Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries to detoxify, energize, and strengthen the body. I first started incorporating the tonic into my daily routine years ago when friends in Japan shared that they would drink it with their morning hot water and lemon to support digestion and detoxification.  They revealed that even the Samurai were known to drink a similar tonic when preparing for battle as well as keeping it on hand for wound treatment. For those who can’t stomach it straight from the bottle, there are numerous new tonics and beverages that pair the vinegar with complimentary flavors so everyone can enjoy the medicinal benefits of a daily vinegar ritual. The applications of ACV are endless—drink it, cook with it, clean with it, even put it to use in your garden. Here are some of our favorites: 

Yum Yum Tonics – ACV w/ Ginger & Honey

Lately, a favorite blend for drinking and cooking are made locally by Yum Yum Tonics in San Francisco. Their ACV with Ginger and Honey is smooth and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, or too spicy. Their ACV with Elderberry is an essential for flu season to boost immunity. When not drinking, try them as a base for salad dressings, braising, soups, and purees. 

Bragg’s Organic ACV Drinks & Classic ACV with The Mother

Bragg’s has been a pioneer in ACV applications for decades, and their latest effort, a variety of ACV blended drinks, are incredibly well done, especially good for those who aren’t big fans of the pure ACV taste. Stock your pantry with at least 2 bottles of the classic Bragg’s Organic ACV, which includes ‘The Mother’—a hazy, cobweb-like substance at the bottom of the jar that's a powerful source of essential proteins and enzymes that are only found in raw, unfiltered ACV.  

ElevatedSkincare Organic ACV Cleanser & Toner

ElevatedSkincare is a small batch, organic skincare line that you can only find on Etsy, which incorporates ACV into their cleansers and tonics. ACV is incredible for boosting radiance, and calming and reducing acne. A bonus—it's super effective on sensitive skin.