg mixture beforehand and refrigerate it overnight. Then all I have to do in the morning is heat up my skillet. My favorite part is the goat cheese filling, which gets nice and creamy from the heat of the omelet. —Lynne Dieterle, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Banana Oatmeal PancakesStart your day with a stack of banana oatmeal pancakes that are filled with nutrient-rich grains, oats, bananas and walnuts.
Grilled Basil Chicken and TomatoesRelax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Fast Fruit SalsaWe like this refreshing and colorful salsa served with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken. For another fruity option, try stirring in some diced cantaloupe or peaches when they're in season. —Eileen Miller, Woodridge, Illinois
Cod and Asparagus BakeThe lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Yogurt & Honey Fruit CupsA tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tarragon AsparagusI grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Mediterranean ChickenAs special as it is simple to prepare, this flavorful skillet creation is dressed in tomatoes, olives and capers. It’s a knockout main dish at my house. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
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Roasted Green Bean SaladThis easy recipe turns homegrown green beans into something special. A tangy dill and Dijon vinaigrette coats the beans without overpowering them so the fresh-picked flavor comes through. —Kathy Shell, San Diego, California
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Sausage Spinach SaladWant a fast way to turn a salad into a hearty meal? Add sausage. The mustard dressing also goes well with smoked salmon or chicken. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Minty Watermelon-Cucumber SaladCapturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Turkey & Apricot WrapsFor these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Spicy Pumpkin & Corn SoupA seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic SauceThe sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland
Kale SaladI love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Lemon Basil SalmonMy husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Dill-Marinated BroccoliA co-worker tipped me off to this splashy marinade for broccoli. The longer you wait, the better it gets. Add some fresh cauliflower if you have it. —Tiffony Bush, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Cucumber and Red Onion SaladThis cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio
Sweet Potato & Bean QuesadillasSweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
Chicken & Vegetable Curry CouscousFor my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Parmesan Roasted BroccoliSure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Thyme-Roasted CarrotsCutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Asian Salmon TacosThis Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Easy Homemade Chunky ApplesauceHere's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey
Orange AppealOranges add color and great taste to winter meals! This dish looks very bright and appealing served in a glass bowl, and it's a light and easy dessert to finish off a hearty holiday meal. As far as I'm concerned, the citrusy aroma of oranges is a must at Christmas time! —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Grilled Tilapia PiccataWe aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Roasted Tomato Soup with Fresh BasilRoasting really brings out the flavor of the tomatoes in this wonderful soup. It has a slightly chunky texture that shows it's fresh and homemade. —Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey
Lemon Chicken with BasilNo matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Pesto HalibutThe mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mango & Grilled Chicken SaladWe live in the hot South, and this awesome fruity chicken salad is a weeknight standout. I buy salad greens and add veggies for color and crunch. —Sherry Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Balsamic Chicken with Roasted TomatoesThis entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. It’s quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. —Karen Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina
Grilled Shrimp with Spicy-Sweet SauceThese finger-lickin' shrimp practically fly off the platter at my get-togethers. Play with the amount of sriracha to get the spice level just the way you like it. —Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland
Originally Published: January 11, 2021
