Are you trying to lose weight, lower your cholesterol and improve blood sugar control? The answer might be on the shelves of your local grocer — apple cider vinegar (ACV). Science supports the many benefits of this stuff. However, taking it raw makes your mouth pucker up like a fish. It makes a lovely addition to other beverages, though. Here are five apple cider vinegar drink recipes. 

1. Classic Lemon Water ACV 

You only need four ingredients to make this classic beverage. Proponents of drinking lemon water claim that it can increase feelings of fullness, especially if you consume it when you first awaken. It also supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C and potassium to start your day right. Finally, citric acid may help you digest your breakfast. 

Blend the following four ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with mother
• 1 tablespoon organic lemon juice
• 1 8-ounce glass of water 
• Stevia, to taste

Mix the ingredients. You can add a few ice cubes to chill it or pour it over crushed ice. Top it with lemon slices. 

2. ACV Detox Drink 

Why on earth would you spend a small fortune on a commercial detox when you can create the perfect one with an apple cider vinegar drink at home? This recipe blends seven powerhouse ingredients to get the sludge out of your system and make you feel terrific. You’ll need the following:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with mother
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated or ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Ginger is one of the principal herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine to bust bloating and dispel excess gas. Cinnamon helps with blood sugar control, and cayenne fires up your metabolism. Honey is chock-full of antioxidants to keep you nourished. 

3. Virgin Amaretto Sour 

Some days call for a stiff drink. However, maybe you don’t like the “hangxiety” you experience the following day or abstain. You can replicate the flavor of your favorite cocktail in a healthy beverage using apple cider vinegar. 

• 1 can Zevia diet ginger ale 
• 1 tablespoon turmeric and ginger apple cider vinegar with mother 
• 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup 
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Blend the ingredients over ice in your favorite highball glass. If you feel like getting fancy, string a few cherries on a festive toothpick. 

4. Cinnamon ACV Gut Tonic 

If you have a bit of tummy trouble, you might turn to mint. However, people with GERD might find that herb relaxes the sphincter from their stomach to their esophagus, making symptoms worse. Here’s an alternative DIY recipe to try when you feel a bit queasy. You need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with mother
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch sea salt 

Bring half of the water to a boil. Pour the other half of the water and remaining ingredients into a mug and blend. Then, top with boiling water for a warm, comforting beverage. The honey helps coat your throat if it’s raw from vomiting. 

5. Blueberry Wellness Smoothie With ACV

Smoothies are glorious for helping you lose weight. You can use them to replace meals instead of spending money on pricey commercial products. The antioxidants and phytonutrients you get from the raw ingredients benefit your body far more than artificial supplements. 

Of course, you’ll need quite a few ingredients to reap all the benefits. The addition of apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang to this otherwise sweet treat: 

• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup frozen banana
• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• ½ cup plain almond milk
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with mother 
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 tablespoon ground chia seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon minced or ground ginger
• Stevia, to taste

Blend all ingredients until it reaches the desired consistency. Add the sweetener, if desired, at the end once you taste-test your blend to get it just right. 

Bananas provide potassium and filling fiber. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids with heart health benefits. Spinach contains plant-based protein and iron, and chia seeds deliver a hearty dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Cinnamon and ginger sweeten the brew and help keep your blood sugar stable, staving off cravings until lunch. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks 

An apple cider vinegar drink has a widespread reputation in weight loss circles for helping to control your blood sugar and appetite while increasing metabolism. However, choking down a teaspoon raw is few people’s idea of fun. 

Instead, delight yourself with one of the healthy apple cider vinegar drinks above. Your health will thank you.