As someone who’s really interested in the health benefits of the food I’m eating, I love the saying ‘you are what you eat’. Especially during the flu season, it is even more important to help build our immune system with sleep, cleanliness, and lots of fruits and veggies, and healthy recipes like these ginger immunity shots that pack a spicy kick. This lemon ginger cayenne shot is a wonderful combination of ingredients that work together for a variety of health benefits and as an immune booster when it’s most needed. It can help fight off viruses, boost your energy levels and metabolism, and packs a powerful punch of flavor!
I’m already a massive fan of healthful ‘shots’ to keep my body running like clockwork. I’ve been making Ginger and Turmeric shots for over a year and genuinely attribute these to keeping me going during times when I could easily burn out. However, I also like to experiment and couldn’t wait to try a new combination. Recently I actually posted a recipe for a Green Detox Celery Green Juice and I’m finding that adding fresh immunity boosting juices to my diet is something I really enjoy and this recipe is one I’d been wanting to try for a while.
Unlike with general juice recipes, daily shots are there to work quickly, almost like a magical elixir – which means the flavor is often intense (but only lasts a minute). This particular ginger shot recipe actually contains cayenne pepper which packs a pow of heat. You can definitely feel it going down – but since it’s so effective I’ve learned to knock them back like a pro.
The Ingredient Health Benefits
Ginger
Fresh ginger is something that is always in abundance at my apartment. I’ve already harped on and on about the benefits of ginger in my other ginger shot recipes so I’ll keep things super brief here. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is known to improve brain functions, heart health, and even lower blood sugar levels. It’s also used to treat a variety of digestive ailments and helps fight colds and the flu.
Lemon
Not only is lemon brilliant for your immune system, due to its high Vitamin C content, but it also contains antioxidants that work to detox and cleanse the digestive system and liver. Lemon juice can even work to balance out your body’s pH level, with alkaline properties. Plus lemon also has antibacterial and antiviral properties – so that’s a win-win. You can read more of the health benefits of lemon here.
Honey
Whether using raw honey or general honey, this ingredient contains a ton of health benefits Not only is honey delicious but it also contains antibacterial/antiviral and antioxidant properties, that help to boost immunity, fight infection and improve the digestive system as a natural cleanser. Natural is also a wonderful ingredient that can both improve the quality of sleep while also being a natural energy booster. Because of the natural sugars within honey, you can get an immediate energy boost that is sustained for longer. It’s also better at controlling blood sugar levels than other sugars. If you want to use raw honey, that’s no problem. In fact, raw honey contains even more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that the usual ‘processing’ can destroy. You can read more about the top health benefits of raw honey here. Note* You can swap out the honey for age nectar if you can’t/don’t consume honey – although there are no major health benefits associated with agave nectar. Maple syrup is another option that boasts a few health benefits.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper not only packs a powerful hit of flavor but also boasts a wonderful list of health benefits. Not only can cayenne pepper reduce inflammation and aid various ailments including coughs and an upset stomach, but it is also an antioxidant – fighting harmful free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to our cells. Cayenne pepper also aids healthy circulation in our bodies – perfect for those who suffer from any circulatory issues. Many people also use cayenne pepper when interested in weight management too, as it not only reduces hunger but can also boost your metabolism. And honestly, that is just the tip of the iceberg and the reason why I happily add a pinch of cayenne to lots of my meals.
If you want to read more evidence-based health benefits of cayenne pepper then check out this article on HealthLine.
How To Make The Ginger Shots
Needed
Ginger, lemon, honey (or agave/maple), cayenne pepper.
A few Notes on the Recipe
I always make a large batch of immunity shots, so that I can flash freeze it and thaw, as needed. Feel free to scale yours, to make smaller amounts. Ideally, the ratio of ginger juice to lemon juice should be 1:1. Simply juice your ginger first to see how much it yields and then add the correct amount of lemon juice, accordingly.
The Ginger Shots How-To
Start by rinsing and scrubbing the ginger root. There’s need to peel it, just cut it into small enough piece so they can pass through the juicer. Then, begin by juicing the ginger.
Once the ginger is juiced, check your yield amount and Juice the lemons accordingly. You can pass it through the juicer if you remove the skin and white rind. Alternatively, juice the lemon as you would usually and measure a 1:1 ratio with the ginger juice. Mix the ginger and lemon juice together. Add the cayenne pepper and the honey (or agave/maple) and stir well, to thoroughly combine.
Separate into shot-sized portions (60ml) and keep refrigerated. The cayenne pepper will sink to the bottom – so make sure to shake the shot container before drinking. You can also freeze the immunity shots into ice cubes and add to juices and smoothies when needed.
Other Recipes You May Like
If other juice recipes are what you’re looking for, then you might like this green juice recipe with celery or even these Ginger Turmeric Immune-Boosting Energy Shots (juicer recipe). You might also like this Beetroot Ginger Juice. If you try this recipe, then I’d appreciate a rating and your thoughts in the comments below. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @Alphafoodie.
