Apple cider vinegar shots have been used as a natural remedy for decades.  However, many people have a hard time liking the taste of apple cider vinegar.  They know of the health benefits of often gagged or just gave up on drinking it as part of their morning routine.  Obviously, gagging on apple cider vinegar is not a pretty way to start your day, no matter the health benefits.

One of the mistakes that people make when drinking apple cider vinegar is that they drink it raw.  And, that it is because it is acidic.  So, of course if you drink it raw, it will burn all the way down your throat, gut, and butt. 

The taste gets a little better if you add it to warm water with a little honey. However, you will look forward to drinking these great-tasting apple cider vinegar shots.  Furthermore, they are cheap to make.  So, no more buying a ready-made 2-ounce shot of apple cider vinegar for $2.99 or higher at the supermarket.

Before we get to the shots recipes, let’s look at the health benefits.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is good for overall general health.  I use it for reflux and heartburn.  And, I use it in the winter to boost my immune system.  Some possible health benefits include:

• Lowering blood sugar and improving insulin resistance
• Reducing food cravings
• Curbing hunger and creating a sense of fullness
• Lowering cholesterol
• Improving heart health
• Boosting the immune system
• Improving gut health
• Relieving gastric reflux and heartburn

Apple cider vinegar also has been used for centuries for hair and skincare. I use it to control my eczema and hives. Some of these benefits include:

• Killing head lice
• Controlling dandruff
• Relieving itch scalp
• Reducing flare-ups of eczema and hives

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Drink per Day?

It is very easy to abuse apple cider vinegar by drinking too much of it.  Why?  Well, in some people’s minds, “If a little is good, then a little more is better.”   

I recommend that you limit yourself to 3 teaspoons a day, which is the same as 1 tablespoon (15 ml) or 2 capfuls.  Start off with 1 teaspoon a day, and then gradually work yourself up to 1 tablespoon.  Whatever you do, please do not take more than 2 tablespoons a day.   

Here are the recommended dosage for certain conditions:

• To manage blood sugar: Use 4 teaspoons in warm water immediately before a high carbohydrate meal.
• For weight loss: Use 1-2 tablespoons a day to curb appetite and give a sense of fullness.
• For heartburn and indigestion: Use 1 tablespoon before the meal.

Caution: This information is not being provided as medical advice. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using apple cider vinegar and heed their advice.

Possible Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

At this point, I need to caution you about using too much apple cider vinegar. Sometimes we get so excited about using “natural remedies” that we forget that there are possible side effects. The most important thing to remember is that it is an acid. Thus, it must be used with care. You should never drink undiluted apple cider vinegar or use it undiluted on your skin.

Possible side effects of too much apple cider vinegar regularly include:

• Mild burns in the throat
• Stomach upset and diarrhea
• Disruption of the stomach pH levels
• Erosion of teeth enamel
• Excretion of potassium
• Too much lowering of blood sugar for diabetics on medication

Tips for Making and Storing Apple Cider Vinegar Shots

The most important thing is to buy a bottle of high-quality, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar “with the mother.”  The most popular brand is Bragg, and it costs about $6 for 16 ounces.  Of course, there are many other brands at your supermarket.  

And, guess what?  1 tablespoon has zero calories! That’s good news.

You can make your apple cider vinegar shot and drink it fresh first thing in the morning.  Or, you can make up a batch for the week and then drink 2 ounces of your tonic first thing in the morning.  I like to make it every morning as part of my morning rituals.

Now, if you make a batch for the week, store it in a covered glass bottle or mason jar.  You can also use a regular drinking glass and cover it with plastic wrap. Do not store in a plastic container, and no refrigeration is necessary if used in 3 to 5 days.

I usally drink apple cider vinegar shots on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.  Wait about 10-15 minutes before drinking water. Remember, it will still have a little sour taste, but it will bring your taste buds to life and your gut will thank you.

Apple Cider Vinegar Lemonade (Limeade) Shots

So, this is easy to make because you probably have all of the ingredients in your kitchen.  And, we can all get excited about lemonade!  Limes can also be used.

Why I like this:  It is great to use every day, but I really like to use it during the cold and flu season. The ingredients are readily available.  Additionally, this shot adds lemon juice and honey, which are also natural remedies. that boost the immune system.  Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C.  In addition to boosting the immune system, it and may reduce congestion, break up phlegm, and limit the duration of the cold.   Honey is a natural sweetener that pairs well with apple cider vinegar.  Honey naturally soothes the throat.  Additionally, honey from your local area is believed to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

2 tablespoons of lemon juice or juice of ½ lemon

1 teaspoon of local honey (or maple syrup)

2 to 4 ounces of warm water 

Stir together and enjoy. 

Calories: About 32 calories

Coconut Water Apple Cider Vinegar Shot

So, this is my favorite apple cider vinegar shots recipe. And, the thing to remember is that we are using coconut water as a tonic and not a beverage.  This means that coconut water is used as a chaser (mixer).

Why I Like This: Coconut water is a great source of potassium and other electrolytes, a good source of antioxidants, and is low in sugar and calories.  It is a great shot to use to manage your blood sugar right after a high carbohydrate meal.  Do not use it more than twice a day.

You can also use this shot to curb your appetite.  Take a shot when you’re feeling hungry, or use it right after eating to curb that sweet tooth. Do not use it more than twice a day.

Ingredients

2 ounces of coconut water

1 tablespoon (or 2 capfuls) of apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

Mix in a glass and enjoy. 

Calories: About 25 calories  

Apple Cinnamon Honey Apple Cider Vinegar Shot

This is another great tasting recipe that uses apple juice or apple cider.  So, what’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

Apple cider (cider or raw apple juice) is made from apples that are washed, cut, and ground into a wet mash.  similar to applesauce.  Then the mash is pressed through a cloth into fresh juice.  Notably, the mash is unfiltered and usually unpasteurized.  So, it has a dark color and sediments at the bottom of the bottle.  Once opened, the bottle of cider is refrigerated.

On the other hand, apple juice cider is filtered cider that has all of the coarse particles of pulp or sediment removed.

Why I like this: The ingredients are readily available.  Apple cider has pectin, which helps to reduce cholesterol.  It is also a good source of potassium and iron.  Additionally, it tastes great!

Drawbacks: Since it is not pasteurized, apple cider must be refrigerated once it is opened. Additionally, it usually comes in a half-gallon or one-gallon bottle, which makes it hard to use up in a week without drinking too much.  On the other hand, apple juice has no nutritional value.  However, it is available in small bottles, so you won’t be tempted to drink it for empty calories. 

Ingredients

2 ounces apple cider or apple juice

1 tablespoon (or 2 capfuls) of apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

Dash of cinnamon

Mix in a glass and enjoy.  Calories: About 30 calories

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you feel more educated about making your own apple cider vinegar shots.   Hopefully, you will incorporate them into your daily routine.  Even though I take apple cider vinegar shots in the morning, you can enjoy it any time of the day.  However, I do not recommend that you take it just before bedtime.     

I think you will also enjoy the posts on enjoying the benefits of hot lemon water, using warm salt water gargle for a sore throat, and using honey for a cough.

We look forward to hearing about your experience with apple cider vinegar shots. And, you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page.

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