Chop, slice and grate the fresh ingredients and add them to the 1 quart mason jar. We don’t have to waste time peeling the roots because we’ll strain out all of the solids in the end! However, if they aren’t organic, I DO recommend peeling them. Don't add the cayenne or honey yet!
Add the slightly warmed apple cider vinegar until the solids are covered by at least 1". Warming the vinegar enables it to draw out more beneficial properties of the herbs.
Cover with a corrosion-resistant, stainless steel lid.While you can technically add a standard canning lid, it will rust over due to exposure to the acidic apple cider vinegar.
Place in a dark location for 3-4 weeks and shake the mixture daily. Monitor the apple cider vinegar level throughout the process and top it off, if necessary.
After 3-4 weeks, give it one last shake and then strain out the solids. Squeeze the solids to get every last bit of fire cider out of there.
Start by mixing in 1 Tbsp of honey and ⅛ tsp of cayenne powder, then taste. Keep increasing the amounts until it reaches a pungent, lively point that is slightly mellowed out by the honey.
Place in the refrigerator and use within 6 months. You can leave this in your cupboard, but it may not last the full 6 months.
Notes
*If you want to make a bigger batch in a 1/2 gallon mason jar, simply double the ingredients