An apple cider vinegar detox elixir to drink daily to improve digestion & increase energy. An easy way to improve your health from the inside out! Using simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen, it’s a great way to keep healthy during winter!

I don’t know about you, but after indulging in cookies over the holidays, I’m always in need of a good “clean up” to my digestive system.
Do ya know what I mean?
There are a few home remedies to choose from to clear out my tracks:
- A water fast (a little hard core for me, but my husband has done a few)
- A smoothie fast (doable but not my favorite)
- A detox smoothie (effective but not something I need everyday)
- A simple apple cider vinegar detox elixir (this I can do!)
I’m all about a simple with-ingredients-I-already-have-on-hand kind of recipe. And let me tell you. This really works!
What does an apple cider vinegar detox do?
Apple cider vinegar is very helpful for the digestive system. Plus, it can help with other areas of your body! According to this article, there are many health benefits of apple cider vinegar, including:
- losing weight
- assisting with blood glucose and blood sugar levels
- benefiting heart health
- reducing high cholesterol
- boosting metabolism
- flushing toxins
- reducing bloating
- boosting the immune system
- helping with acid reflux
Now you can just drink ACV and gain all these benefits. OR you can pair it with some other powerhouse ingredients from your kitchen to really kick the cleansing into high gear.

Simple Ingredients for ACV Elixir
You need 5 easy to find ingredients, that are most likely already in your kitchen, to make apple cider vinegar detox elixir. Used individually they aid the body in many ways. Used together they create a power shot to help set your body straight.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. For the benefits of your digestive system and beyond, ACV naturally balances your body’s pH and blood sugar levels. Similar to kombucha, it has many enzymes and acts as a probiotic, improving gut health. It also aids in detoxing the liver and lymphatic system.
- Lemon. This citrus fruit is well known for its cleansing properties and its ability to help with weight loss. When taken in the morning, lemon will boost your metabolism and kick start your digestive system. It has a high mineral content and multiple vitamins like Vitamin C and folate which help balance your pH and nourish your body.
- Raw Honey. There are several immune-boosting benefits to raw honey, and a good immune system starts in the gut. Raw honey has enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that will nourish the body as you detox. The bonus benefit of honey for this elixir is its sweet taste, which makes it go down much smoother. If you’re in a pinch you can sub maple syrup, but the benefits aren’t as strong.
- Ginger. Ginger has long been a traditional remedy for digestive issues. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, Ginger will give your gut a strong health boost. Here’s how to freeze ginger so you always have some on hand!
- Cayenne Pepper. Among many things, cayenne pepper is great for your stomach. It is found to be a natural fat burner and has anti-inflammatory effects. Both of those aspects are helpful in detoxing the body.

When to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink
Take this before every meal for a few weeks to jump-start your system on a detox. Then, cut back to just before breakfast.
Drinking in the morning will allow you to absorb the nutrients quickly and get your digestive system moving.
Are there side effects to an apple cider vinegar detox?
In my personal experience, I have felt dizziness and fatigue when doing a detox. This happened when I drank a bentonite clay detox smoothie AND a detox bath on the same day.
A detox can deplete the body of needed minerals. It’s best to take it slow and pair with a healthy diet to keep your nutrients in balance.
That being said, you could feel the detox if you take too much at one time or try multiple detox methods at the same time.
Before starting any type of detox for health benefits, you should check with your doctor and seek professional medical advice.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe Tips
- Use warm water to make it easier to drink and help melt the honey.
- This recipe makes a shot of elixir. However, if you prefer to sip and like the flavors, fill your glass with water and enjoy!
- Make a triple batch that lasts a few days. Prepping it ahead makes it readily available to drink it consistently. Mix it in a mason jar (like this one) and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before pouring a serving.
- Don’t be afraid of the cayenne pepper. It goes down quick!
There’s nothing better than feeling well, and making an apple cider vinegar detox elixir is a great small step to take for better health!

Where to Buy Apple Cider Vinegar
You want to look for apple cider vinegar with the mother. (These are the active cultures that make the ACV work!) Most grocery stores will carry it.
You can also buy Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar here or you can even make your own homemade apple cider vinegar and it won’t cost you a penny!
Local raw honey gives you the best benefits, especially if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Check out your farmer’s market for the best prices. If you can’t find it local try Amazon.

More Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
- Facial Toning: Mix 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 – 3/4 cup water. I use this after using this natural make-up remover.
- Manage Seasonal Allergies: Similar to treating a sinus infection with apple cider vinegar, mix 1 tsp with 2-3 Tbsp water, gargle for 30 seconds and swallow. Repeat twice daily, or up to four times for more severe allergies.
- Rid Croup: My son had a strange cough that included no other symptoms. We waited for a week to see if the cough would go away, but it didn’t. It was harsh, loud and often. We gave him the same remedy as the sinus infection and his cough had reduced significantly within one day and was completely gone within three.
- Remove Moles: I know this sounds crazy, but it really works! You can read how my husband removed a mole from the side of his face using ACV.
- Bug Repellent: I have recipes to make bug repellent with essential oils and bug repellent without essential oils. Yet, some readers have even suggested that drinking just 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on a daily basis has kept bugs away too!
- Homemade Conditioner: Just 1 tablespoon of ACV and warm water can replace your typical conditioner. Not only does it work, but this will save you TONS of money too! Read the full tutorial on homemade conditioner here.

5 Days to DIY Natural Living
Being healthy isn’t just what goes IN your body, it’s what goes ON your body too. Download my free guide 5 Days to DIY Natural Living to learn how to save money while getting rid of harmful toxins throughout your home.Simple Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Elixir

An apple cider vinegar detox elixir to drink daily to improve digestion & increase energy. An easy way to improve your health from the inside out!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 oz 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Bowl
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 wedges)
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1 Tbsp raw honey
- Dash cayenne pepper (seriously just a dash!)
Instructions
- Mix ingredients in a glass or small jar and add about an ounce of warm water. Drink all at once before eating in the morning.
I’m planning on trying this tomorrow and I’m so excited about it. Thank you so much for posting!
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Does it matter if you use fresh lemons or use lemon juice that comes in that yellow bottle in the ACV detox recipe?
Fresh is best, but bottled works if that’s what you have!
Have a question do you boil the ginger and then add it on or it have to be raw ginger cut in small pieces and leave it in their. Another question can you put in on the refrigerator and how long can it stay there.
Thank you love it.
Love this post! Thank you for sharing this recipe for Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Elixir. I can’t wait to make one at home. I’ve been reading quite a lot of articles about the several health benefits of apple cider vinegar, which does some really great wonder to our body.
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Aren’t you supposed to add water because it is so acidic?
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Thanks for this article, Tiffany! This drink tastes better than I thought it would! I had it without the ginger simply because I don’t have any on hand, but I know ginger has lotsa health benefits, so I’ll definitely get some on the next grocery trip and give that a try with it. =)
Quick question… do you have a certain amount of time you’d recommend waiting to eat after drinking this? Or does it matter? =)
Please help…
I have been searching for a reason why ACV gives me migraine headaches and how to cure it – it was suggested that it is a symptom of detox – if so, how long will it take to “detox” so I will quit having these migraine headaches?
I started out using 2 tablespoons of ACV in a quart of a sipper tea recipe and went down to one teaspoon in a quart – and still within 30 minutes I get a headache
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated
I’m sorry Lorie, but I’m not a medical professional and cannot give medical advice. I’d suggest seeing your doctor.
LORI Ward ACV gave me migraine headaches too but only for the first 3 days..after 3 days migraine headaches completely disappeared.
Can I make ahead and put the mixture in little ice cube trays and just plop 1 in my morning 32 oz lukewarm ginger water. I hate ice cold drinks in the morning but don’t mind 1 ice cube of coldness. Will all the ingredients freeze well together?
Sure!
I add garlic to mine and fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. I’ve been doing this drink for 6 months now, I feel great.
Can regular lemon juice concentrate be used
In lieu of apple cider vinegar? I wouldn’t recommend it.
Can this drink be taken at night instead of morning?
Sure!
the link for immune boosting recipes seems to be obsolete.
We love apple cider and herbal detoxification! Great recipe I will try it during the summer vacation! Can I try adding cinnamon instead of Cayenne pepper?
You can, but I’m not sure how it will taste or if you’ll get the same effects. Let us know how it turns out!
I’ve been looking for a good drink ,there are so many to choose from , what do you think about organic ginger juice
Ginger is great for digestion! I would be sure to check if it has added sugars or preservatives. Look for natural sweeteners if you like it sweet.
Can’t wait to try it!
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I use the apple cider vinegar with the “Mother”.. and I add Turmeric,ginger,cayenne pepper, black pepper, honey and a dash of lemon in a glass of warm water.. do you think thats okay? I found the receipe on the internet..
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