Start your day right with this Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice. This recipe can help boost your health, including lowering your blood sugar, aiding in weight loss, and improving your digestion.

Apple cider vinegar drink in a glass with a floating lemon wheel.

Many of us have heard all the amazing health benefits of apple cider vinegar, but of course the taste can be a bit hard to swallow.

You also don’t want straight vinegar on your teeth so it doesn’t erode the tooth enamel. Mixing it up with some other healthy ingredients will give you a delicious drink you can feel good about.

Contents hide
1 Why You Need This Recipe
2 Key Ingredients
3 Recipe Steps
4 Recipe Tips & Substitutions
5 Recipe FAQs
6 More Healthy “Detox” Drinks You Might Like
7 Read These Healthy Articles Too
8 Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Why You Need This Recipe

  • This Apple Cider Vinegar Drink recipe contains vitamin C and may help reduce blood sugar levels.
  • This healthy drink comes together in minutes and is made from pantry ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • No blender is required so you can make this while everyone else is still sleeping if you are an early riser.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients to make a healthy ACV drink on a white surface.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a healthy fermented vinegar with natural probiotics and healthy bacteria. At least one study showed that the acetic acid in vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels. I like to use an organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar like Bragg’s.

Fresh lemon juice, while acidic, adds a better taste to the strong vinegar. The lemon water also helps add vitamin C which supports the immune system. You can also use lime juice if you prefer. Don’t use orange juice because that will have too much sugar.

Raw honey (or maple syrup) adds the right touch of sweetness to make this drink go down easily. If you are concerned about adding sugar, then you can use liquid stevia instead (see my list of the best natural sugar substitutes).

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink that can be part of a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle.

Step One

Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, water, and lemon juice to a glass jar with a lid or a tall glass.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Pouring a shot of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water.

Step Two

Shake or whisk well until the mixture appears homogenous.

Spoons in glasses of apple cider vinegar drink.

Step Three

Add sweetener to taste and mix to dissolve well. Drink up!

You may wish to follow your apple cider vinegar shot with a large glass of water. You can also drink it with a straw if you are concerned about the acidity eroding your tooth enamel.

Drizzling honey into a glass of lemon ACV drink.

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • This recipe is the most potent right after making it, but you can make it ahead of time, if you wish. Store it in a covered container and shake before serving. It will last in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
  • You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe, if you wish.
  • If you prefer a sweeter version, increase the honey to 1-2 teaspoons (but note that the added sugar may reduce the blood sugar-lowering properties of this drink).
  • If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Want a spicy kick? Try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper!
Apple cider vinegar drink in a glass with a floating lemon wheel.

Recipe FAQs

What is the mother in apple cider vinegar?

This is the actual organism that ferments the vinegar and provides probiotics. Selecting a bottle of ACV with this inside means you are getting the best benefits that you can. Think of the mother like the SCOBY that helps make kombucha.

Is this recipe vegan?

I usually reach for honey when sweetening drinks such as this one, but if you are vegan (or don’t care for the taste of honey in this drink), pure maple syrup is a great option.

Do I need to drink this first thing on an empty stomach?

You can but you don’t have to. One small study showed that drinking vinegar before bedtime can help with blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor when he or she recommends consuming this drink.

Can I eat honey if I have diabetes?

Speak to your doctor. But, one study showed that honey can have a positive effect on body weight and lipids including triglyceride levels of diabetic patients.

Will this drink help my digestive system?

It may, but there is no scientific evidence that it will.

How much of this drink should I consume?

The recipe makes one serving, but you can split it in half if you wish.

apple cider vinegar and lemon juice detox drink.

More Healthy “Detox” Drinks You Might Like

Read These Healthy Articles Too

Clean Eating Shopping List & Pantry Guide

How to Eat Clean (With 7-Day Diet Plan)

10+ Best Juice Recipes for Weight Loss

7 Weight Loss Tips for Women (Non-Drastic)

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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A glass of lemon apple cider vinegar water with a floating lemon wheel.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews
Print Recipe

Start your day right with this Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice. This recipe can help boost your health, including lowering your blood sugar, aiding in weight loss, and improving your digestion.

  • Total Time: 6 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (I recommend using raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about 1/2 of a lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (use maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 cup water (use either room temperature water or warm water)

Instructions

  1. In a glass or jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and water.
  2. Whisk or cover and shake vigorously to combine.
  3. Serve immediately (see notes about making it ahead of time).

Notes

  1. This recipe is the most potent right after making it, but you can make it ahead of time, if you wish. Store it in a covered container and shake before serving. It will last in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
  2. You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe, if you wish.
  3. If you prefer a sweeter version, increase the honey to 1-2 teaspoons.
  4. If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.

Keywords: apple cider vinegar, ACV drink, healthy drink

About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with more than 7 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.

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