This easy apple cider vinegar with honey recipe combines the tangy flavor of apple cider vinegar with the sweet flavor of honey and water for a refreshing drink that is ready in less than a minute. The honey mellows the sharp acidity of vinegar and makes the drink much more palatable than just drinking diluted vinegar.
You can serve your apple cider vinegar and honey drink warm or chilled, depending on your preference. A little fresh lemon or ginger can add brightness and warmth, without complicating the recipe.
The trick is to get the vinegar well diluted. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic, so you should never drink it straight. Diluting it in a large glass of water also makes the drink easier to sip and gentler on your teeth.
Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe With Honey Ingredients
For 1 serving, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons honey, to taste
- 8–12 ounces water
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
- A few thin slices of fresh ginger, optional
- Ice, optional
Choosing the Ingredients
Apple cider vinegar: Use a food-grade apple cider vinegar that you enjoy the flavor of. Unfiltered varieties may look cloudy or contain sediment, which is normal.
Honey: Regular honey works well. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Water: Use cool water for a refreshing drink or warm water for a soothing-style beverage. Avoid very hot water if you want to preserve the delicate flavor and aroma of the honey.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey
1. Add the water
Pour 8–12 ounces of water into a glass. For a chilled apple cider vinegar honey water recipe, use cold water and add ice later.
2. Stir in the honey
Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey and stir until it dissolves. Honey blends more easily into warm or room-temperature water than very cold water.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar
Pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and stir thoroughly.
4. Add optional flavors
For a brighter flavor, add fresh lemon juice. A few slices of fresh ginger can give the drink a mild spicy note.
5. Taste and serve
Taste the drink before adding more honey or water. If the vinegar tastes too sharp, add more water rather than simply adding large amounts of sweetener. Serve over ice if desired.
Why This Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Drink Works
The recipe works primarily because the ingredients balance each other. Apple cider vinegar gives a sharp, fruity tang, and honey gives sweetness and a rounded flavor. The water tempers the vinegar and makes the drink less sharp.
Lemon adds brightness to the flavor, and ginger adds warmth and complexity. But neither is necessary, so the basic recipe is just three ingredients: water, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits: What to Know
You’re probably going to come across claims online about the benefits of honey and apple cider vinegar for detox, weight loss, and the treatment of various health conditions. These claims should be treated with caution.
Apple cider vinegar does contain acetic acid, and some research has looked at the effects of vinegar on blood sugar and appetite, but there’s no evidence to suggest it should be used as a cure-all or a substitute for medical care.
This drink can definitely be a flavorful alternative to some sugary drinks, depending on how much honey you add. But it should be regarded as a simple food or drink, not a medical treatment.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey Help With Detoxing?
There is no good evidence that an apple cider vinegar and honey drink “detoxes” the body. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states: “Evidence to support detox and cleansing programs is limited. There is no evidence that these approaches remove toxins from the body.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Water Recipe
Dilute the vinegar properly
Do not drink apple cider vinegar straight. Its acidity can contribute to tooth-enamel erosion, while dilution makes it easier to consume.
Start with less vinegar
If you are new to the flavor, begin with 1–2 teaspoons of vinegar in a large glass of water. You can adjust the amount based on taste rather than forcing yourself to drink a very strong mixture.
Adjust the sweetness
Honey varies in sweetness and flavor. Start with a small amount and add more only if necessary.
Use enough water
If the drink tastes harsh, the easiest solution is usually more water. Increasing the vinegar can quickly make the drink unpleasantly acidic.
Drink it rather than sipping it for hours
Because the drink is acidic, avoiding prolonged exposure to your teeth is sensible. Rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward can also help reduce acid exposure.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Variations
Lemon and Honey
Add ½ tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy version.
Ginger and Honey
Add a few thin slices of fresh ginger for a warmer, spicier flavor.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Add a small pinch of ground cinnamon for a subtle warm spice note. Stir well because cinnamon does not dissolve completely in water.
Sparkling Version
Mix the honey with a small amount of warm water first, allow it to cool, then combine with chilled sparkling water and apple cider vinegar. Add the vinegar gradually so the drink does not become too sharp.
When Is the Best Time to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey?
There is no single “best time” to drink an apple cider vinegar and honey drink. Some prefer it with a meal; some prefer it earlier in the day.
If acidic drinks trigger heartburn or reflux symptoms, avoid drinking them too close to bedtime. For those prone to heartburn or GERD, Harvard Health specifically recommends avoiding acidic foods and drinks for 30–60 minutes before sleep.
And you do not have to drink this beverage at a certain time for it to be useful as a flavorful drink.
Can You Make This Drink Ahead?
For the best flavor, make it shortly before drinking. If you prepare it ahead, keep it covered and refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving because honey can settle.
For convenience, you can prepare the water-and-honey mixture in advance and add the apple cider vinegar shortly before drinking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using undiluted apple cider vinegar
This creates an unnecessarily harsh drink and exposes your teeth to concentrated acidity.
Adding too much vinegar
More vinegar does not automatically make a better drink. Start with a modest amount and adjust according to taste.
Making it overly sweet
Honey can quickly turn a tart drink into a sugary one. Start with 1 teaspoon and increase only if needed.
Using boiling water
Extremely hot water is unnecessary and can make the drink less pleasant. Warm or room-temperature water is sufficient for dissolving honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey FAQs
Can I drink apple cider vinegar with honey every day?
There is no need to consume it daily for the recipe to be enjoyable. If you choose to drink it regularly, keep the vinegar diluted and avoid excessive amounts. People taking medications or managing medical conditions should discuss regular vinegar consumption with a healthcare professional.
Can I drink apple cider vinegar and honey before bed?
You can, but it may not be comfortable for people who experience heartburn or reflux. Acidic drinks close to bedtime can worsen symptoms in some people.
How much apple cider vinegar should I put in water?
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon diluted in 8–12 ounces of water. If you are sensitive to the taste, start with 1–2 teaspoons instead.
Can I use warm water?
Yes. Warm or room-temperature water works particularly well because honey dissolves easily in it.
Does honey make apple cider vinegar taste better?
For most people, honey makes the drink easier to enjoy because its sweetness balances the vinegar’s sharp acidity.
Is apple cider vinegar with honey a weight-loss drink?
It should not be presented as a weight-loss treatment. Research on vinegar and weight-related effects is limited, and there is not enough evidence to treat this drink as a reliable weight-loss solution.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, using 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and water:
Calories: approximately 20 kcal | Carbohydrates: approximately 5g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: varies by ingredients
Values will change depending on the amount and type of honey used.
A Note on Safety
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so dilution is important. Regular consumption of undiluted vinegar can damage tooth enamel. Vinegar may also interact with certain medications or be unsuitable for some people with particular medical conditions.
If you take medication regularly, have a medical condition, or plan to consume vinegar frequently in concentrated amounts, check with your healthcare professional first.
Final Thoughts
This apple cider vinegar recipe with honey is simple, flexible, and easy to adjust. The combination of tangy vinegar, sweet honey, and plenty of water creates a refreshing drink without requiring complicated ingredients.
For the best flavor, keep the vinegar well diluted, start with a small amount of honey, and add lemon or ginger if you want a more interesting finish. Most importantly, enjoy it as a simple homemade drink rather than relying on exaggerated health claims.
Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe With Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the water into a glass.
- Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and mix well.
- Add lemon juice or ginger if desired.
- Add ice and serve immediately.
Notes
