These little shots will support your immune system and add some flavorful zip to your day.
Reviewed by Dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT
Key Points
- Immunity shots are a popular supplement made from whole produce, spices and herbs.
- Katie Couric’s ginger-turmeric shots are loaded with immune-supporting nutrients.
- We also have a treasure trove of immunity and wellness shot recipes for you to try.
When cold and flu season arrive, we all do our best to stay ahead of the sniffles. Whether it’s sticking to a solid sleep schedule, sipping on comforting chicken noodle soup or keeping hand sanitizer within arm’s reach, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. If you’re searching for a bright and flavorful way to support your immune system this season, Katie Couric has you covered with her ginger-turmeric shots. Packed with citrus, spice and a whole lot of goodness, these shots are perfect for giving your wellness routine a little boost of nutrients and flavor.
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Why They’re Good for You
Ginger and turmeric have been celebrated for their health-boosting properties for centuries—and for good reason. Ginger may be best known for soothing an upset stomach, but its benefits go much further. Ginger contains gingerol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lower inflammation and increased antioxidants support the immune system. There is also enough evidence of ginger’s effectiveness for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis for the Arthritis Foundation to recommend ginger capsules as a supplement for these conditions.
Not to be outdone, vibrant yellow turmeric boasts curcumin, an active compound that may also support a healthier immune system by reducing inflammation. Like ginger, turmeric has been associated with less joint inflammation and pain. It’s also been linked with supporting heart, brain and gut health.
While they shine on their own, together, ginger and turmeric create a powerhouse pairing with complementary and compounding benefits thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re considering using ginger or turmeric supplements, discuss it with a medical professional first. Caution should be used for certain conditions, especially if you’re taking a blood thinner, are pregnant, have low blood sugar, low blood pressure, or gallbladder or kidney stones.
How to Make Them
Couric’s recipe is as simple as it is effective, using just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to re-create her shots:
- 2 lemons
- 4 small oranges
- 1 large piece of ginger
- A couple knobs of turmeric
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- Water
To start, Couric peels the lemons and oranges, cuts them into quarters and removes any excess pith or skins before adding them to a blender. While she says limes could work in a pinch, she opts for lemons for their bright tanginess. That citrus brings big flavor and nutritious benefits to the shots as well—both lemons and oranges are a great source of antioxidants and offer plenty of vitamin C.
Next, she preps the ginger, using a spoon to peel it, an ingenious tip she credits to her friend Joel Gamoran that makes peeling a breeze—and is the method our test kitchen always opts for. Once peeled, Couric slices the ginger and adds it to the blender along with a couple knobs of turmeric, using the same spoon method to peel it. A rough chop is enough to prep the turmeric and ginger, as the blender will do most of the heavy lifting for you.
To add some kick, Couric sprinkles in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of black pepper, which can help make turmeric more effective. The piperine in black pepper helps the body more effectively absorb and use turmeric’s curcumin. Piperine’s benefits go even further, though, since it’s also associated with healthier cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lower inflammation and better digestion.
For a touch of sweetness, Couric adds a tablespoon of maple syrup and finishes out by adding water to help the ingredients blend smoothly. After blending the mixture into a vibrant, golden liquid, Katie strains it through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer, ensuring the shots are perfectly smooth. Don’t be surprised if this step takes time—between the lemon seeds, bits of ginger and flecks of turmeric, it may take a while to let the mixture seep through your strainer of choice.
Once you’re all set, just pour the shots into your favorite small containers and store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
The Bottom Line
As you embrace the coziness of the winter season, incorporating simple immune-supporting practices, like Couric’s ginger-turmeric shots, can help keep you healthy and ready to enjoy a winter full of wellness and warmth. If you’re inspired by the idea of ginger-turmeric shots, we’ve got even more recipes to try. Make our Turmeric & Ginger Shots or for a touch more color and flavor, try our Ginger-Turmeric-Carrot Shots. Our Frozen Lemon-Ginger-Turmeric Shots are great for folks who prefer to prep bunches of shots in advance, especially if you want to enjoy them hot, as a bright and cozy tea-like drink. Whether you call them superfood shots, immunity shots or wellness shots, they’re easy to customize, and each brings a unique spin to powerful combinations of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
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