Wellness shots are small but powerful drinks, usually about 2 ounces. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants and meant to be taken in one quick go. Unlike regular juices, the ingredients work together to support energy and immunity. The best part? You can make them at home for a fraction of the $5–$8 bottles sold at specialty stores.
How to Prep Your Kitchen for Homemade Wellness Shots
You don’t need a fancy juicer to make these. I’ve been making mine with just a few basic tools.
High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender is key, just make sure the blades are sharp. It helps break down fibrous ingredients like ginger and turmeric completely, so you get a smooth shot without the gritty bits. A Vitamix works great, but any good high-speed blender will do the job.
Nut Milk Bag or Fine Mesh Strainer: This is the easiest option. You can use a triple-layered cheesecloth, but a nut milk bag is way more convenient and reusable.
Glass Storage Bottles: For storage, you’ll need small 2-ounce bottles or mason jars to portion out your weekly batch. I prefer swing-top bottles—they’re airtight, easy to use, and more eco-friendly.
The 9 Best Wellness Shot Recipes
1. The Immunity Powerhouse: Ginger-Turmeric-Citrus Shot
This is my go-to when I feel a cold coming on. It combines ginger, turmeric, and vitamin C-rich citrus for a comforting boost. Ginger and turmeric also feel soothing for digestion and occasional aches. I add a touch of Manuka honey to mellow the spice, and honestly, it makes the shot much easier to drink.
Why I love it: It feels like a little pick-me-up for those sluggish days. I make a big batch once a week (or even once a month) and portion it into individual bottles for the fridge — it’s ready whenever I need it.
2. The Berry Beet Energizer with Ashwagandha
This pink shot is my go-to for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It blends blood oranges, strawberries, and a hint of ashwagandha extract, with a touch of local raw honey for sweetness.
Some recipes skip blood orange and rely mostly on beetroot, but I like adding it in mine as I’m not a fan of the taste of beetroot on its own, and the citrus really balances it out.
Why I love it: It’s perfect for that 3 p.m. slump when you want to skip another cup of coffee but still have enough energy to power through your to-do list.
3. Tropical Paradise Wellness Shot
This one’s perfect for days when I want wellness and good flavor. It blends ginger, turmeric, pineapple, mango, and coconut water. I love how the tropical flavors come together, with coconut water adding a naturally hydrating touch. It’s a vibrant, tasty shot I enjoy anytime.
My tip: I like using frozen pineapple and mango, it gives the shot a slushy texture that almost feels like a mini smoothie.
4. The OG Cold-Buster: Apple Cider Vinegar & Garlic Shot
Don’t let the garlic scare you — this one really shines during cozy winter days. Apple cider vinegar adds tangy depth, fresh garlic brings bold flavor, and a little honey softens the spice with just enough sweetness. It’s intense, but surprisingly tasty.
Pro tip: I like to chase this one with a bite of orange to cut the intensity. Your body will thank you later.
5. The 2-Ingredient Detox Shot
This potent shot is made with just two ingredients: fresh lemon juice and ginger. It’s super simple, sharp, and effective — ginger supports digestion and helps ease that heavy feeling, while lemon adds a bright boost of vitamin C.
When to drink: First thing in the morning on an empty stomach for maximum absorption and digestive benefits.
6. The Brain Fog Buster: Cacao and Coconut Water Shot
For those mornings when focus feels hard to come by, this little shot gives you a gentle mental boost. Cacao naturally supports mood and clarity, coconut water helps keep you hydrated, and a touch of maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without feeling heavy.
My experience: I drink this before important meetings or when I’m working on creative projects.
7. The Digestive Aid Shot
After a big meal or a spicy curry night, this recipe is perfect for calming digestion. Ginger helps ease that heavy feeling, kiwi adds natural digestive support, and matcha brings a soothing finish. I love having this before bed after a heavy dinner, it helps prevent that uncomfortable bloated feeling and makes it easier to relax into sleep.
Why it works: The combination of ginger and fruit works together to gently support digestion from start to finish.
8. The Beet-Citrus Energy Shot
This vibrant red shot is just as energizing as it is beautiful. Beets are known for supporting stamina, citrus adds a fresh, uplifting boost, and a pinch of cayenne brings a gentle kick. I’ve started having this about 30 minutes before workouts instead of pre-workout supplements, and it leaves me feeling naturally energized without the crash.
The cayenne bonus: That little kick of heat gives the drink an energizing edge and helps everything feel more awake and active.
9. The Lemon-Ginger-Orange Wellness Booster
This one quickly became my go-to favorite — genuinely delicious and packed with flavor. Made with fresh ginger, oranges, lemon, turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper, it tastes more like a zesty, spicy-sweet treat than a health tonic. It’s comforting, and something I reach for all winter long.
Personal tip: I like to dial up the citrus for a sweeter, milder version that’s easy to sip any time of day.
Why I Love These Ingredients in My Wellness Shots
You might be wondering — are these shots actually effective, or are they just another wellness trend? While I always approach wellness with a healthy dose of skepticism, there is solid research behind many of these ingredients.
Studies have shown that combinations of ginger, garlic, lemon, apple cider vinegar, and honey can support metabolic health, while ginger in particular has been linked to improved blood sugar regulation in healthy adults.
Turmeric is another ingredient with strong scientific backing. Research shows that pairing turmeric with black pepper significantly improves the absorption of curcumin, its key active compound. That’s why you’ll see black pepper in several of my favorite recipes, it’s not just for taste, but to help your body actually make use of turmeric’s benefits.
Customization Tips for Your Wellness Shot Routine
One of the best parts about making your own wellness shots is how easy they are to customize based on your preferences and routine. Here are a few of my favorite ways to tweak them:
For extra antioxidant power: Add a teaspoon of wheatgrass or goji berry powder. Both are rich in naturally occurring antioxidants and are often used in wellness routines for their nutrient density.
For gut health: Try using kefir or kombucha as your liquid base instead of water. These fermented options add live cultures and give the shot a slightly tangy twist.
For a sweeter taste: Swap honey for Medjool dates or date sugar for a rich, caramel-like sweetness that feels more balanced and satisfying.
For extra protein: Blend in a scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of almond butter to make the shot more filling—perfect if you want it to double as a quick mini breakfast.
Storage and Prep Tips for Success
I’ve learned through trial and error that proper storage makes all the difference. Here’s what works best:
Batch preparation: Spend 30 minutes on Sunday prepping a week’s worth of shots. One full blender typically makes enough for 12 two-ounce bottles.
Refrigeration: Store in airtight glass bottles for up to 7 days. The nutrients start to degrade after that, so fresh is always best.
Freezing: If you want to prep further in advance, use BPA-free plastic jars and freeze for up to 30 days. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Shake before drinking: Natural separation is normal. Give your shot a quick shake before consuming to redistribute the nutrients.
Best timing: For maximum absorption, drink on an empty stomach in the morning. If you’re taking multiple shots daily, space them at least 2-3 hours apart.
Creating your own wellness shots has been one of the most empowering changes I’ve made to my health routine. Not only am I saving money and avoiding questionable additives, but I’m also tuning into what my body needs on any given day. Whether I’m fighting off a cold, recovering from a tough workout, or just need a mental boost, there’s a shot for that.
These nine recipes represent my absolute favorites, the ones I come back to week after week because they work and taste amazing. But don’t stop here! Use these as a foundation to create your own signature blends. Add herbs from your garden, experiment with seasonal fruits, and listen to what your body craves.
Remember, wellness shots aren’t magic cures, but they are a delicious way to pour something powerful into yourself — literally. They’re proof that taking care of your health doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or boring.
