Katie Couric’s Shared Her Ginger-Turmeric Shot Recipe

Cold and flu season is officially here, and we’re all doing our best to stay ahead of the sniffles. Whether it’s bundling up in scarves, sticking to a solid sleep schedule or keeping hand sanitizer within arm’s reach, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. But if you’re searching for a bright and flavorful way to support your immune system this season, Katie Couric has you covered with her ginger-turmeric shots. Packed with citrus, spice and a whole lot of goodness, these shots are perfect for giving your wellness routine a little boost of nutrients *and* flavor.

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Ginger and turmeric have been celebrated for their health-boosting properties for centuries–and for good reason. Ginger contains gingerol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help with anything from soothing colds to managing chronic inflammation. Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow hue, boasts curcumin, an active compound that may support a healthier immune system and protect against conditions like influenza. While they shine on their own, together they create a powerhouse pairing with complementary benefits. 

Couric’s recipe is as simple as it is effective, using just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate her shots:

• 2 lemons
• 4 small oranges
• 1 large piece of ginger
• A couple of knobs of turmeric
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• Water

To start, Katie peels the lemons and oranges, cuts them into quarters and removes any excess pith or skins before adding them to a blender. While Couric says limes could work in a pinch, she opts for lemons for their bright tanginess. That citrus brings big flavor and nutritious benefits to the shots as well—lemons are a great source of antioxidants, while oranges offer plenty of vitamin C.

Next, she preps the ginger, using a spoon to peel it–an ingenious tip she credits to her friend Joel Gamoran that makes peeling a breeze. (It’s also the method our test kitchen always opts for.) Once peeled, she slices the ginger and adds it to the blender along with a couple of knobs of turmeric, peeled using the same spoon method. A rough chop is enough to prep the turmeric and ginger—you can let the blender do most of the heavy lifting for you.

To add some kick, Couric sprinkles in a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of black pepper, which can help make turmeric more effective. The piperine in black pepper actually helps the body absorb some antioxidants, including beta carotene and turmeric’s curcumin.

For a touch of sweetness, she adds a tablespoon of maple syrup and finishes out by adding water to help the ingredients blend smoothly. After blending the mixture into a vibrant, golden liquid, Katie strains it through a cheesecloth or mesh strainer, ensuring the shots are perfectly smooth. Don’t be surprised if this step takes time—between the lemon seeds, bits of ginger and flecks of turmeric, it may take a while to let the mixture seep through your strainer of choice.

Once you’re all set, just pour the shots into your favorite small containers and store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

If you’re inspired by the idea of ginger-turmeric shots, we’ve got even more recipes to try. Make our Turmeric & Ginger Shots or experiment with our Frozen Lemon-Ginger-Turmeric Shots. The frozen version is great for folks who prefer to prep bunches of shots in advance, especially if you want to enjoy them hot, as a bright and cozy tea-like drink. For a touch more color and flavor, you could even try our Ginger-Turmeric-Carrot Shots. These recipes are easy to customize, and each brings a unique spin to this powerful combination. 

As we embrace the cozy joys of the season, incorporating simple immune-supporting practices, like Katie’s ginger-turmeric shots, can help keep us healthy and ready to enjoy a winter full of wellness and warmth.