apple cider vinegar drink recipe fans know the struggle. You want a tasty, refreshing drink that actually does something good for your body, but you don’t want to chug something that tastes harsh or burns. I’ve been there. After a lot of trial and error in my kitchen, I finally landed on a version that’s bright, gently sweet, and super sippable. It’s easy to mix up in the morning or after a meal, and it won’t make your eyes water. If you’re exploring more feel good sips, you might like browsing my collection of healthy drinks too.
Potential Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been in my pantry for years for a reason. While it isn’t a magic cure, it can be a smart habit when used thoughtfully.
Here are the benefits that motivated me to keep a bottle handy:
Digestive comfort: Many people find a little diluted ACV before or with a meal helps them feel less heavy afterward. The pleasant tang can gently nudge digestion along.
Possible support for steady energy: Pairing vinegar with carb rich meals may help keep those dramatic spikes and dips in check. I notice I stay more level when I sip it with lunch. If you need a bigger afternoon lift, you might also enjoy my favorite energy boost detox juice.
Feeling satisfied: A light vinegar drink before a meal can help you slow down and notice fullness. For me it’s like a small pause that tells my brain we’re eating with intention, not rushing.
Natural tang that makes water more fun: Sometimes you just want flavor. This gives plain water a crisp apple zing without loads of sugar.
As always, listen to your body. If something feels off, adjust or skip. And remember this is a supportive habit, not a fix all.
“I swapped my afternoon soda for this ACV drink three months ago. It’s refreshing, doesn’t feel heavy, and I’ve noticed fewer post lunch crashes. The gentle sweetness helps me stick with it.”
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is basically fermented apple juice. Apples are crushed, the juice is fermented into hard cider, then fermented again into vinegar. Many bottles include the “mother”, which is a natural collection of proteins and friendly bacteria. The mother can look a little cloudy or stringy, but that’s normal and often a sign you’ve got the good stuff.
You’ll usually see two types on store shelves:
Raw, unfiltered ACV: Typically contains the mother, has a fuller apple aroma, and a softer, more complex tang. This is my pick for drinks.
Filtered ACV: Clear, clean, and fine for cooking. It’s just a bit sharper on the palate.
My practical advice is simple. Choose a brand you trust, look for “with the mother,” and give the bottle a gentle shake before pouring. Keep it sealed and stored in a cool cupboard. If you like bright, refreshing drinks with a healthful twist, you might also enjoy my berry green smoothie for a fruity day starter.
How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
This is the apple cider vinegar drink recipe I make most mornings. It’s crisp, lightly sweet, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar with the mother
- 8 to 12 ounces cold water or sparkling water
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or pure maple syrup, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional add ins: a pinch of cinnamon, a thin slice of fresh ginger, or a squeeze of orange
- Ice cubes
Directions
- Fill a glass with ice. Add water first.
- Stir in the honey or maple until it dissolves.
- Add the lemon juice, then pour in the apple cider vinegar.
- Taste and adjust. Add more water if it’s too sharp, or a touch more honey if you want it sweeter.
- Optional: toss in ginger or a pinch of cinnamon. Sip with a straw to be kind to your teeth, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
Helpful notes from my kitchen:
Start small with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon ACV if you’re new to it. You can work up to 2 tablespoons if your body feels great with it.
Never drink straight vinegar. Always dilute it with plenty of water to protect your teeth and throat. Using a straw and rinsing your mouth afterward are simple habits that help.
Timing: I like mine mid morning, or with lunch. Some people like a small glass before meals. See what feels best for your digestion.
Keeping sugar low matters to a lot of us. If you’re watching your intake, peek at my low sugar detox juice tips for smart sweetener swaps. That approach works perfectly here too.
Medicinal Benefits
Let’s chat about the wellness side in a down to earth way. You’ll see lots of big claims out there, but most of the real world benefits are gentler and more practical. Vinegar can help meals feel more balanced, which may support steady energy and comfortable digestion. For me, this apple cider vinegar drink recipe functions like a flavorful nudge toward mindful eating and better hydration.
Some research suggests diluted vinegar with meals may support healthy blood sugar responses. If you’re on medication or have a medical condition, talk with your health provider before using vinegar regularly. It’s always better to be safe and personal about it.
A few quick tips from experience:
Go slow. Your stomach will tell you what it likes. If you’re sensitive, start with a teaspoon in a tall glass of water.
Protect your teeth. ACV is acidic. Keep it diluted, sip with a straw, and rinse after.
Quality matters. Raw, unfiltered vinegar with the mother tends to taste smoother, which makes the habit easier to keep.
Who should be cautious
If you have reflux, ulcers, or tooth enamel concerns, keep portions small and dilution high. If you’re taking meds that affect potassium or have kidney issues, check with your doctor first. And if you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s smart to get a quick professional thumbs up. Listening to your body is always the best policy.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
Once you’ve got the basic method down, play with flavors until you find your signature sip. That’s the beauty of a simple base. You can keep it light and lemony, or cozy and spiced.
Flavor ideas to try
- Ginger lemon: Add a couple thin slices of fresh ginger and a squeeze of extra lemon.
- Cinnamon maple: A pinch of cinnamon with maple syrup offers warm pie vibes without going heavy.
- Orange spritz: Top with sparkling water and a slice of orange. Fancy, fast, and bright.
- Berry ice: Drop in a few frozen berries to chill and lightly flavor the drink.
- Herbal twist: Fresh mint or basil brings a refreshing garden note.
If you love sipping for skin and hair benefits, you might also enjoy my green smoothie for glowing skin. And if you like crafting your own drinks with a wellness focus, check out how I customize detox juice to fit different days and needs. A little creativity goes a long way.
When I want a lighter taste, I use extra water and just a teaspoon or two of honey. On colder mornings, the cinnamon version feels cozy and grounding. If you’re pairing it with breakfast, make it gentler so it complements your meal. At lunch, I go a bit zippier, which helps me slow down and enjoy every bite.
Tip for routine lovers. Mix a simple concentrate that keeps for three days in the fridge. Combine 6 tablespoons ACV, 6 tablespoons lemon juice, and 3 to 4 tablespoons honey in a jar. To serve, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the concentrate to a tall glass of water, then adjust by taste. It turns this apple cider vinegar drink recipe into a grab and pour habit.
Common Questions
How much should I drink?
Start with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of ACV diluted in at least 8 ounces of water. Some folks enjoy up to 2 tablespoons daily, split between two drinks. Ease in and see what feels right.
When’s the best time to drink it?
I like it mid morning or with lunch. Some people take a small glass before meals. Try different times and notice how your body responds.
Can I use regular white vinegar?
For this drink, I recommend apple cider vinegar for flavor and the mother. White vinegar is great for cleaning and pickling, not as tasty in a sipping drink.
What if I don’t want added sweetener?
Skip the honey or maple and use orange slices, muddled berries, or extra sparkling water for a softer taste. You can also try a few drops of liquid stevia. Keep it gentle and enjoyable.
Will it upset my stomach?
It shouldn’t if it’s well diluted and you start small. If you feel any burning or discomfort, add more water, reduce the ACV, or stop and check with a professional.
Ready to Sip and Feel Good
There’s a sweet spot where flavor and function meet, and that’s what this apple cider vinegar drink recipe delivers. It’s quick, adjustable, and friendly to your routine. Keep it diluted, play with add ins, and listen to your body. If you want more inspiration on ratios and timing, I like this clear guide from Taste of Home on The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe & How to Drink It. Sip slowly, enjoy the bright apple tang, and make it a small daily ritual that feels good.
And if you’re on a drink kick, I also love rotating in smoothies like my best green smoothie recipes when I want a bigger, nourishing sip. With a few pantry basics and a little curiosity, your kitchen can be a steady source of simple, feel good drinks. Try this today and see how it fits your flow.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and healthy drink made with apple cider vinegar, perfect for digestion and hydration.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar with the mother
- 8 to 12 ounces cold water or sparkling water
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or pure maple syrup, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional add-ins: a pinch of cinnamon, a thin slice of fresh ginger, or a squeeze of orange
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice. Add water first.
- Stir in the honey or maple until it dissolves.
- Add the lemon juice, then pour in the apple cider vinegar.
- Taste and adjust. Add more water if it’s too sharp, or a touch more honey if you want it sweeter.
- Optional: toss in ginger or a pinch of cinnamon. Sip with a straw to be kind to your teeth, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
Notes
Start with smaller amounts of ACV if new to it and always dilute with water to protect your teeth and throat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg