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These simple lemon, ginger, honey, and cayenne immunity shots are part of a wonderful immune booster juice to start the day right during cold and flu season (or any time of the year!)
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.
Lemon, Ginger and Cayenne Shots
Ingredients
- 16 oz ginger root to yield about 12 fl oz/350 ml juice
- 6 lemons to yield about 12 fl oz/350 ml juice - may need more or less, depending on size
- 1 tsp honey or agave/maple
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and scrub the ginger root; no need to peel it, just cut into small pieces that can pass through the juicer.
- Juice the ginger.
- Measure the yield of ginger juice and juice the lemons accordingly. You can remove the skin and white rind before juicing, or juice the lemon as usual and aim for a 1:1 ratio with the ginger juice.
- Mix the ginger and lemon juice.
- Add the cayenne pepper and honey (or agave/maple) and stir well to thoroughly combine.
- Divide the mixture into shot-sized portions (60ml) and refrigerate. Remember, the cayenne pepper may settle at the bottom, so shake the shot container before drinking.
- Alternatively, freeze the lemon ginger shots into ice cubes and add them to juices and smoothies as needed.
Video
Notes
- I always make a large batch, 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. Simple juice your ginger first to see how much it yields and then add the correct amount of lemon juice, accordingly.
- The nutrients and health benefits will be at their most potent when the juice is fresh. I usually freeze my leftovers, to preserve nutrients. However, you can also store the juice in the fridge for a week.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I know some of the recipes and shots I’ve had include coconut water. How much would you recommend I add to dilute a bit and minimize the spicy kick somewhat?
Hi Adriana,
You can use as much coconut water as you’d like – you can either dilute 1 shot in a glass of coconut water (or fresh juice) or you can do more of a 50-50 ratio, just enough to minimize the spicy kick. I hope this helps.
Hi, am told the skin of the lime contains nutrients and can be juiced. So should we remove the skin as per your suggestion?
I just took my first shot, got to have another it was so good! Thank you for tips, followed recipe exactly (and tagged you on Instagram story of shot taking merriment!). 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Angie. Glad you tried and liked these ginger shots 🙂
This was so easy to make and so refreshing. I took 4 shots and I still want more. Thank u❤️❤️❤️
I was wondering what kind of juicer do you recommend?
Hi Dana,
Slow juicers are said to preserve the nutrients better so I usually use an Omega slow juicer. But you can make these shots with any juicer or even a blender. If you’d like to check the exact model I use, it’s linked on the Shop page here on the blog.
How long will the shots last in ice cube form? I would love to make in bulk!
Hi Courtney,
You can freeze the shots for at least 3 months. It’s best to keep the frozen cubes in a freezer-safe air-tight container to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the juice in your ice cube trays for a couple of days, until solid, and then move to a closed container. I hope this helps.
What brand of juicer? Where to buy?
Hi Christina,
The juicer is from Omega. There is a link for the exact model on the Shop page on the blog. Hope this helps.
I read the ingredients and not the recipe. I don’t have a juicer. Can I still make this? Help!
Hi Kimmer,
You can use ground ginger instead of the ginger juice and then mix it together with the other ingredients.
Alternatively, if you have a blender, you can use the ingredients from this recipe and the method described here: https://www.alphafoodie.com/turmeric-ginger-energy-shots/
I hope this helps.
Good morning, I was so excited to find your recipe as we were spending so much money on shots. I just made a batch last night and was wondering what I might have done wrong. The shot is so spicy we can hardly drink (and we like spicy stuff)……is that how it is supposed to be? Our second try we added to a small amount of orange juice but still almost unbearable. I know ginger is spicy but the shots we purchase are not like this so I’m thinking I must have done something wrong…….suggestions please!! 🙂
Hi Debbie,
The shots are a bit spicy indeed. I always cringe a little when drinking them 🙂
I can suggest adding a bit less ginger or a bit less cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can dilute the shots in a cup of fruit juice (apple, orange, etc) or maybe in smoothies.
I’ve noticed a lot of brands add apple juice to the ginger shots (up to 75%!) which dilutes the ginger-lemon juice and sweetens it a lot as well – that’s why they taste so different.
I hope this helps.
Exactly the same as the shots bought at sprouts for $4.33 a shot. Definitely going to start making and freezing.
Hi Khawlah,
So glad you’ve decided to make the Immunity Shots. I do the same – make a big batch and freeze them. And they do taste the same (if not even better) than store-bought 😉
The bomb, love the effect!!!
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for your comment. Glad you loved the recipe and hoping you give some other ones a try too 🙂
Where did you get your juicer?
Hi Freddy, I got mine online. I have added a link to it to my shop page.
Where can I find your shop page? I am also wanting the juicer for this recipe.
Hi Sandra,
I’ve added the links to tools I use on my shop page here: https://www.alphafoodie.com/shop/
I hope you try this recipe and like it. 🙂
Tried and it was head on to what I was paying 8 dollars a shot at my local juicery
Hi Theresa, thank you so much for letting me know. So glad you liked it. There are also Turmeric shots (https://www.alphafoodie.com/ginger-turmeric-immune-boosting-energy-shots-juicer-recipe) and beetroot shots (https://www.alphafoodie.com/beetroot-ginger-juice) if you like other flavours :).
Hi
I want to make apple lemon ginger shot, how much should I put of each in my shot ? Like the amount of each of them? And how long can i keep them in my fridge? Not freezer. How long are they staying good if keeping them in the fridge. Thank you so much.
Hi Gigi,
For the ginger lemon shots, the ratio is 1:1 (e.g 100 ml ginger juice + 100 ml lemon juice). If you want to add apple, you can keep the ratio to 1:1:1 (e.g. 100 ml of each: ginger, lemon, and apple juice) – then just mix the 3 fresh juices.
The mix with apple juice can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days. The lemon ginger shots alone can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. I hope this helps.
Your juicer looks small and compact–would you recommend it?
What model is it?
Hi Julie,
I am very happy with the juicer I use. It is from Omega and I have a link for the exact model on my Shop page on the blog. Hope this helps.