Start your day right with this Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice drink. This recipe can help boost your health, including lowering your blood sugar, managing your weight, 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 or other acidic foods on your teeth so it doesn’t erode the tooth enamel.

Mixing it up with some other nutritious ingredients will give you a delicious drink you can feel good about.

Recipe Benefits

  • This Apple Cider Vinegar Drink recipe contains vitamin C and may help reduce blood sugar levels.
  • This healthful drink comes together in minutes and is made from pantry ingredients you likely have on hand. If you prefer a hot drink, you might like my Herbal Detox Tea or ACV Tea recipes.
  • No blender is required so you can make this in a matter of minutes. Just combine and stir to enjoy the numerous health benefits.

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 or apple juice because that will have too much sugar. You might also like my Honey Lemon Tea recipe!
  • 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

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

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 lifestyle.

Step One

Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, warm water or room temperature 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.

Step Two

Shake or whisk well until the mixture appears homogenous or thoroughly mixed together.

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

  • 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!

When & How To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Timing of Consumption: Most health professionals recommend drinking apple cider vinegar before meals to aid in managing blood sugar or to help digestion. But, drinking it on an empty stomach may cause digestive discomfort. If that occurs, you can always enjoy your apple cider vinegar during or after a meal as well.
  • Proper Dilution: Always dilute ACV with water before drinking. The typical ratio is one to two tablespoons of ACV mixed with a glass of water. You can also add lemon juice and a sweetener to improve the taste.
  • Moderation: Limit intake to no more than two tablespoons per day to avoid potential side effects like nausea or digestive issues.
  • Complement to a Balanced Diet: Apple cider vinegar should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. It is not a magic solution but may be a beneficial supplement based on the limited research.
  • Monitor Body’s Response: Pay attention to how your body reacts to ACV. Some people may experience digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. If any adverse effects occur, it’s best to reduce the amount or discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

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. The good bacteria is beneficial for gut health.

Is this ACV lemon juice drink 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 apple cider vinegar and lemon juice 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.

How much of this drink should I consume?

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

What does drinking apple cider and vinegar do?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may aid in weight loss, improve digestion, and help regulate blood sugar levels. It also has antimicrobial properties and can support heart health. However, it should be consumed in moderation and diluted with water to avoid side effects like tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.

Can i drink apple cider vinegar everyday?

Unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider, you should be able to drink apple cider vinegar every day.

Does apple cider vinegar burn belly fat?

Apple cider vinegar may assist in weight loss, including reducing belly fat, by promoting satiety and decreasing calorie intake. However, it is not a standalone solution for burning belly fat and should be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise for effective results. The evidence supporting its direct effect on belly fat is limited and more research is needed.

Will apple cider vinegar shots help with blood pressure?

It does not appear from research that apple cider vinegar can help with high blood pressure.

apple cider vinegar and lemon juice detox drink.

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

Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice

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4.9 from 9 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.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 ounces
  • Calories: 17
  • Sugar: 3.2 g
  • Sodium: 10.5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 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 her a message through her contact form.

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Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.