After a certain age, shot glasses are more likely to be filled with nutrient-rich juices rather than sambuca. Here, nutrition experts share their go-to recipes that pack a punch.
Wellness shots are typically small, concentrated juices made from ingredients known to have beneficial nutrients and properties.
As the name suggests, they’re a quick way to increase your nutrient intake and improve your health.
However, these shots can be fairly pricey to buy, with a single shot from Pret A Manger setting you back £2.90.
So, Living360 spoke to a couple of nutritional experts to find out about the best shots you can make at home for all your wellness needs, from brain food to gut health.
How to make wellness shots
Making wellness shots couldn’t be easier. All you need is a juicer.
Don’t have a juicer? Then chop up the ingredients very finely, pour into a mesh strainer and press out the juice.
When stored in the refrigerator in a closed container, wellness shots can last for up to four to five days — or you can freeze them in an ice cube tray and defrost one day by day.
Feel free to water down the below recipes — the flavours can pack a punch and you may need to build up your taste buds to drink them straight.
Each recipe is enough for one shot, but you can simply up the ingredient volumes to make more.
Energy-boosting shot recipe
Need to wake up in the morning, but want to avoid the crutch of caffeine?
This wellness shot is designed to be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Ingredients:
- 1 thumb of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon of food-grade baking soda
- Fresh lemon juice
- Warm water
- A pinch of flaky salt
Joanna Bacchus, certified nutritional advisor at holistic health company BIOSTRIPS, says: “This combination of ginger, baking soda and lemon juice helps to kick-start digestion, balance the body’s pH and provide a boost of natural energy.
“The addition of flaky salt enhances the electrolyte balance, making this shot a powerful start to the day.”
Read more: The five supplements almost all of us need
Digestion aid shot recipe
Stomach feeling funny after a big meal or a spicy curry the night before? This recipe is bound to settle any such tummy troubles.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of ground ginger juice
- 1 cup of kiwi juice
- 1 teaspoon of matcha tea
Dr Leke Asong, a GP and expert at Gut Health Medic, says: “Ginger contains gingerols that help boost the migrating motor complex (MMC), thus aiding digestion. Matcha contains ECGC — a potent phytochemical.”
Phytochemicals have been found to help prevent diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Asong adds that matcha also feeds your gut microbiome, leading to better overall gut health.
Diabetes-friendly shot recipe
- 1 tablespoon of goji berry powder
- 1 glass of coconut water
- 1 teaspoon of date sugar
Dr Asong explains: “Goji berries are a tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They provide an energy boost among other benefits.
“Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and great in the summer months.
“And date sugar has a low glycaemic index (GI), so is great for diabetics. It also contains fibre that feeds your gut microbiome.”
Read more: Experts reveal how to actually get better sleep
Brain food shot recipe
Those suffering from brain fog should make this shot to help them sharpen up and focus.
- 1 tablespoon of cacao
- 1 glass of coconut water
- 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
Dr Asong says: “Cacao is packed with polyphenols that have gut health, brain health and heart health benefits.
“Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a slightly lower GI to table sugar.”
Gut health shot recipe
Gut health has been a hot topic over the past few years. The following recipe is packed full of prebiotics.
- 1 tablespoon of chicory powder
- 1 glass of sweetsop juice
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Dr Asong says: “Chicory is a great source of prebiotics for our gut microbiome.
Read more: Easy ways to look after yourself this winter season
Immunity shot recipe
As we creep towards autumn, coughs and sneezes are on the rise. Give your immunity some TLC with this shot that can help fight the sniffles. It also has some other boosting benefits.
- 1 tablespoon of acai berry
- 1 teaspoon of manuka honey
- 1 glass of water
Dr Asong says: “Acai berry is packed with polyphenols like anthocyanins that have heart, brain and gut health benefits. Manuka honey, meanwhile, is great for immunity.”
Aphrodisiac shot recipe
Love life in a lull? Spice up your sex by introducing this wellness shot to your diet.
This recipe can be drunk hot or cold.
- 1 tablespoon of maca powder
- 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon of chia oil
Dr Asong says that maca powder is a natural aphrodisiac that also provides an energy boost — helping you go, in the words of Lionel Richie, all night long.
