Tea Shots

When you think of doing shots, you generally think of celebrating, like raising a glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve, or in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” with all the ouzo and “opa!” toasting. 

This new year, however, you might think of trying a new kind of shot: a tea wellness shot. You see wellness shots everywhere these days. Starting with the popularity of wheatgrass shots in the ‘90s, these powerhouse beverages generally come in two- or three-ounce bottles packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. They are easily found in not only health stores but mainstream grocery and retail stores as well as online. 

What they’re good for depends on what’s in them. Some of the more common ingredients in wellness shots include:

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Orange
• Lemon
• Cayenne
• Echinacea
• Wheatgrass
• Reishi Mushrooms
• Cherry Juice
• Beets

The benefits of these ingredients vary from immunity boost to cellular restoration to natural energy to enhanced mood to digestive system support to better sleep and more. And while many people swear by them, nutritionists caution that they should not be used in place of a well-balanced diet but rather used as a supplement to boost what needs boosting. You still need those dark leafy greens, folks.

In addition to being a wellness booster, these shots can also keep you from reaching for something that has no nutritional value, or is packed with sugar. If you’re looking for something to replace, make it that sugary soda or bag of chips.

Wishing you could have a wellness shot that incorporates the awesomeness of green tea? We hear ya! It’s easy to make your own at home. We’ve put together a recipe for a green tea, turmeric and ginger wellness shot for you to try, but feel free to add or sub in any other beneficial ingredients to put your own twist on it. Bottoms up!

Green Tea, Turmeric and Ginger Wellness Shot

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced, or ½ tsp ground ginger
• 2 green tea sachets, or 2 tsp
• Honey (optional)
• Squeeze of lemon juice (optional) 

Select any green tea of your choosing. Pick a classic Chinese green tea like  Chun Mee, a  Japanese Sencha, a delicately flavored green tea like our  Citron Green, or go for big nutty flavor with our  Roasted Buckwheat Matcha.

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the ground turmeric and mix to combine.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add the ginger, tea and lemon juice. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
5. Sweeten with honey (optional)

Here’s to taking a shot at a healthier 2021! Happy New Year!