How to Make Hot Tea with Apple Cider Vinegar (My Go-To Simple Remedy)

A simple, soothing way to settle your stomach and warm up your morning. Learn how to make hot tea with apple cider vinegar plus my favorite easy variations.

Some mornings, my body tells me exactly what it needs. Usually it’s coffee. But on the days when I’m feeling puffy, sluggish, or just a little “off,” I reach for something easier on my stomach. A mug of tea with a splash of apple cider vinegar has become my go-to reset, especially after heavier meals or on the days when everything’s moving faster than I’d like.

I started making this years ago when I was looking for something that helped me feel normal again but didn’t require a whole routine. Honestly, it surprised me. It’s simple. It works. And the warmth dulls the sharpness a bit. If you’ve ever tried to choke down a cold ACV drink, you know exactly what I mean.

I’ll walk you through how I make it, a few variations I lean on (like chamomile + ACV in the evenings and pumpkin-spiced dandelion root in the fall), and a few things I’ve picked up after making more mugs than I can count.

Why I Reach for Hot ACV Tea

I’m not here to make health claims, but here’s what I like about it and why I keep coming back to it.

• It’s easy on your stomach: Warm liquids naturally help things move along. On the days when meals sit a little too heavy, this helps things feel normal again.
• It’s a simple morning reset: If I’m not in the mood for coffee (or I’ve already had enough) ACV tea gives me something warm to sip that doesn’t spike my energy and crash it later.
• It takes the edge off the ACV flavor: Straight ACV water isn’t for me. Hot tea softens the sharpness and makes it easier to drink instead of something you’re choking down.
• You can make it a hundred different ways: Green tea, chamomile, ginger, dandelion root… different teas genuinely change the feel of the drink.

How to Make Hot Tea with Apple Cider Vinegar

Just a warm drink that comes together in a couple minutes. I usually mix mine in my cow mug, stir it well, and sip it slowly while I’m easing into the day.

If you’re brand new to ACV tea, start with a lighter hand on the vinegar and work up to what tastes good to you. I learned that the hard way.

Variations to Try (My Favorites)

I’ve tried plenty of versions by now, partly because I write about this stuff and partly because when Maine’s weather swings wild, so does my digestion. These are the ones I keep coming back to.

Chamomile + ACV for Evenings

I drink this when I need to wind down. Chamomile is naturally calming, and the warmth seems to help settle my stomach after long days when dinner was a little rushed or heavier than planned.

A little honey brings everything together.

If herbal teas are already your thing, you may like learning how to grow hyssop and brew it into a simple homemade tea, especially if you want to expand the herbs you use for calming blends.

Ginger + Turmeric Detox Tea

This one has more oomph. I make it when I want something warming, especially in the winter when I’m chilled from the barn and trying to thaw out my fingers. Ginger gives it a little kick, turmeric softens everything, and ACV brings the tang.

If the turmeric settles, just give it a quick stir and keep sipping.

Dandelion Root Tea with Pumpkin Spice (My Fall Go-To)

I always drink more dandelion root tea in the spring, but this pumpkin-spiced version always ends up in my fall rotation. It’s warming without feeling overly sweet, and the earthy dandelion pairs surprisingly well with the spices.

If you’ve never tried dandelion root tea, this is a gentle way to get to know it.

Tips for Making ACV Tea Taste Better

Getting this right is all about balance. ACV is assertive, and too much can be… a lot. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Start small. If the recipe calls for a tablespoon and you’re new to it, try a teaspoon first.
• Use good apple cider vinegar. Unfiltered vinegar with the “mother” tastes more rounded. The cheap stuff is harsher.
• Don’t use boiling water. Extremely hot water can make the ACV aroma stronger. Hot-but-not-boiling is best.
• Add honey, maple syrup, or cinnamon if you need it. There’s no reason it can’t taste good.
• Drink it slowly. It’s meant to be soothing, not a shot you take before running out the door.

If you like having a few simple homemade remedies on hand during the colder months, you might also enjoy my fire cider recipe, which is another simple vinegar-based remedy I use a lot in the winter.

Your ACV Tea Questions, Answered

These are the questions people ask the most when they start making ACV tea.

Pin this so you can find it again on the days you need something warm and gentle.

Hot tea with apple cider vinegar is one of those simple, everyday kitchen remedies that has become something I make without even thinking about it. It’s easy, flexible, affordable, and soothing on the days when you just feel off. Play around with the variations until you find your favorite.

And if you’re curious about when a tea is the right choice and when a tincture might serve you better, my guide on how to choose between tinctures and teas breaks it all down in plain English.

If you come up with a combination you enjoy, I’d love to hear about it. Let me know in the comments.