Turmeric Shots Recipe

Turmeric Shots are the easiest way to incorporate the goodness of turmeric into your diet. These homemade shots are made with fresh turmeric root or ground turmeric, citrus juice, crushed pepper and honey. In this post I share an easiest way to make Turmeric shots which you can easily customize to your taste and preferences.

What is a Turmeric Shot?

Turmeric Shot is a small serving of drink which has turmeric infused into it along with crushed black pepper and honey. Piperine, an alkaloid present in black pepper is said to activate the natural properties of curcumin in turmeric. Honey is believed to enhance & build Ojas (vigor & radiance) in the body (as per Ayurveda).

Optionally a few drops of high quality fat can also be added. Even more some lemon juice or orange juice & ginger can be added to enhance and balance out the flavors & taste.

My Recipe

My Turmeric Shot recipe is based on the ancient Ayurveda wisdom and uses only 3 main ingredients – turmeric, black pepper and honey. I share 2 ways to make them – with fresh turmeric root & with dried ground turmeric.

While the fresh turmeric is said to possess high amounts of curcumin, dried ground turmeric is a good alternate in the absence of fresh one. Making turmeric shot with ground spice is a breeze as you just mix the ingredients and serve it.

To use the fresh root, you either use a blender or a juicer on hand & is quite simple to make with the freshest and finest ingredients available.

While turmeric shots are easily available at some grocery stores and specialty food markets, I love to make them in my home kitchen using season’s best organic ingredients.

This recipe also helps me customize, like omit or use ingredients like honey and lemon. Sometimes to add a new dimension or a change in the flavor profile I use ginger & Orange juice.

These shots are on the stronger side, higher than the traditional Turmeric Tea. But if you are new to turmeric and want to try a milder drink this Turmeric Milk is great. For a more cafe style creamy drink I make this Turmeric Latte. When I crave for a more neutral, warming and delicious dish, I make this Yellow Turmeric Rice with a nice curry or dal.

Photo Guide

How to make Turmeric Shots with root (Stepwise photos)

This recipe makes 4 shots. You will use about 20 grams (0.7 ounce) of fresh turmeric root.

1. We start with fresh whole turmeric root which can be found in many grocery stores and specialty markets. If you are not able to get hold of the fresh turmeric, feel free to use the ground turmeric aka turmeric powder.

2. Wash the fresh turmeric root well and scrub it with a soft bristled brush. Peel it with a spoon or a butter knife. Later slice it with a sharp knife. Cooking and heating turmeric makes tones down the strong flavor and makes the drink more palatable. So Optionally – If you do not prefer raw turmeric shots, add the slices to a small pot and boil them with half cup water, for about 4 to 5 mins. When the water reduces to half, turn off the heat and cool completely.

3. Add them to a blender with ¼ cup water (or turmeric boiled water) and ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns & ½ inch peeled ginger (optional).

4. Make a smooth puree.

5. Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to extract all of the juice.

6. We prefer not to use the coarse turmeric fiber here. I stir it into curries, soups, smoothies, sambar or rasam. This goes very well in a banana shake or smoothie as well.

7. This potent liquid is the base of the turmeric shot.

8. Into each shot glass, add 1½ tablespoons slightly hot water (not very hot) & 2 tablespoons of liquid turmeric. Mix well. The temperature of your shot should be luke warm. Stir in 1 teaspoon honey until well combined. Consume it immediately.

Make Turmeric Powder Shots

To use ground turmeric (powder), Stir together half teaspoon organic ground turmeric with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Add 1/8 pinch of crushed black pepper & 1 teaspoon honey. Mix very well and consume it.

This is the basic turmeric shot. You may add 1 teaspoon lime juice or 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a few drops of healthy fats like cold pressed avocado oil or coconut oil, as per your choice.

I garnished the turmeric shots with black pepper. You don’t need to add any more while serving.

Expert Tips

• Lemon & Honey: With the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey these turmeric shots deliver a delightfully tart-yet-sweet flavor. If you want you may add orange juice instead of lemon juice, as much as you like. In India, for most ayurvedic drinks, we use lemon and honey but not oranges.
• Healthy Fats: Add either cold pressed avocado oil, coconut oil or an alternate fat
• To make in a slow juicer: You can juice it in a slow juicer with some plain water, lemons or oranges or pineapple slices. You can also optionally add ginger. Your juicer can stain, so cleaning up immediately is essential.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this post should not be considered for treatment or cure of any disease. Please see the doctor for appropriate treatment. I have shared my personal experience along with our family recipe.