Getting up and going in the morning can be a struggle, particularly during winter when even a hot cup of coffee can’t tempt you out of bed.
While many people reach for caffeinated beverages to boost their energy levels, a small, zesty drink could prove more effective.
Home-made ginger shots could give you a great fighting chance this winter against viruses and bugs, plus make those early starts a little bit easier.
Ginger is not just a strong flavour. Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process, claims John Hopkins Medicine.
Chef Gordon Ramsay agrees that it can be cut up and steeped in boiling water to make root ginger tea, but a ginger shot is much more revitalising of a morning.
According to the Gordon Ramsay Academy, these mini drinks are “quick and easy to make”.
The academy states: “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.”
To prepare the shot, you’ll need a large piece of ginger, an apple, and the zest and juice of one lemon.
Start by chopping the ginger and apple into small pieces – there’s no need to peel them first, advises Vanessa.
Add the ingredients to a blender with the lemon zest and juice then blitz together. The mixture can be quite thick so you may need to add a splash of water to loosen it.
Now take a muslin or tea towel and pour the mixture into it the cloth set over a clean jug. Gently squeeze out all the liquid then transfer it into a glass to be enjoyed immediately.
Alternatively, the ginger shot will last in the fridge for up to five days. “Just give it a good shake each time,” Vanessa suggests.
She also recommends adding a little grated turmeric and cracked black pepper for an extra kick – each have their own added benefits.
Ginger is the star of the show in these health shots and the natural root contains bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols that are thought to benefit our health in a number of ways.
The rise of the ginger shot may be a recent trend but ginger itself has been used to treat ailments since ancient times.
As for apple juice, the fruit is packed with vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and fibre. Lemon, another key component, is also a rich source of vitamin C, bolstering the immune system and helping the body ward off illnesses.
