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!!!

Spicy Ginger Smoothie recipe - Warning: Not for wimps! This bold smoothie can't wait to kick the crap out of your cold.

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.

Spicy Ginger Smoothie recipe - Warning: Not for wimps! This bold smoothie can't wait to kick the crap out of your cold.

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 recipe - Warning: Not for wimps! This bold smoothie can't wait to kick the crap out of your cold.

Spicy Ginger Smoothie
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Spicy Ginger Smoothie

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Kare
Yield: 1 smoothie
Warning: Not for wimps! This bold smoothie can't wait to kick the crap out of your cold.

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.
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