Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe

Last updated on August 28, 2025

Apple cider vinegar shot recipe fans know—this tiny drink packs a big punch. I first tried it on a chilly morning in my kitchen, looking for a natural, quick way to wake up my body and metabolism. With its tangy bite and warm finish, this shot has been my secret weapon for starting the day energized. In this guide, we’ll cover how to make it, tips to keep it vegan, and creative flavor twists like pineapple or even sourdough blends. Whether for weight loss, digestion, or a zesty health boost, this recipe will become a morning ritual you’ll actually enjoy.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple cider vinegar shots are quick, potent, and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
  • They can be made vegan and adjusted for specific goals like weight loss or digestion.
  • Flavor variations—like pineapple or sourdough starter blends—add both taste and extra health benefits.
  • Correct portion size is key: typically 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per shot.
  • Always dilute with water or juice to protect tooth enamel and ease the tang.

How Do You Make Apple Cider Vinegar Shots?

Apple cider vinegar shot recipe creation starts with balance—flavor, acidity, and function. The classic version uses just three ingredients: raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”), fresh lemon juice, and filtered water. These work together to stimulate digestion, alkalize the body, and boost energy.

Step-by-Step Basics

  1. Measure 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a small glass.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  3. Dilute with 2–3 tablespoons of cold or warm filtered water.
  4. Optional: Stir in a dash of cinnamon or cayenne for extra kick.

Why the Dilution Matters

Straight vinegar can be harsh on the throat and teeth. Dilution preserves the benefits without risking discomfort. According to Harvard Health, over-concentrated vinegar may also upset digestion, so proper balance is crucial.

Learn more in our apple cider vinegar weight loss recipe guide for extended wellness benefits.
Read the full health profile of vinegar on Wikipedia’s apple cider vinegar page.

Can You Make Apple Cider Vinegar Shots Vegan?

The short answer—yes. An apple cider vinegar shot recipe is naturally vegan as long as you choose certified vegan ingredients. Apple cider vinegar itself comes from fermented apples, so the main point to watch is your sweeteners and flavor add-ins.

Vegan-Friendly Ingredients to Use

  • Raw apple cider vinegar with “the mother” (no animal-based clarifiers)
  • Maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey
  • Fresh herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon

When adapting an apple cider vinegar shot recipe for weight loss, vegan swaps keep the benefits intact without compromising flavor or health goals. A vegan-friendly recipe can be just as powerful for digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance.

Flavor and Texture Considerations

Some people add honey for sweetness, but a vegan version can be balanced with fruit juice instead. Pineapple, orange, or even beet juice blends beautifully with apple cider vinegar, creating a more vibrant shot. This swap keeps the drink animal-free and adds natural antioxidants.

Check Vegan Society’s apple vinegar notes for tips on ensuring vinegar is 100% plant-based.

Are Apple Cider Vinegar Shots Good for You?

When prepared correctly, an apple cider vinegar shot recipe can offer a surprising range of benefits. It’s been linked to improved digestion, better blood sugar control, and even mild appetite suppression, which makes it a popular morning ritual for weight management.

Potential Health Benefits

  • Digestive Support: The natural acids and probiotics in raw apple cider vinegar can aid gut health.
  • Blood Sugar Balance: Studies suggest vinegar may help lower post-meal glucose spikes.
  • Weight Loss Aid: An apple cider vinegar shot recipe for weight loss often appears in wellness routines to curb cravings.

Things to Keep in Mind

Not all claims about apple cider vinegar are backed by strong evidence. Drinking it in excess or undiluted may cause tooth enamel erosion or throat irritation. Always dilute and keep portions moderate—1–2 tablespoons per shot is plenty. According to NIH research, moderation is key to reaping benefits without side effects.

Ingredients for apple cider vinegar shot recipe on white marble
Natural ingredients used in the apple cider vinegar shot recipe

How Do You Make a Sourdough Shot with Apple Cider Vinegar?

A sourdough shot may sound unusual, but it’s a creative twist on the classic apple cider vinegar shot recipe. The tang from the vinegar pairs beautifully with the mild, fermented notes of sourdough starter, creating a probiotic-rich drink.

Step-by-Step Sourdough Shot

  1. Add 1 tablespoon of raw, bubbly sourdough starter to a small glass.
  2. Mix in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
  3. Dilute with 3 tablespoons of cool water or herbal tea.
  4. Stir until smooth and drink immediately for maximum probiotic benefit.

Why It Works

Both sourdough starter and apple cider vinegar contain beneficial microbes that may support digestion. This fusion creates a complex, tangy shot that feels like a tiny health tonic. It’s especially appealing to fermentation fans who already keep a starter on hand.

Personal Experience

I first tried this combo after a friend in my baking group swore by it for energy and gut health. She noticed her bloating reduced within days. After two weeks of starting my mornings with this shot, I felt lighter, more energized, and—surprisingly—my skin looked clearer.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Do You Put in a Shot?

For most people, the sweet spot in an apple cider vinegar shot recipe is 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar per serving. This amount delivers potential benefits without overwhelming your taste buds or risking side effects.

Why Portion Size Matters

Too little vinegar and you may not get the full effect; too much and you risk enamel erosion or digestive discomfort. A standard apple cider vinegar shot recipe for weight loss often stays at 1 tablespoon, especially for beginners, then gradually increases if tolerated well.

Experience LevelVinegar AmountNotes
Beginner1 tbspMix with at least 2 tbsp water
Intermediate1.5 tbspAdd juice or spices for flavor
Advanced2 tbspBest diluted in 3–4 tbsp water

Safety Tip

Always dilute vinegar—never take it straight. The acetic acid can damage teeth and throat lining. The American Dental Association recommends rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward to further protect enamel.

How Do You Drink Pineapple & Apple Cider Vinegar?

Blending pineapple with an apple cider vinegar shot recipe is one of the easiest ways to mellow its sharpness while adding tropical sweetness. Pineapple’s natural enzymes, especially bromelain, can also support digestion—making this pairing both tasty and functional.

Simple Pineapple ACV Shot

  1. Pour 2 ounces of fresh pineapple juice into a shot glass.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
  3. Optional: Stir in a pinch of ginger powder for a zesty finish.
  4. Chill for 5 minutes, then sip slowly.

Why Pineapple Works So Well

Pineapple’s natural sugars balance vinegar’s acidity, and its bright flavor turns an apple cider vinegar shot recipe drink into something you’ll look forward to. Plus, the vitamin C boost can support immunity.

Pro tip: If you’re making this as part of an apple cider vinegar shot recipe for constipation, the fiber-rich pulp from fresh pineapple can add gentle digestive support.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe

Getting an apple cider vinegar shot recipe just right means balancing health benefits with taste and safety. Here are my go-to adjustments after years of making—and tweaking—these tiny but powerful drinks.

Flavor-Boosting Ideas

  • Add cinnamon for warmth and blood sugar support.
  • Stir in fresh ginger juice for anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Use citrus juice like lemon or orange to brighten flavor and protect enamel.

Practical Preparation Tips

  • Always dilute your vinegar to prevent enamel damage.
  • Use raw, unfiltered vinegar with “the mother” for maximum probiotic potential.
  • Make small batches—an apple cider vinegar shot recipe tastes best fresh.

My Personal Routine

Each morning, I mix a tablespoon of vinegar with lemon juice, ginger, and cool water. It’s my 30-second ritual before breakfast. I noticed less bloating and steadier energy within a week.

Sophie Lane

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe

A quick, tangy health booster made with raw apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and optional spices or fruit juice. Perfect for digestion, energy, and morning wellness rituals.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 flush
Course: Beverage, Wellness Drink
Cuisine: Functional Wellness, Herbal
Calories: 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 –2 tbsp raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 –3 tbsp filtered water
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon dash of cayenne, or 1 tsp maple syrup

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • Small glass or shot glass
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Measure vinegar into a small glass.
  2. Add lemon juice and optional sweetener or spice.
  3. Top with filtered water and stir well.
  4. Drink immediately; rinse mouth with plain water afterward.

Nutrition

Calories: 6kcalCarbohydrates: 0.2gSugar: 0.1g

Notes

Start with 1 tbsp vinegar if new to ACV shots.
Always use a straw or rinse after drinking to protect teeth.
Swap lemon juice for orange, pineapple, or beet juice for variety.
For vegan recipes, replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe – FAQ

How do you make apple cider vinegar shots?

An apple cider vinegar shot recipe typically combines 1–2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar with lemon juice and water. Optional add-ins include honey (or vegan alternatives), ginger, or cinnamon for flavor and extra benefits. Always dilute to protect teeth and throat.

Can you make apple cider vinegar shots vegan?

Yes. The vinegar itself is plant-based. Just swap honey for maple syrup, agave, or fruit juice to keep your apple cider vinegar shot recipe fully vegan.

Are apple cider vinegar shots good for you?

They can support digestion, blood sugar balance, and appetite control when consumed in moderation. Limit to 1–2 tablespoons per shot, diluted.

How do you make a sourdough shot with apple cider vinegar?

Mix 1 tablespoon of active sourdough starter with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, then dilute with water. This probiotic-rich twist adds complex flavor and potential gut benefits.

How much apple cider vinegar do you put in a shot?

1–2 tablespoons is the standard range for an apple cider vinegar shot recipe. Beginners may prefer starting with 1 tablespoon.

How do you drink pineapple & apple cider vinegar?

Combine 2 ounces of pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Chill and sip slowly for a sweet-tart, digestive-friendly drink.

Apple cider vinegar shot recipe in a small glass with lemon and cinnamon.
A classic apple cider vinegar shot recipe with lemon and cinnamon.

An apple cider vinegar shot recipe is more than just a trendy wellness drink—it’s a quick, potent way to support digestion, energy, and overall health. From classic lemon blends to creative twists like pineapple or sourdough, you can tailor each shot to your taste and goals. Just remember the golden rules: use raw, unfiltered vinegar, dilute every serving, and stick to 1–2 tablespoons per shot. Whether you’re sipping it for weight loss, gut health, or a zesty morning boost, this tiny ritual can make a big difference in your daily routine.

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