Simple 3-ingredient ginger shots recipe can help boost wellness this winter
These zesty little drinks are "quick and easy to make" and can give you a boost of energy when you need it most
Rising from bed in the morning can feel like an uphill battle, particularly during the colder months when not even a steaming mug of coffee can lure you from beneath the duvet. Whilst countless individuals turn to caffeinated drinks for an energy kick, a tiny, zingy beverage might work even better.
Homemade ginger shots could offer brilliant protection this winter against nasty bugs and viruses, whilst also making those dreaded early mornings somewhat more bearable. According to John Hopkins Medicine, gingerol, a naturally occurring compound found in ginger root, aids gastrointestinal motility – the speed at which food leaves the stomach and moves through the digestive system.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay acknowledges it can be chopped and steeped in hot water for root ginger tea, yet a ginger shot proves far more invigorating first thing, reports Lancs Live.
The Gordon Ramsay Academy describes these miniature beverages as "quick and easy to make".
The academy explains: "We love a ginger shot to wake us up in the morning, and they're quick and easy to make! Chef Vanessa has shared her favourite homemade ginger juice recipe, sweetened with a splash of apple and lemon.
"To add your own twist, try with turmeric, lime, or even chilli if you're feeling brave."
For the shot, you'll require a substantial chunk of ginger, an apple, plus the zest and juice of one lemon,.
Begin by dicing the ginger and apple into tiny chunks – Vanessa suggests there's no requirement to peel them beforehand. To whip up the revitalising ginger shot, begin by popping the ingredients into a blender alongside the zest and juice of a lemon, then blitz them together.
The consistency might be somewhat thick, so don't hesitate to splash in a touch of water to loosen it up if needed.
Then, place a muslin cloth or tea towel over a clean jug, tip the mixture through, and wring out every last drop of juice before transferring it into a glass to enjoy immediately.
If you're not consuming it right away, pop it in the fridge; it'll stay fresh for up to five days – just remember to "Just give it a good shake each time," as cookery expert Vanessa recommends.
For an energising variation, add some grated turmeric and a dash of black pepper – they bring their own additional health advantages.
Ginger is the star player in this blend with its potent compounds such as gingerols and shogaols that deliver a range of health benefits.
Whilst ginger shots have gained popularity in recent times, the application of ginger as a treatment stretches back hundreds of years.
Meanwhile, there's apple juice, a delicious component packed with vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fibre.
Lemon is another essential element, loaded with vitamin C itself, which bolsters immune function and helps ward off illness.