I wish I could take credit for this surprisingly delicious concoction, but I always give credit where credit is due. I first discovered this recipe – which has become a staple in my weekly routine – from the JenJones, a TikTok influencer who shares healthy, plant based recipes. This drink is easy to make and consists of lemon, ginger, filtered water, honey, cinnamon, and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The EVOO gives the beverage a creamy texture and balances the lemon and ginger, which are surprisingly subtle. I love this EVOO from Primal Kitchen, which is Certified Paleo, NON-GMO Project Verified, Keto Certified, Certified Organic, and NAOOA Certified for quality and purity. It’s a brand I really trust. You can use code StasiaNikova for 10% off.

I will make a batch of this at the beginning of the week and drink it in the morning before coffee to help get the digestive juices flowing, or later in the afternoon when I need a pick me up. This drink is great for the lymphatic system, helps give your immune system a boost, AND helps increase energy levels. Healthy + delicious = an absolute no brainer.

You start with one organic lemon – peels, pulp, and all – and throw it into your blender (I use the 5200 Professional-Grade Blender from Vitamix, which is definitely an investment piece, but something I use every single day. If you want to do a little bit more research on blenders, I recommend this article from SeriousEats). Since you are using the entire lemon, make sure that you wash it thoroughly to remove any surface dirt. Next, add in the water, EVOO, a touch of honey, and the knob of ginger. The ginger and honey are optional, but I highly recommend using both to give the drink an extra punch of spice and sweetness –the two balance each other out beautifully. Blend on high for a minute, strain, and then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you are ready to drink it, add a touch of cinnamon on top.

This is a side note, but I personally like having this beverage before my morning coffee. Coffee is highly acidic, and having it on an empty stomach can often aggravate your body, cause inflammation, or increase cortisol – especially if you are already stressed. I recommend having either this, a warm cup of water with lemon, or a small handful of nuts before you sit down to enjoy your first cup of joe. But, everybody and every body is different, so it’s always important to do what feels best for you.

Leave any questions below, and I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 organic lemon

• 3 cups of filtered water

• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, but recommended)

• 1 knob of ginger (optional, but highly recommended)

• Cinammon to top

Instructions

1. Wash your lemon, cut into four pieces and throw it into your blender, seeds and all

2. Add your filtered water, EVOO, and honey (if you are vegan, you can leave out the honey, but the drink may be a bit tart)

3. Wash and cut your ginger. I personally like to take the skin off, but you can keep it on. The ginger is optional, but I highly recommend it to give the drink a little extra punch. Ginger is also used to stimulate digestion, helps with nausea, supports blood glucose regulation, and reduces the risk of stomach ulcers. So, why wouldn’t you use it!?

4. Blend on high until smooth and creamy

5. Strain the drink and then store in an air tight container. Once you are ready to drink, pour into a cup, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top, and bottoms up!