Shots Before Noon

So I have a confession.

I’m completely addicted to throwing back a shot or two as soon as I drag my ass outta bed every morning. Call me dependent, but I swear it takes the edge off and fires me up to get my workout on.

Before you go calling my parents about an intervention, I should clarify that my little habit is 100% booze free. My cocktail of choice is a combo of freshly juiced turmeric and ginger with lemon, raw honey, and a good shake of cayenne pepper. Aside from jolting me wide freaking awake, it just so happens to provide an intense dose of antioxidant + anti-inflammatory action.

Here’s a lil’ bit about why I love my morning tradition…and why you should probably join me at the bar kitchen counter to take one too. Cheers!

Turmeric: I could go on and on about the health benefits of raw turmeric, but here's the Cliffs Notes: The main component of Turmeric, called Curcumin, is known to block cancer causing enzymes and fight free-radicals, and is one of if not the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories.  It's also a pretty color when juiced (warning: It stains)

Ginger: Alleviates nausea & gastrointestinal issues, has direct anti-inflammatory effects, is packed full of antioxidants, boosts the immune system and is thought to protect against cancers such as Ovarian and Colon.

Lemon: Lemon has amaze benefits, but who wants a tall glass of lemon juice with their oatmeal? Not me, so I add it to my AM shot for its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It’s also a digestive aid, a liver cleanser, and is full of Vitamin C (which, besides the obvi, aids in preventing collagen breakdown in the face…in other words, keeps you looking young. Cheers to that.)

Raw Honey: Sure, it takes the edge of the tanginess of the ginger and lemon but it’s oh-so-much more. Did you know that honey is a natural multi-vitamin? Welp, now you do, and it’s also anti-viral/bacterial/fungal, strengthens the immune system, can keep allergies at bay and helps with the production of antioxidants in the bloodstream. Boom. I specifically use raw honey for two reasons:

1. The pasteurization process kills off most of the beneficial elements of honey


2. And because the dear ol’ FDA defines honey as “anything containing pollen.” Sketchville, USA.

Psst- Do your research on raw honey to make sure you can eat it – there are peeps (like pregnant women, people with allergies to pollen, and children under age 1 to name a few) who are advised to steer clear of unpasteurized foods. 

All you need is a juicer for the turmeric, ginger and lemon (no Vita Mix required – my iffy Breville juicer does the trick), a tablespoon of honey and a shake or two of cayenne. Combine in a martini shaker, strain into a shot glass, and toss it back like an old pro.

Hangover not included.