Now that the weather is turning colder, it becomes even more important to look after your health. Something I love to do each weekend is prepare ginger shots for my family. They’re quick and easy to make, and the health benefits are substantial.
Today, I’m sharing my absolute favourite ginger grapefruit shot recipe, made with fresh ginger, lemon, grapefruit and coconut water. It’s wonderfully refreshing and since I began drinking these shots five days a week, I’ve noticed quite a few changes in my appearance, especially in my skin. This is also supported by research from the Cleveland Clinic, which highlights the shot’s role in supporting digestion, boosting the immune system and reducing blood sugar levels.
However, before diving into all the benefits of drinking these ginger grapefruit shots, a quick note of caution: while I’ve found that drinking them regularly has helped me tremendously, those with a sensitive digestive system may want to be careful. Ginger and grapefruit can slightly thin the blood, so if you’re unsure whether daily consumption is suitable for you, it’s always best to consult your doctor first.
The Health and Beauty benefits
Each ingredient in this shot brings its own list of health benefits and that’s exactly why I’ve chosen them.
Lemon & Ginger: Of course, a ginger shot must contain ginger, that was never in question. Most recipes also include an acid, often lemon. These two ingredients are a powerful duo: they may improve heart health, aid weight loss, and even support brain function. Some studies also link them to extra protection against Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers. A full list of the scientifically proven benefits of ginger can be found here, and of lemon here.
Grapefruit: Health is glow, and while ginger and lemon already make the shot powerful, the real glow ingredient to me is grapefruit. Grapefruit is incredible for your skin, high in antioxidants and excellent for hydration, all of which make your complexion look brighter and more even. Healthline has written an entire article on the benefits of grapefruit, which you can read here.
Coconut water: For the liquid base, I always use coconut water. Many people prefer plain water or orange juice, but I’ve never found anything that beats coconut water. It’s naturally low in sugar yet rich in nutrients, the perfect balance. It also adds its own health benefits, such as improved hydration and electrolyte balance. You can read more about coconut water’s benefits here.
The Recipe: Ginger Grapefruit Shot
The recipe makes approximately 10 shots and can be stored up to five days, if stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
Materials:
- Large bowl
- Blender
- Cheesecloth
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Glass bottle or container for the ginger grapefruit shot
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 1 grapefruit
- 100 g fresh ginger
- 175 ml coconut water (reduce for a stronger shot, or add more for a milder one)
Method
- Wash the ginger and peel the grapefruit and lemon. You don’t have to be very precise with this step as all parts that could not be blended, will stick in your cheese cloth.
- Chop everything into roughly 1 cm cubes.
- Add all ingredients to a blender with the coconut water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Line a large bowl with a cheesecloth (make sure it’s bigger than the bowl).
- Pour the blended mixture into the cloth.
- Strain it carefully. You’ll be left with a smooth liquid in the bowl and pulp in the cloth.
- Rinse your cheesecloth, then pour the shot mixture into an airtight container.
As promised: a very easy and quick recipe with many benefits. Store the bottle containing your ginger grapefruit shot in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy!