Ginger and lemon shot with cayenne

Ginger and lemon shot with cayenne: fresh ginger, unwaxed lemon, mint and a little honey – intense, citrusy and quickly blended.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 5 min
• No cooking needed
• Total time: 5 min
• Calories: 40 kcal per serving
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbs: 10 g

Ingredients

• 1 piece of ginger (about 2 cm)
• 1 unwaxed lemon
• 20 ml cold water
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp raw runny honey
• 1 sprig of mint

Method

You’ll need: blender · chopping board · knife · sieve

1. Scrub the ginger thoroughly and cut it into rough chunks. Quarter the unwaxed lemon and use it with the peel if you like.
2. Put the ginger, lemon, mint and cold water in a blender. Blend everything finely until you have a pale, coarse mixture.
3. Press the mixture through a fine sieve, squeezing it well with a spoon so as much juice as possible runs into the glass.
4. Season the shot with cayenne pepper. If the heat is too direct for you, stir in a little honey.
5. Stir briefly once more so everything comes together.
6. Pour into a small glass and drink straight away. Then have a few sips of water if the heat lingers.

Good to know

Small, hot, straight to the point. A shot like this isn't magic, but it's a bright, fresh start with lots of citrus and a proper kick of ginger.

Swaps

Honey → acerola or camu camu powder (more vitamin C, less free sugar) 20 ml cold water → chilled green tea (adds polyphenols, a little more bitter) Cayenne pepper → turmeric + a pinch of black pepper (milder, provides curcuminoids) Mint → parsley (more vitamin K, fresh and green)

Allergens

None of the main allergens are in here, but lemon, ginger and cayenne can irritate sensitive mucous membranes. For young children and during pregnancy, keep the seasoning mild, and take care if you don't tolerate them well.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth using the lemon peel in the shot?

With unwaxed lemons, you can use the peel too, because it contains essential oils and flavonoids. It makes the shot more bitter and much more intense.

What's in ginger, nutritionally?

Ginger mainly provides characteristic pungent compounds such as gingerols plus small amounts of minerals. It's interesting less for its macronutrients than for its plant compounds.

Does such a small amount of cayenne pepper matter?

Cayenne brings capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat. In a small shot, the amount used matters more for flavour than for nutrition.

Do I need honey in this shot?

No, honey is mainly there for flavour and mostly provides sugar. If you like the heat and acidity on their own, you can leave it out.

Is the shot too intense for a sensitive stomach?

That's very individual: ginger, lemon and cayenne are quite intense, both in flavour and on the mucous membranes. If you have a sensitive stomach, reflux or a sore throat, use less or drink it slowly.

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