After years of buying overpriced wellness shots at my local juice bar, I finally perfected this homemade Immune-Boosting Wellness Shot that's saved me money! These vibrant golden shots combine fresh ginger, turmeric, citrus, and carrots to create a powerful immune-boosting elixir that takes just 10 minutes to make.
Every morning, I down one of these zesty, spicy shots for an instant energy boost that helps me tackle the day. The best part? I can make a full week's worth for less than the price of one store-bought shot.
If you're looking to support your health in a simple, delicious way, these wellness shots are about to become your new morning ritual.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Wellness shots have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason! These potent little nutritional powerhouses pack a serious health punch in just a small serving. Here's why my homemade version will become your new morning ritual:
- Cost-Effective: Make a week's worth at home for the price of just one commercial shot.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice level, and ingredients based on your preferences and what's available seasonally.
- No Preservatives: Unlike commercial versions, these shots contain zero preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The combination of ginger and turmeric creates a powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effect.
- Quick & Simple: Takes just 10 minutes of active time to prepare a week's worth of shots.
- Morning Energy Boost: These shots provide a natural energy lift without caffeine or sugar crashes.
- Vibrant Color: The gorgeous golden-orange hue not only looks Instagram-worthy but signals the presence of beneficial carotenoids and antioxidants.
Ingredients
I've carefully selected each ingredient in these wellness shots for both their health benefits and how they work together. Ginger and turmeric are the stars here. They're powerful anti-inflammatories that help fight illness and reduce pain. The orange and lemon provide vitamin C to boost immunity, while adding natural sweetness and brightness.
Carrots add beta-carotene for eye and skin health, plus a smooth consistency. Black pepper isn't just for flavor, it actually helps your body absorb the beneficial compounds in turmeric up to 2,000% better! The olive oil helps your body absorb these nutrients, while a touch of honey balances the spicy kick.
Together, these simple ingredients create a potent, balanced shot that supports your whole body.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large orange, peeled and chopped: Provides natural sweetness and vitamin C.
- 1 lemon or lime, peeled and chopped: Adds brightness and additional vitamin C.
- 1-inch turmeric root, peeled and chopped: Delivers anti-inflammatory benefits and vibrant color.
- 2-inch ginger root, peeled and chopped: Provides warming, digestive benefits and spice.
- 1 medium carrot, chopped: Adds sweetness, beta-carotene and body to the shots.
- ½ tablespoon raw honey: Natural sweetener with antibacterial properties.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps with absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
- 1 cup filtered water: Thins the mixture to shot consistency.
- Pinch of black pepper: Enhances turmeric absorption.
Optional Boosters:
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For metabolism boost and additional heat
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: For digestive benefits and gut health
- ½-inch fresh horseradish: For sinus clearing and added punch
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves: For freshness and digestive benefits
- ¼ teaspoon spirulina powder: For added protein and nutrients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds: For omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender: A powerful blender is essential for breaking down the fibrous ginger and turmeric roots completely. We recommend at least a 600-watt blender with sharp blades. This creates a smooth texture so you get all the nutrients without the pulpy bits. A standard blender will work but may leave more fibrous pieces.
- Sharp Knife: You'll need a good chef's knife for peeling and chopping the fresh ginger, turmeric, and other ingredients. A sharper knife makes working with the knobby roots much easier.
- Cutting Board: A medium-sized cutting board provides ample space for preparing all your ingredients.
- Vegetable Peeler: Makes quick work of removing the skins from ginger and turmeric roots without wasting the precious flesh beneath.
- Measuring Spoons: For precise amounts of honey, olive oil, and black pepper.
- Measuring Cup: For accurately measuring water and ensuring consistent results.
- Fine Mesh Strainer (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture without pulp. Note that straining removes some of the beneficial fiber.
- Funnel (Optional): Helpful for transferring the mixture to storage bottles without spills.
- Glass Storage Bottles: For storing your wellness shots in the refrigerator. Small mason jars or swing-top bottles work well.
How To Make
- First, wash all your produce thoroughly, then peel the ginger, turmeric, orange, and lemon/lime. Roughly chop everything into smaller pieces to help your blender process them more easily.
- Next, add all ingredients to your blender: the chopped orange, lemon/lime, turmeric, ginger, carrot, honey, olive oil, water, and black pepper.
- Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no chunks remaining. If your blender struggles with the fibrous ingredients, you can pre-grate the ginger, turmeric, and carrot before blending.
- Pour the mixture into a glass storage bottle or divide into individual shot glasses (about 2 oz each). If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, though keeping the fiber provides maximum nutritional benefit.
- Finally, either enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use. When ready to drink, give it a quick shake as natural separation may occur, then drink it all at once like a shot, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach for best results.
Substitutions
- For fresh turmeric root: Use 1 teaspoon ground turmeric powder. While the flavor won't be as vibrant, you'll still get the anti-inflammatory benefits.
- For fresh ginger: Substitute with 1 teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch, though fresh will give you a much brighter flavor and more health benefits.
- For orange: Tangerines, clementines, or even pineapple chunks can work. You need something sweet to balance the spicy ginger.
- For lemon/lime: Any citrus will work here - try grapefruit for a different flavor profile, or use 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice if fresh isn't available.
- For carrot: Sweet potato, butternut squash, or red bell pepper all work well to add body and nutrients.
- For honey: Maple syrup or agave make these shots vegan-friendly. Date syrup or 2 soaked dates can add sweetness with extra minerals.
- For olive oil: Any healthy oil works - try avocado oil, MCT oil, or even a tablespoon of coconut oil.
- For black pepper: This is important for turmeric absorption, but cayenne pepper can add a similar kick with circulation-boosting benefits.
Pro Tips
- Use Organic Ingredients: Since you're concentrating the ingredients, using organic produce reduces potential pesticide exposure.
- Grating Technique: If your blender isn't powerful enough, pre-grate the ginger, turmeric, and carrot with a microplane or fine grater before blending.
- Temperature Matters: Room temperature citrus yields significantly more juice than cold fruit. Leave your orange and lemon/lime out for 30 minutes before preparing, or microwave for 10 seconds.
- Flavor Balance: If your shots taste too spicy or intense, add more orange or a touch more honey. If they're too sweet, add more lemon or ginger.
- Prep In Batches: Double or triple the recipe and freeze portions in ice cube trays. Pop out a cube each morning and let thaw for a quick wellness shot.
- Turmeric Stains: Be aware that turmeric can stain countertops, clothing, and plastic containers. Use glass storage and clean surfaces promptly.
FAQ
For maximum absorption and benefit, take wellness shots first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This allows your body to absorb the nutrients more efficiently. If you find the intensity too much on an empty stomach, have a small piece of toast first.
While these shots are packed with beneficial ingredients, moderation is key. One shot daily is sufficient for most people. During times of illness or increased stress, you might benefit from a second shot later in the day, but always listen to your body.
Yes! Pre-grate the harder ingredients (ginger, turmeric, carrot) using a fine grater or food processor, then blend with the remaining ingredients. You may need to strain the final product more thoroughly.
Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before adding concentrated wellness shots to their diet. While the ingredients are natural, ginger and turmeric in concentrated amounts may not be recommended for all pregnant women.
Peeling is recommended as the skin can be bitter and may contain soil residue. However, if using organic produce and you've cleaned thoroughly, you can leave thin skins on to preserve nutrients located just beneath the skin.
These shots may be too intense for young children. For kids, consider diluting with more orange juice and reducing the ginger and black pepper. Always introduce new foods in small amounts.
This is completely normal due to the natural fiber content. Simply shake well before consuming.
While possible, protein powder may alter the flavor and texture. If you wish to add protein, consider unflavored collagen peptides which dissolve well without changing the taste significantly.
While no single food or drink is a miracle cure, research supports the anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties of the ingredients in these shots. Consistency is key. Regular consumption over time yields the most noticeable benefits.
Yes, use 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric in place of 1-inch fresh turmeric root. Note that fresh turmeric typically has a brighter, more complex flavor profile.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Ultimate Immune-Boosting Wellness Shots
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large orange peeled and chopped: Provides natural sweetness and vitamin C.
- 1 lemon or lime peeled and chopped: Adds brightness and additional vitamin C.
- 1- inch turmeric root peeled and chopped: Delivers anti-inflammatory benefits and vibrant color.
- 2- inch ginger root peeled and chopped: Provides warming, digestive benefits and spice.
- 1 medium carrot chopped: Adds sweetness, beta-carotene and body to the shots.
- ½ tablespoon raw honey: Natural sweetener with antibacterial properties.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps with absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
- 1 cup filtered water: Thins the mixture to shot consistency.
- Pinch of black pepper: Enhances turmeric absorption.
Optional Boosters:
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For metabolism boost and additional heat
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: For digestive benefits and gut health
- ½- inch fresh horseradish: For sinus clearing and added punch
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves: For freshness and digestive benefits
- ¼ teaspoon spirulina powder: For added protein and nutrients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds: For omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
Instructions
- First, wash all your produce thoroughly, then peel the ginger, turmeric, orange, and lemon/lime. Roughly chop everything into smaller pieces to help your blender process them more easily.
- Next, add all ingredients to your blender: the chopped orange, lemon/lime, turmeric, ginger, carrot, honey, olive oil, water, and black pepper.
- Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no chunks remaining. If your blender struggles with the fibrous ingredients, you can pre-grate the ginger, turmeric, and carrot before blending.
- Pour the mixture into a glass storage bottle or divide into individual shot glasses (about 2 oz each). If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, though keeping the fiber provides maximum nutritional benefit.
- Finally, either enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use. When ready to drink, give it a quick shake as natural separation may occur, then drink it all at once like a shot, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach for best results.
Comments
No Comments