Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Shot
This cayenne pepper and lemon shot is bold and zesty, with a spicy kick and a refreshing citrus flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and honey, it’s perfect for strengthening your immune system.
Growing up, every winter without fail, my grandma would hand me a tiny shot of warm lemon juice and honey before school. It was her go-to remedy for colds, low energy, or just surviving the chillier months. As I got older, I began experimenting, adding my own favorite ingredients for extra flavor and a little kick.
This cayenne pepper and lemon shot blends my grandma’s classic wellness shot with some of the ingredients I’ve discovered over the years. We’ll show you how to make this lemon cayenne shot at home and share tips for prepping a batch that lasts all week.
If you love experimenting with homemade wellness drinks, check out our complete immune juice recipe guide filled with easy wellness shots and natural tonics.
What Does a Cayenne Pepper & Lemon Shot Taste Like?
A cayenne pepper and lemon shot has a bold, bright flavor with a noticeable sour kick, but when balanced well, the ingredients taste great together. Fresh lemon juice adds a clean, refreshing acidity, honey brings sweetness, and cayenne pepper gives a warm heat that’s invigorating but not overpowering.
If the shot is too spicy, try adding more honey or using less cayenne. For a stronger flavor, use less sweetener or a little more cayenne. If you want more citrus, add an extra lime or some orange juice.
Ingredients
Lemons: Squeeze the juice from 5 lemons and use the peel from 2 or 3 of them. The peel has aromatic oils and nutrients that make the shot stronger.
Lime: Use the juice and peel from 1 lime. This adds tartness, extra vitamin A, and potassium.
Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne gives the shot its heat and may help boost your metabolism. If you’re new to it, start with ¼ teaspoon. I usually use ½ teaspoon, and sometimes almost a full teaspoon for a stronger batch.
Substitution: Use Tajín instead of Cayenne for a milder, citrusy spice.
Honey: Honey balances the acidity and heat of the shot with natural sweetness. For a vegan option, agave or maple syrup also works well.
How to Make a Cayenne Pepper & Lemon Shot
Wash all your citrus thoroughly, especially if you’re using the peels.
Peel two or three lemons and one lime, avoiding the white pith as much as you can since it can make the shot bitter.
Juice the lemons and lime with a hand juicer and set the juice aside.
Put the citrus peels in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the cayenne pepper and boil for 3 minutes. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
After simmering, take the mixture off the heat. While it’s still warm, stir in the honey until it dissolves completely.
Let the liquid cool off, then strain out the lemon and lime peels and combine with the freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice.
Pour the finished cayenne pepper and lemon shot into a glass jar and refrigerate it.
You can drink your shot chilled or at room temperature, whichever you like best.
Notes
Removing the white pith from citrus helps keep the shot smooth and prevents bitterness.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference. Start small if you’re new to spicy wellness shots.
Use raw, local honey for added natural benefits.
Tips for Making Lemon Cayenne Shots
Customize your shot - One of the easiest ways to make this lemon cayenne shot your own is by customizing it to suit your taste and wellness needs. Adding fresh orange or pineapple juice helps balance the heat of the cayenne pepper. Add fresh ginger, turmeric, black pepper, or apple cider vinegar for extra benefits.
You can also blend in vegetables and mix everything together for a more nutrient-rich cayenne pepper and lemon shot. When adding extra spices, always start with a small amount and gradually increase to find the right balance for your palate.
Batch them - Make a batch of lemon cayenne shots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to five days. Keep them in a small sealed glass container to keep them fresh.
In a rush? - You can skip both the heating step and peeling the citrus altogether. Simply use freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, add cayenne pepper and honey, and mix it well. This quick version still delivers the same bold flavor and health benefits.
If you prefer a warmer drink with benefits similar to this shot, our lemon and ginger tea recipe is a great alternative.
Recipe Variations for Lemon Cayenne Shots
Lemon, Cayenne & Turmeric Shot
This variation adds turmeric for an extra warming and anti-inflammatory boost. Along with the cayenne pepper, add about ½ teaspoon of dried turmeric and a small pinch of black pepper to the base lemon cayenne shot recipe, as black pepper helps improve turmeric absorption. If you’re using fresh turmeric, slice it thinly and add it to the pot with the lemon peels during the simmering step, or blend it directly with the lemon juice if you’re making a no-heat version.
Cayenne, Grapefruit & Ginger Shot
For a punchier twist, replace the lemon juice with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Add a few grapefruit peels and ginger slices to the simmering step to create a cayenne, ginger, and grapefruit shot.
Lemon, Cayenne, Honey & Apple Cider Vinegar Shot
Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar after the mixture has cooled.
Lemon, Cayenne & Coconut Water Shot
For a lighter, more hydrating option, replace regular water with coconut water. Shake well before serving. Coconut water adds natural electrolytes and softens the heat of the cayenne, making this lemon cayenne shot especially refreshing after travel or exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayenne Pepper & Lemon Shots
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Yes, for most people, it’s safe in small amounts. Start mild and reduce the cayenne if it irritates your stomach. If you have any health conditions, talk to your doctor before adding this to your routine.
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A lot of people like to drink a lemon-cayenne shot first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to help kick-start digestion and boost energy. But it can also be taken before meals to support digestion
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It may support metabolism. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a thermogenic compound that may slightly increase calorie burning during digestion. Lemon supports hydration and digestion. But these cayenne pepper and lemon shots work best when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
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Yes, you can, but people with sensitive stomachs should try drinking it after eating or diluting it with water.
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They last up to five days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed glass container.
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Yes, you can mix fresh lemon juice, cayenne, and honey for a quick version. Shake well before drinking it.
Health Benefits of a Cayenne Pepper, Honey & Lemon Shot
Cayenne pepper and lemon shots can help support metabolism, the immune system, and detox. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the key compound known for its heat, which has been studied for its thermogenic properties. Thermogenic foods may slightly increase body temperature and encourage the body to burn more calories during digestion.
Freshly squeezed lemon helps activate digestive enzymes, making it easier for the body to break down meals.
When paired together, they may help gently “wake up” the body and digestive system.
Cayenne pepper and lemon shots are especially popular during cold and flu season. Lemons have many minerals and are naturally rich in vitamin C. Any time you add lemon to your drinks, you’ll get a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
Raw honey adds natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it a soothing ingredient for sore throats and seasonal discomfort. Cayenne pepper contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help support circulation and the body’s overall immune response.
Overall, this cayenne pepper and lemon shot can be thought of as a gentle daily reset that supports the body’s existing systems.
Cayenne Pepper & Lemon Shot
This lemon cayenne shot combines fresh lemon and lime juice with honey and cayenne pepper for a bold, energizing wellness shot. It may help support digestion, metabolism, and immune health.
Ingredients
- 5 lemons
- 1 lime
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Rinse all lemons and lime thoroughly
- Remove the outer skin from 2-3 lemons and the lime, avoiding the white pith to prevent bitterness. Set the peel aside.
- Squeeze the lemons and lime using a hand juicer.
- Place the citrus peels in a small saucepan, pour water over them, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in cayenne pepper, boil briefly, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Remove the liquid from the heat, then stir in the honey while the liquid is still warm until fully dissolved.
- Let it cool slightly, then strain out the peels using a sieve.
- Combine with the freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice.
- Pour the finished lemon cayenne shot into a glass jar and refrigerate. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Removing the white pith from citrus helps keep the shot smooth and prevents bitterness
- Customize your shot - You can add orange or pineapple juice for sweetness, fresh ginger, turmeric, black pepper, or apple cider vinegar for extra benefits. You can even add vegetables and blend it all together. If using extra spices, start small and work your way up.
- Prep once, drink all week - You can make these shots in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- In a rush? - Skip the heating and peeling. You can make the shot with just fresh lime and lemon juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
37Fat
0 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
12 gFiber
3 gNet carbs
9 gSugar
4 gProtein
1 gSodium
2 mgCholesterol
0 mgNutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate. Use your own calculations when needed.
For more ideas to support your health and wellness, visit our Wellness section. You’ll find recipes for nutrient-packed smoothies like spirulina, wholesome breakfast ideas, hearty soup creations, and plenty of other guides to boost your immune system naturally.
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Besitos,
Laura