Starting to feel a tickle in the back of your throat? Or do you have a big event coming up that you need to be in optimum health for? This ginger shot recipe is full of immune boosting ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and oranges. Throw back one of these any time you need a little boost of the immune system.
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What are wellness shots?
Wellness shots, also known as immunity shots and or ginger turmeric shots, have become so popular at juice bars that you can now find them in the grocery store. It seems that this new trend is here to stay.
These shots are super concentrated with fresh juice from ginger and turmeric, as well as orange juice and lemon juice. All of these ingredients combine to make these healthy shots superfood powerhouses that quickly boost immunity and provide loads of antioxidants. You can use them to start your day or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Store-bought options can be pricey, so instead, make these easy homemade ginger shots. All you need are a few simple ingredients. Plus, you don't even need a juicer. I'll show you both ways to make these shots affordable!
Benefits of ginger shots
Contrary to the name, there's no alcohol in these shots. These are purely for health and wellness! Unlike other fresh juices, these shots are meant to be taken quickly rather than sipped on and enjoyed. These pack a spicy kick, so you'll want to throw one back in one gulp and let it start working its magic.
The potential health benefits make these immune booster shots a no-brainer. Here are several reasons to have these ginger wellness shots in your arsenal:
- Boosts immunity: Ginger is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help boost your immune system. It can help fight off infections and reduce inflammation in the body. The high antioxidant properties are key for flu season.
- Aids digestion: Ginger has been used for centuries to aid the digestive system for upset stomach and reduce nausea. It can help stimulate saliva production, which helps break down food, and it can also help reduce bloating and gas. Studies suggest that taking ginger is effective for relieving nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy. In short, if you have digestive issues, ginger will be your best friend.
- Reduces pain: Ginger has been found to be effective in reducing pain associate with arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle soreness. The compound Gingerol acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Studies show that taking ginger supplements can reduce muscle pain caused by exercise.
- Improves heart health: Ginger has been found to lower cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lowers blood sugar levels: Ginger may help lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who took ginger supplements had lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who didn't take them.
- Detoxifies the body: Ginger is a natural diuretic that helps flush out toxins from the body by improving liver function.
Key ingredients
Just 7 simple ingredients are needed to make these immunity shots:
Fresh ginger root: The root of the ginger plant, it has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma. It can taste almost spicy when eaten raw. If you can't find fresh ginger you can also use ginger powder. The powder has a more subtle, earthy flavor.
Turmeric root: The root of the Curcuma longa plant, it has a warm, bitter taste and is commonly used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. It has also been used a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine with healthy benefits including anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, and the ability to help improve brain function.
Lemons: Fresh lemon juice not only adds a refreshing zingy flavor to this ginger shot recipe, but it also has many healthy benefits including being a source of vitamin C, aiding digestion, and helping to reduce inflammation.
Oranges: The sweetness helps to balance out the spicy flavors in this ginger shot recipe. Not only does make it more enjoyable, but also provides some extra nutrients.
Agave syrup: Purely to help counteract the spicy, tangy flavors of the other ingredients, agave adds a nice palatable sweetness. You can also use maple syrup if you can't find agave syrup. Just make sure it's pure maple syrup.
Black pepper: Optional, but highly recommended, black pepper makes the nutrients in turmeric more bioavailable and easier for our bodies to absorb.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy flavor but it's much more than just an ingredient to up the heat. The capsaicin in cayenne has anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost metabolism and improve digestion.
How to make this ginger shot recipe
Here's how to make your own ginger shots at home with either a blender or a juicer. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
The first thing is to prepare the produce. Thoroughly wash the ginger and turmeric root and scrub to remove any dirt. Peel the turmeric using a knife or the back of a spoon. Peel the lemons and orange. You can leave the ginger unpeeled.
With a blender
- Add the orange, lemon, ginger, turmeric, agave syrup, cayenne and black pepper to the pitcher of your high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the ginger shots through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer over a large bowl to separate the solids from the liquid. For the nut milk bag, squeeze gently the bag to release the juice. For the strainer, use the back of a spoon to press on the pulp to extract the juice.
With a juicer
- One at a time, add the ginger root, turmeric root, orange, lemon to the juicer to extract the juice from the pulp (use the leftover pulp in your curries, soups and stews.)
- Stir in the agave, cayenne and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Enjoy immediately or transfer to clean airtight containers.
Tips
- For kids, add an apple to the juice to sweeten it and make it less spicy. Peel and core the apple, then toss it into your blender or juicer along with the rest of the ingredients.
- To reap the maximum benefits, enjoy one ginger shot a day on an empty stomach. Avoid having more than one serving a day as the acidity from the citrus can lead to heartburn.
How to store
Store up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer the lemon ginger shot ice cubes to a freezer-safe container.
You can thaw in the freezer overnight before consuming, or pop them into the blender when making a smoothie for a boost of nutrients.
Frequently asked questions
They have many potential health benefits thanks to the healthy and fresh ingredients. They're also low in calories and high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Ginger shots are low in calories so they easily fit into most diets, including those looking to lose weight. It's important to note that ginger shots alone will not aid in weight loss but can be a part of a healthy diet to lose weight. For more information, see our weight loss guide.
More healthy juice recipes
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📖 Recipe
Ginger Shot Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ginger root
- 1 ounce turmeric root, about 1 inch long, or 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 lemons
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- pinch of black pepper, optional
Instructions
- Prep the produce. Thoroughly wash the ginger and turmeric root and scrub to remove any dirt. Peel the turmeric using a knife or the back of a spoon. Peel the lemons and orange.
By Blender:
- By blender, add the orange, lemon, ginger, turmeric, agave syrup and cayenne pepper to the pitcher of your high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth.¼ cup ginger root, 1 ounce turmeric root, 2 lemons, 1 orange, 2 tablespoons agave syrup, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, pinch of black pepper
- Using a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, add the ginger shots to separate the solids from the liquid. For the nut milk bag, squeeze gently to release the juice. For the strainer, use the back of a spoon to press on the pulp and push the juice out.
- Enjoy immediately or transfer to clean airtight containers.
By Juicer:
- By juicer, one at a time, add the ginger root, turmeric root, lemons, and orange.¼ cup ginger root, 1 ounce turmeric root, 2 lemons, 1 orange
- Stir in the agave, cayenne and black pepper.2 tablespoons agave syrup
- Enjoy immediately or transfer to clean airtight containers.
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