Save It My morning routine changed the week I caught a cold that wouldn't quit. I'd been scrolling through wellness remedies when a friend mentioned freezing her ginger shots instead of choking them down fresh every day. That single tip turned into these little golden cubes that now live in my freezer year-round. They're sharp, bright, and somehow make me feel like I'm doing something kind for my body without the fuss of juicing every morning. I love that they're ready whenever I need them.
I made my first batch on a Sunday afternoon when I had extra lemons from a farmers market haul. The kitchen smelled like a spa, all citrus and spice, and I remember thinking it was almost too pretty to freeze. When I finally tried one dissolved in warm water the next morning, the zing woke me up faster than coffee. Now I keep a stash and drop a couple into my water bottle before yoga or blend them into smoothies when I need a boost.
Ingredients
- Lemons: Fresh lemon juice is the backbone here, tart and clean, and it balances the heat from the ginger beautifully.
- Fresh Ginger: Peel it well and chop it small so your blender doesn't struggle, and expect a warm, spicy kick that clears your sinuses.
- Fresh Turmeric: This root stains everything it touches, so handle it carefully, but its earthy flavor is worth the orange fingertips.
- Filtered Water: It keeps the flavor pure and dilutes the intensity just enough to make these cubes approachable.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A little sweetness tames the bite, though I've skipped it entirely when I'm feeling brave.
- Black Pepper: This tiny addition unlocks the benefits of turmeric, and you won't even taste it in the final cube.
Instructions
- Blend Everything Together:
- Toss the lemon juice, ginger, turmeric, water, black pepper, and sweetener into your blender and let it rip on high until the mixture is completely smooth. The color will be a vibrant golden yellow, and the smell will make you feel healthier already.
- Strain Out the Pulp:
- Pour the blended liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth set over a bowl, pressing gently to extract every drop. You'll be left with a silky liquid and a small pile of fibrous pulp you can compost.
- Fill the Ice Cube Tray:
- Carefully pour the strained liquid into an ice cube tray, filling each compartment about three-quarters full to avoid spills. Wipe up any drips right away because turmeric stains are no joke.
- Freeze Until Solid:
- Slide the tray into your freezer and let it sit for at least two hours, or until the cubes are completely frozen. I usually make mine in the evening and pop them out the next morning.
- Store and Serve:
- Once frozen, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container so you can reuse the tray. Drop two cubes into warm water, blend them into a smoothie, or just suck on one if you're feeling bold.
Save It The first time I shared these with a friend, she laughed at how small they were and then made a face after the first sip. Ten minutes later, she asked for the recipe and admitted she felt weirdly energized. Now she texts me photos of her own trays, each one a little different because she experiments with lime or extra ginger. It's become this little thing we bond over, swapping tweaks and daring each other to try them straight.
How to Customize Your Cubes
You can swap lemons for limes if you want a slightly sweeter, more floral citrus note. I've also added a pinch of cayenne when I'm feeling congested, which turns these into tiny fire bombs that clear you out fast. If you don't have fresh turmeric, the ground version works fine, though the color won't be quite as bright and the flavor will be a touch more bitter.
What to Do With Them
I drop two cubes into a mug of hot water and sip it like tea when my throat feels scratchy. My partner blends them into his post-workout smoothies, and I've even stirred a melted cube into salad dressing for a zingy, anti-inflammatory kick. They're surprisingly versatile once you get past thinking of them as just a morning ritual.
Storage and Shelf Life
These cubes keep in the freezer for up to two months, though mine never last that long because I go through them so quickly. I like to make a double batch and store half in a labeled freezer bag so I'm never without them. Just make sure the bag is sealed tight, or they'll pick up freezer odors and taste like whatever else is in there.
- Label your bag with the date so you know when you made them.
- If they start to look frosty or dull, they're still fine to use but might be losing a bit of potency.
- Don't let them thaw and refreeze, as the texture and flavor will suffer.
Save It These little cubes have become my go-to whenever I feel a cold coming on or just need a reset. They're proof that taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What is the purpose of black pepper in this preparation?
Black pepper contains piperine, which significantly enhances the absorption of curcumin from turmeric. This compound helps your body better utilize the wellness benefits of turmeric.
- → Can I use ground turmeric instead of fresh?
Yes, ground turmeric works well as a substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric in place of a 2-inch piece of fresh turmeric. Fresh turmeric offers a slightly more vibrant flavor, but ground provides convenience and similar benefits.
- → How long can these cubes be stored?
Store the frozen cubes in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. They maintain their potency and flavor when kept properly frozen at consistent temperatures.
- → What are different ways to consume these cubes?
Dissolve 2 cubes in a glass of warm water for an instant wellness shot, add to smoothies for a zesty boost, blend into hot tea, or mix with cold water for a refreshing beverage. The versatility allows you to customize your consumption method.
- → Is this suitable for vegans and those with gluten sensitivities?
Yes, this preparation is naturally vegan and gluten-free. However, if using honey as a sweetener, the batch becomes non-vegan. Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent plant-based alternatives for vegans.