Save Money With These DIY Immune Booster Shots — Recipes From Dietitians  

Immune booster shots are a popular way to pack in nutrients during cold and flu season, but at $2.50 to $4.50 per tiny bottle, store-bought options can quickly add up. Even worse, many of these pre-made shots contain added sugars or preservatives, diluting their health benefits.

The solution? Make your own nutrient-packed shots at home. With simple recipes from dietitians, these DIY immune boosters use ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and greens to naturally support your immune system. You’ll save money and know exactly what’s in your shot.

Here are three easy-to-make recipes, plus expert tips to help you get started.

Ginger Lemon Turmeric Immune Shot

This zesty recipe from registered dietitian Crystal Higgins combines immune-supporting staples like ginger, turmeric, and vitamin C-rich citrus for a cost-effective wellness boost.

Ingredients

• 2 lemons, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 cup finely chopped or grated ginger
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 orange, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth. Store in the fridge, and shoot or dilute as needed.

Higgins’ Tip: Save small glass bottles from store-bought shots to reuse for your homemade versions—an eco- and budget-friendly hack!

Zesty Ginger and Citrus Shot

Digestive health dietitian Alyssa Simpson’s immune shot is packed with vitamin C, ginger, turmeric, and Manuka honey for immune support. Black pepper enhances turmeric absorption, while optional cayenne boosts circulation and clears sinuses. 

Key benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C to enhance white blood cell function
• Anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric
• Antibacterial Manuka honey

“At just $2.33 per serving, my homemade immune shot is more affordable than commercial options,” says Simpson. “Plus, it’s made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and no additives.”

Get the full recipe here.

Green Immunity Shot

Award-winning nutrition expert Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, crafted this vibrant green shot for her latest cookbook, Health Shots. It features nutrient-dense veggies and fruits for a fresh way to boost your immune system.

Ingredients

• 2 mini cucumbers, cut into large chunks
• 2 celery ribs, trimmed and cut into chunks
• 1 cup baby spinach 
• 1 kiwi, halved
• ½ Granny Smith apple, halved

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a juicer and juice. Pour up to three shots into a glass and serve.
2. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to two months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to make immunity shots?
Amidor recommends having a juicer, blender, saucepan, strainer, wooden spoon, and mason jar on hand. However, you can still make some recipes even if you don’t have all of these tools—just choose recipes that align with what you already have in your kitchen.

Do I need to use organic ingredients?
Not necessarily. “Both organic and conventional produce are nutritionally equal,” says Amidor. If you’re concerned about pesticides, she notes that over 99% of produce tested in the Pesticide Data Program had residues well below safety limits.

Why should I use immune booster shots? 

Immune booster shots can be a helpful addition to your routine when made with science-backed ingredients like citrus, ginger, turmeric, and honey, which support immune health and reduce inflammation. “While they aren’t a cure-all, they can complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to give your immune system a natural boost,” explains Simpson. “Look for shots with minimal added sugars and focus on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients for the best results.”

Are immune booster shots safe for everyone?
It depends on the ingredients. Amidor’s recipes rely on whole foods, which are generally safe for most people. However, if you’re using recipes with supplements or extracts like ashwagandha or CBD, consult your healthcare provider to avoid contraindications.

Why make DIY shots instead of buying them?
Making your own shots gives you control over the ingredients and allows for customization. Plus, it’s more affordable. “Once you buy the ingredients, you have enough to typically make 4 to 6 servings, which is more cost-effective than purchasing a single 2 or 4-ounce shot/tonic at a time,” says Amidor. 

With these DIY recipes, supporting your immune system is easier—and cheaper—than ever. Whether you blend, juice, or mix, you’re in control of every ingredient, making these shots a delicious and nourishing addition to your daily wellness routine.