Refreshing Turmeric Tonic
Start your day with a small glass of this bright, tangy, refreshing tonic. Look for fresh turmeric in the produce section of health food, specialty, or Asian markets. To boost the bioavailability of the curcumin in this drink, add a little crack of black pepper to each glass just before serving. Feel free to double the recipe and scale the honey up or down, depending on how sweet you like it. Also, do your best to be tidy when using turmeric, since it can stain both clothing and cooking equipment.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 1/2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups water, divided
- 1/2 cup unpeeled, chopped fresh turmeric (about 2 1/2 ounces; substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric if you can't find fresh)
- 1 scant tablespoon peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger
- tiny pinch of black pepper
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves. Add 1 1/2 cups of the water.
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Put the turmeric, ginger, and the remaining 1/2 cup of the water in a powerful blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade. Run to pulverize the ingredients, scraping down the sides and running the blender/processor again as needed.
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Pour the contents of the blender/food processor into a fine mesh sieve set over the bowl of lemon honey water. Press down firmly on the turmeric/ginger to extract as much of the liquid as possible.
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Stir the black pepper into the Tonic with a whisk and pour into a small pitcher. Chill and serve in small glasses. Add ice, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Inspired by the Turmeric Tonic from the restaurant Sqirl.