Turmeric Shots (powdered or fresh) (2024)

Make potent homemade turmeric shots inexpensively at home in two ways, with either fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder. These 3-ingredient immune-boosting wellness shots have orange juice for flavor and pepper for power and are easy to make in a blender, juicer or a jar.

Turmeric shots are potent concentrated small drinks made in a blender, about 3-4 ounces, that boost the immune system, fight disease by reducing inflammation, and improve gut health. I make them using either fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder.

You can buy the turmeric shots from grocery stores, including brands such as Kor and Vive. They come in various flavors and target various nutritional benefits but cost a pricey $3-$4 each. Like my ginger shots and wellness shots, my homemade turmeric shots cost well under a dollar to make so homemade shots are far more budget friendly.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric shots contain turmeric, an orange spice that comes from a root in the ginger family. Turmeric is an ancient spice that Indian cuisines have enjoyed for thousands of years and Ayurvedic medicine has revered for itsability to heal a myriad of conditions. In fact, turmeric has been used as a traditional medicine in some countries, including Indonesia where they call it Jamu.

Healthy potent shots, such as my collection of wellness shots and my ever popular ginger shots, have become exceptionally popular in the past few years. Turmeric shots have also become popular, as has the spice, appearing in everything from turmeric lattes to ice cream, because of its health potential.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

There is science behind turmeric's popularity. Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin which is a known antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These effects help boost immunity, clear up digestion issues, detox, improve blood circulation and more. You should note though to release curcumin from turmeric, black pepper needs to be ingested at the same time hence the black pepper in my recipe.

You can use fresh turmeric or turmeric powder in this recipe, although the health benefits using fresh are about twice as strong as when using turmeric powder.

Ingredients

Turmeric: Find fresh turmeric root in the grocery store produce section. Findturmeric powder in the spice aisle.

Black pepper: Pepper is necessary to activate the curcumin and increase its bioavailability, or rather help the body absorb more of it.

Orange juice: This potent citrus provides additional immune boosting power with vitamin C. Its acidity is useful in dissolving the turmeric and its sweetness provides flavor balance.

Coconut water: I use coconut water because it has a natural sweetness and is high in potassium, so important in boosting immunity.

See the recipe card at the bottom for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

Turmeric. Use ground turmeric or powdered turmeric, or the fresh turmeric root.

Black pepper. You can use cayenne pepper instead.

Orange juice. You can use lemon juice, carrot juice, pineapple juice or your favorite cold pressed juice.

Coconut water. You can use water instead.

Step by Step Instructions

For more detail, visit the complete and printable recipe at the bottom of this post, but here are general steps for two ways to make turmeric shots with fresh root or powdered turmeric.

1: Use Fresh Turmeric Root

Step 1: Wash turmeric root, brushing off dirt with a toothbrush. No need to peel because you'll be straining out the pulp. Chop the root into large chunks if using a blender or juicer, or push chunks through a garlic press if grating to use a jar.

Step 2. Juice the oranges. You can use fresh juice, not from concentrate if you prefer that over juicing fresh oranges. Oranges are important to offset any bitter flavor and of course oranges provide additional immune-boosting vitamin C.

See Also

Jamaican Ginger BeerGinger Milk Tea Recipe (Adrak wali Chai)Turmeric Ginger Iced TeaHow to Make Fresh Ginger Tea Properly - Oh, How Civilized

Step 3. Add ingredients to a juicer, blender or a jar.

• Using a juicer: Follow your juicer's instructions.
• Using a blender: Blend the mixture as smooth as you can. A high speed blender is best - such as Blendtec, Nutribullet or Vitamix, but a medium speed blender will also work.

Step 4. Strain the Mixture. Use a fine strainer to pour the mixture through, capturing the paper skin of the root and orange pulp. Use a rubber spatula to press on the mixture and squeegee out as much liquid as possible.

Step 5. Drink your Shot. This recipe makes 2 shots.

2: Use Turmeric Powder

This method is convenient because it means you can use an ordinary jar and not stain your blender jar.

Step 1: Add orange juice, coconut water, powdered turmeric spice and black pepper to a jar.

Step 2: Shake vigorously. You do not need to strain when using turmeric powder. Drink your shot. This recipe makes 2 shots.

Pro tip: Turmeric stains so use a washable dish as a cutting board. Clean your blender by adding water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, let it sit for ten minutes, then wash as usual.

Storage

Refrigerated. Whether you make it from fresh turmeric or turmeric powder, store refrigerated for up to 7 days before the wellness power begins to fade.

Make Ahead Turmeric Shots. Pour the shots in ice cube trays and store in the freezer for three months. Drop 4 (1-tablespoon) cubes into a glass the night before and your shot will be thawed and ready the next morning.

Pro-tip: Do not freeze shots in glass vials as the glass will shatter. Use ice cube trays.

Additions & How to Use Turmeric Shots

Boost your shot by adding a teaspoon of aloe vera juice, or apple cider vinegar or a 1-inch knob of ginger, cinnamon or coconut oil, or even lime juice or ginger juice.

Or you can take your shots individually or add them to or drink with:

• Ginger tea
• Ginger shots
• Carrot juice
• add to any wellness juices or smoothies.

FAQS

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