Turmeric And Ginger Make My Top Local “Superfood” Cocktail Recipe

Can we make cocktails healthy too? Of course we can, with turmeric! If you’re anything like me, you too enjoy a sneaky cocktail or spritzer after a seriously long week of work. Or when your muscles are super stiff from an intense workout, a cold one to soothe the tension wouldn’t harm anyone. It’s #progressnotperfection, right?

You’ve probably heard of the golden spice-turmeric. It’s certainly the superfood of 2017 and the world is throwing it in pretty much everything. So why not mix it into your G&T too? Turmeric is most commonly used in Indian-style curries. But it’s somehow managed to find its way into smoothies, salads, juices, essential oils, and now cocktails.

So before I reveal the inflammatory-busting recipe…

Let’s Talk About The Benefits Of Turmeric.

I’m sure you’re familiar with turmeric’s bright orange-yellow color. If not, you are now. The spice gets its radiant color from the substance inside it called curcumin. However,  what you may not know is that this brightly colored pigment is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent. FYI, studies even say that it’s just as effective as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

The spice may also be helpful in treating osteoarthritis, viral and bacterial infections, stomach ulcers, cancer and other conditions. And because of its antioxidant properties, it’s even being called “the natural remedy of the century.” 

The cherry-on-top of turmeric is its great at boosting your memory and cognitive functioning as you age. There are literally no nutrients more effective than curcumin at promoting a healthy inflammatory response in your brain, heart and body. Multiple studies say that the spice naturally detoxes the body and supports, pain-free joints, balanced moods and strong immune systems. Curcumin even improves metabolic function and reduces the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries of type-2 diabetes patients. Lastly, it acts as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant in patients with type-1 diabetes.

So why wouldn’t we want to try to turn these benefits into drinkable, East Asian-inspired, healthy cocktails? Can’t think of one reason not to.

Gin, Ginger, And Turmeric…

Well, I sort of made the recipe up as I went along. And maybe stole a few tips from other places. But basically I wanted to create a really healthy cocktail, that’s tasty and filled with one of my favorite spirits, gin.

Fun Fact: We produce gin from the juniper berry, which is a superfood alone. Research shows that these berries may help fight infections, prevent heart disease, improve blood circulation and even fight kidney and liver disease. So having a gin now and then may help you trim your waistline and get younger, healthier-looking skin.

I bet when you think of turmeric you think of spicy food. Not exactly something you would consider adding to your cocktail shaker, right? Surprisingly, the spice pairs fantastically with other ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and orange. Add a little lime juice and voilà!

Ingredients

• 2 shots gin (Bombay is a good choice.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 Orange
• 1 Lime
• Fresh Ginger
• 1 cup Sparkling Water
• Shaker

First, cut your orange into halves. Squeeze all the juice out of both halves into the cocktail shaker. Save the orange peel. Do the same with your lime. Then grate whatever you have left of both the lime and orange peel, to use as zest. Add some of the zest to the shaker – use the rest for garnishing.  Then finely chop some fresh ginger. About a tablespoon of it. Add it to the shaker.

Crush the mixture with the back of a spoon to bring out the flavors. Add four ice blocks or crushed ice, the gin, turmeric, cinnamon, and sparkling water. Then shake, shake, shake. Serve chilled in a glass and garnished with lime and orange zest. Mint is also nice to use.

It’s as easy as that. Now you can sip on your cocktail, guilt-free.

Remember to work hard, be healthy and play harder.