We recently took a trip to Disneyland, and we all returned with a cold. Bummer! But hey, better a cold than the measles! So we’re not complaining.
I spent a good couple of days incredibly stuffed up and unable to taste anything. So I thought I’d throw a whole bunch of ginger at that stubborn ol’ rhinovirus, and see what happens. Spicy Ginger Smoothie to the rescuuuueee!!!
Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties, is pretty well known to be a natural cold remedy. But I’ve always been a bit of a fresh ginger wimp. That stuff is strong! But when I whipped up this ginger smoothie recipe, I decided to go for it. A good hunk of fresh ginger along with some powdered ginger for an added note of ginger flavor. And then a pinch of cayenne pepper, even, to really give this thing a spicy kick.
This first time I sucked one of these things down, I admit I felt it more than I tasted it (again, because I wasn’t tasting a darn thing at the time). The tingly spices, a healthy burn, and, after I was done, I could breathe. It was fabulous.
Don’t worry, though. I’m not posting a recipe that I haven’t actually tasted. I’ve made this thing several times since then, and now that I can both feel and taste it, I can still declare it a winner. I love this smoothie!
It is not a wimpy smoothie. There is serious ginger going on here. Serious. It’s called spicy for a reason. I mean, if you’re a spice fiend and you’re the type of person who asks for 7 stars at your favorite Thai restaurant, this might not make you blink. But otherwise, I think most will find this thing has a mighty fine kick.
Spicy Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 pinky-sized piece ginger (peeled)
- 1 banana (not overly ripe)
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey + more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender and puree until completely smooth. Pour into a large glass and serve with a straw. If your blender is not high-powered and/or your ginger is particularly fibrous, you may want to dice the ginger first to help ensure it blends into the smoothie.
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
Ooooh — i don’t even have a cold and I want one!
Woah! I’m a huge huge huge ginger fan – I love ginger beer the spicier the better, so I’m certain I’ll love this smoothie! I’m coming down with a cold right now, so I’m going to try to kick it with this smoothie!
That’ll knock out a cold in no time! Sounds great for a healthy day too 🙂
This smoothie is amazing, currently I am battling a cold. Made one last night before bed & enjoying another one now. Will be keeping this recipe for future use.