Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

My favorite refreshing and energizing apple cider vinegar drink recipe. This apple cider vinegar drink is made with Bragg ACV, water, lemon, and sweetened with stevia. I use it for detox and weight loss. 

Most foodie bloggers would probably say to hold off on posting a “healthy” recipe until January and go all out on the indulgent holiday recipes. While the holidays are a time I definitely indulge a bit more (I’ll admit to raiding my kids’ Halloween baskets just this morning), I try to stick to a healthy lifestyle most of the time. Because we all deserve to feel good. Any time of year.

I’ve been trying to cut back on coffee lately and just stick to the one cup in the morning. Instead, I’ve been making an apple cider vinegar drink. I’ve found it to be just the pick-me-up I need in the afternoons, and wanted to share it with you. This apple cider vinegar drink recipe is quick and easy to make, tangy, and refreshing. Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about apple cider vinegar. If you’re looking for healthy hydrating beverages, you’ll also love my Ginger Wellness Shots, Detox Tea, fruit-infused Detox Water Recipes and cleansing Detox Smoothie!

What is Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is simply vinegar made with apples. Fresh crushed apples are allowed to ferment naturally in wooden barrels. When choosing apple cider vinegar for health, always get one that says “with the mother.” It may sound funny at first, but the “mother” is the naturally occurring murky pieces in the vinegar. Many of the healthy nutrients live in these mother enzymes.

Unfortunately many vinegar producers distill their product, killing the mother nutrients. The highest quality ACV I know of is from Bragg, though there are generic versions at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. I like Bragg because their ACV is made with organic apples and contains the mother enzymes. This post is not sponsored, but the Braggs are Santa Barbara locals.

Though it’s gained mainstream popularity in the last decade, natural apple cider vinegar has been used for a very long time. On my bottle it says, “In 400 B.C. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing natural qualities.” Apples are rich in potassium and enzymes. You know the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many uses beyond this lovely drink recipe. I’ve used it to help with ear infections, fungal problems, and even as a facial toner, with great success. According to the book, Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System, by Paul and Patricia Bragg, some benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar include:

• Improved Digestion
• Weight Loss and Management
• Fight Kidney and Bladder Problems
• Good for the Heart
• Aids in Body Purification

The book goes into great detail about these and other apple cider vinegar health benefits. I most often hear of people drinking ACV for detoxification and/or weight loss. The science seems to back up the claim that it may help with weight loss, according to one recent study.

How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Really all you need to make an apple cider vinegar drink are organic apple cider vinegar and water. I like to sweeten this up with liquid stevia, but you could also use honey or your favorite sweetener. I love to add fresh lemon juice so that this apple cider vinegar drink tastes like lemonade. Lemons have health benefits of their own, including a nice mood boost.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe Variations

This lemonade version is my go-to, but I like to switch up the flavors sometimes too. I like to add:

• splash of pomegranate juice
• squeeze of orange juice
• muddled strawberries
• muddled fresh mint leaves
• grated fresh ginger
• sparkling water

More Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes

• Apple Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette 
• Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing
• Vegan Coleslaw

Final note: While I personally find this to be a health-promoting beverage, some people, such as those with kidney disease, don’t do well with acidic foods or drinks and should exercise moderation and caution. Also, some like to follow ACV drinks with water to protect tooth enamel.

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist and make no health claims. These are simply personal observations and findings from reading through the sources provided within this post. You can read my full legal disclaimer here.