5 Minute Homemade Immunity Shots, Ginger Citrus

These homemade immunity shots are my go-to when I want to do everything I can to stay well! They use simple ingredients, are less expensive than buying them out, and it only takes 5 minutes to make a whole batch for the week. Plus, they're delicious so I actually look forward to drinking them. 😊 You don't need a juicer for this recipe, just a blender and fine mesh strainer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: "This recipe is delicious! It reminds me of the Suja shots. I am making it a second time already to boost my immune system. Thank you for the recipe & breakdown of why each ingredient is beneficial." -Susan

As a registered dietitian, I always encourage people to include fresh ingredients high in powerful nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants to support their immune systems. And these little immunity shots pack a nutritional punch! Many of the ingredients also help with gut & digestive health and overall wellness. A double bonus since 70% of your immune system is in your gut! While there isn't a single food that will boost immunity, the ingredients in this recipe have been proven to support immune health. I personally like to whip up a batch of this immune booster shot recipe to stay well during cold and flu season.

If you're looking for a great way to support your immune system with something sweeter, make an Apple Cucumber Smoothie. It's tastier than many vegetable juices and has similar nutritional benefits.

Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

This homemade immunity shot recipe is made with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Below are some notes. Check the recipe card at the bottom for the measurements.

• Fresh Lemon Juice -  lemon provides a nice dose of ascorbic acid.
• Orange Juice  - Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges are full of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that your body can't make on its own, which means that you have to get it from your diet. Plus, it is an antioxidant that helps to fight off free radicals in the body, which supports overall health. And while vitamin C isn't necessarily the key to preventing or treating a common cold or sore throat, it's important to make sure you are getting enough because deficiencies can decrease your immunity. 
• Raw, Local Honey - honey has a multitude of health benefits and has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Using local honey is your best bet for immunity against allergens in your area, but any honey will do. I love finding honey at the farmer's market or a local grocery store!
• Fresh Ginger Root or Ground Ginger - ginger is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. The main compound in ginger that has medicinal properties is called gingerol. It's a phenolic compound in the oil of ginger that gives it that distinct spicy ginger flavor and is where many of the health benefits of ginger come from. Ginger also has antimicrobial properties, and studies have shown it may be protective against certain bacteria and fungi.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - use raw, unfiltered "from the mother" apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed apples when the sugar is fermented. Technically, ACV isn't a probiotic, but since it is made from fermented apples, it is considered a probiotic food since probiotic foods are food items that have been fermented. Essentially, this means that while ACV may have probiotic benefits, it should be part of a diet high in other foods containing probiotics, which are important for a healthy gut microbiome. 
• Ground turmeric - ground turmeric is made from turmeric root and is an orange powder used in many curries and soups. It's also used in beverages like turmeric tea and golden milk. It's a close relative of ginger root and has been used for hundreds of years, both in recipes and for medicinal purposes in some countries. The active ingredient in turmeric is a polyphenol called curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Read more about the benefits of turmeric. 
• Cinnamon - for a bit of sweetness.
• Black pepper - there is a substance in black pepper, piperine, which can help your body's absorption of turmeric. When combined with turmeric, piperine has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%. 
• Cayenne Pepper - a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a kick of spice!
• Water or Coconut Water - a half cup water is an easy way to dilute the strong flavor a bit.

Optional ingredients: 

• Fresh Garlic Clove: if you want to kick it up a notch, add a clove of garlic to this basic ginger shot. Garlic contains a compound called allium sativum. When garlic is crushed, sliced, or chewed, the allium turns to an active compound called allicin, which has been shown to enhance the functioning of the immune system. Allicin activates some of your immune cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes. 
• Fresh Lime Juice - if you love citrus, and the lemon and orange just aren't enough, add some fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, or pomegranate juice.

How to Make a Homemade Immunity Shot

Below are the instructions for how to make this recipe with photos that I hope are helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.

Hint: you can also drink this like a hot tea by adding warm water.

Video of How to Make Homemade Immunity Shots 

Here's a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card below for the full recipe.

Dietitian Tip

No single food or recipe will give you superhuman immunity, not even these immunity-boosting shots. But eating a well-balanced diet high in nutrient-rich foods like the ones in this recipe can help support a healthy immune system! I enjoy these wellness shots any time of year, but especially in winter months. It's also important to get enough sleep, get enough vitamin D, stay hydrated, manage stress, and move your body!

Storage for Immunity Booster Shot

• Refrigerator - store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. 
• Freezer - freeze these immunity booster shots in an ice cube tray for up to 1 month. When you're ready to drink it, either let it thaw in the fridge or put it in a glass and pour hot water over it to enjoy as an immunity tea.
• Grab some juice shot bottles here!

Expert Tips for Homemade Immunity Shots

• If possible, use fresh fruit juice and fresh ginger root. Bottled lemon juice doesn't taste as good as fresh!
• Be sure that the Apple Cider Vinegar you use says  "from the mother".
• It's normal for the spices to sink to the bottom of the glass. Redistribute by stirring it.

FAQ

Related

Looking for more dietitian recipes like this? Try these!

Want to Learn More About Nutrition?

Here are some educational articles from a dietitian that you may enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love. 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian

📖 Recipe

References: Mayo Clinic, Hopkins Medicine, Healthline, Journal of Immunology Research, Nutrients, Mind Body Green, Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology Journal, Textbook of Natural Medicine, Pharmacognosy Research, Journal of Dairy Science