Apple cider vinegar drinks are all over Pinterest, usually with big promises like “melt belly fat fast.” We’ve updated this recipe to be honest about what ACV can and can’t do — and how to drink it safely if you enjoy it.
The short version: this warm lemon, apple cider vinegar and cinnamon drink is a pleasant, low-calorie morning ritual. It won’t burn fat on its own, but it can be part of a routine that helps you cut back on sugary drinks.
What the Research Says About Apple Cider Vinegar
A few small studies have looked at vinegar and weight. In the best-known one, adults who took 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar a day lost a little more weight over 12 weeks than those who didn’t — about 1–2 kg — and gained it back after stopping. Other small studies suggest vinegar with a meal may slightly lower the rise in blood sugar afterward.
These effects are small, the studies are short, and they don’t prove that ACV “melts” fat anywhere. So think of this drink as a tasty habit, not a treatment.
Ingredients and Why They’re Here
- Apple cider vinegar: the tangy base. Always diluted — never drink it straight.
- Lemon juice: fresh flavor and some vitamin C.
- Honey: optional, just enough to soften the sourness.
- Cinnamon: warm flavor. Ceylon cinnamon is the better choice if you drink this daily (see the safety notes).
Apple Cider Vinegar Lemon Drink Recipe
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1 cup (250 ml) warm water (not boiling)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (preferably Ceylon)
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
Instructions
- Warm the water — it should be comfortable to drink, not boiling.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and cinnamon.
- Add honey if you like and stir until dissolved.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes. Cinnamon doesn’t fully dissolve, so stir again before drinking or strain it.
How to Drink It
- One glass a day is plenty. More vinegar doesn’t mean better results.
- Drink it with or before a meal rather than on a completely empty stomach if it makes you feel queasy.
- Use a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterward to protect your teeth. Wait 30 minutes before brushing.
What It Can and Can’t Do
It can: replace a sugary morning drink, make hydration more enjoyable, and become an easy part of a healthier routine.
It can’t: melt belly fat, “detox” your body, or replace a balanced diet and regular movement. No drink targets fat in one specific area.
Who Should Be Careful
- Reflux, heartburn or stomach ulcers: vinegar and lemon are acidic and can make symptoms worse.
- Diabetes medication or insulin: vinegar may affect blood sugar, so talk to your doctor first.
- Diuretics or heart medication: large amounts of ACV over time have been linked to low potassium.
- Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis): vinegar can slow it further.
- Daily cinnamon: common cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which in large daily amounts can strain the liver. Ceylon cinnamon contains very little.
A note from Dr. Angela
Apple cider vinegar is a popular “natural” remedy, but natural doesn’t mean harmless. Always dilute it, keep it to about 1–2 teaspoons a day, and protect your teeth. If you’re trying to lose weight, the most reliable changes are still cutting back on sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, eating more vegetables and protein, moving daily and sleeping well. If you take any regular medication, please check with your doctor before making ACV a daily habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink apple cider vinegar every day?
For most healthy adults, 1–2 teaspoons diluted in a glass of water once a day is considered safe. Don’t drink it undiluted.
Is it better hot or cold?
Either works. Warm is cozy in winter; cold over ice is refreshing in summer. Just never use boiling water with honey.
Can I drink it before bed?
If you get heartburn, avoid acidic drinks right before lying down. See our warm bedtime drink for an evening version.
More Easy Drinks
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you have it ready tomorrow morning!