It’s officially cold outside, which means it’s health shot season.
Store-bought shots are good, but homemade is always better. It’s fresher, cheaper and with no added sugar. We make a batch every Sunday and have one each morning before coffee. They take five minutes to make, last most of the week, and are an easy way to give your immune system a little extra support this season.
Here are the four we’re making on repeat this fall.
Why a shot
A health shot is a small drink, about 60 ml, made with fresh ingredients like ginger, citrus and turmeric. It’s strong, so you drink it in one go.
It’s not a cure for anything. Sleep, good food and water still do most of the work. But it’s a simple habit to start the day with, and simple habits are the ones that stick.
The recipes
Each recipe makes 4 to 5 shots. All you need is a blender and a fine sieve.
The Classic: ginger, lemon and honey
The easiest one to start with. Spicy and fresh.
- 100 g fresh ginger, roughly chopped
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 120 ml water
Blend the ginger with the water until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing out every drop, then stir in the lemon juice and honey.
Why it’s good: Ginger is known for settling the stomach and warming you up from the inside. Lemon adds vitamin C, and honey soothes a scratchy throat.
The Golden: turmeric, orange and black pepper
A little milder, with a sweet orange taste.
- 50 g fresh turmeric root (or 2 tsp ground turmeric)
- 20 g fresh ginger
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- A pinch of black pepper
- 80 ml water
Blend the turmeric and ginger with the water, then strain. Stir in the citrus juice and black pepper, which helps the body make use of the turmeric. Be careful with the turmeric, it stains easily, so wipe your surfaces as you go.
Why it’s good: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is widely studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Orange and lemon add a good dose of vitamin C.
The Ruby: beetroot, pomegranate and ginger
Earthy and slightly sweet. Also the prettiest colour.
- 1 small raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
- 120 ml pure pomegranate juice
- 15 g fresh ginger
- 1 lemon, juiced
Blend the beetroot, ginger and pomegranate juice until completely smooth. Strain, then stir in the lemon juice.
Why it’s good: Beetroot is rich in natural nitrates, which support healthy blood flow. Pomegranate is full of antioxidants, and the ginger adds a little warmth.
The Ember: apple cider vinegar, cayenne and lemon
Strong and tangy. Make this one fresh, one shot at a time.
- 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tsp raw honey
- A small pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp warm water
Stir everything together until the honey dissolves. Always dilute the vinegar, and follow it with a glass of water to be kind to your teeth.
Why it’s good: Apple cider vinegar is often taken to support digestion. Cayenne gets its heat from capsaicin, which can help clear a stuffy nose, and lemon adds vitamin C.
How we keep it going
Keep the shots in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge for up to 4 days, and shake before pouring. You can also freeze them in an ice cube tray and thaw one overnight.
A few things that help:
- Make a batch on Sunday so you’re set for the week.
- Pour it into a small glass. It just feels nicer.
- Have it at the same time every morning.
- Drink a glass of water after.
If you’re pregnant, on medication or have a sensitive stomach, check with your doctor first.
Small habits, every day
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just five minutes in the kitchen on a Sunday.
Start with one recipe this week and see how you like it. Stay warm.
