It’s Spring! Which makes us feel great here at Manuka Doctor HQ!

The extra sunlight and added warmth in the office is very welcome after a long Winter.

But how can you tweak your diet in line with the new season. Making sure you get the best goodness and immunity-supporting nutrients into your body?

One way is to try an Immunity Boosting Tonic.

This blog explains what a health tonic involves, and a suggested recipe to get you started.

What is a tonic?

A tonic is a lot like a cocktail. A mixed drink but without the alcohol. Think of all the healthy, wholesome ingredients you can and blend them together into a shot-style short drink.

What should I put in my tonic?

Traditionally a health tonic should pack a punch! It’s common to add herbs and spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper and ginger to really bring a flavour kick.

What about the base?

Citrus juices like orange, apple and lemon provide useful Vitamin C content to help support the immune system. Whilst another very popular tonic addition is Apple Cider Vinegar. Which is traditionally drunk in a short shot-style drink.

How can I try one?

"This everyday tonic is a brilliant booster for everyday health and a must-have remedy to use during flu season," says cook and author Rachel de Thample.

"The ginger helps to calm inflammation and create internal heat. The cayenne acts to boost circulation and horseradish is a decongestant, while garlic and onion help with overall health."

Opt for fresh, organic ingredients to maximise benefits, and if one of them is unavailable, simply double up on one of the other ingredients if you like."

Here's the recipe.

Makes 6 x 50ml shot-size drinks

2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons grated horseradish root
2 tablespoons chopped cayenne peppers (or any seasonally available hot peppers)
350ml Manuka Doctor Apple Cider Vinegar

Pile the garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish and peppers into a 350ml lidded jar. Fill the jar with raw apple cider vinegar. Close the lid tightly and shake. Store in a cool dark place.

Shake at least once a day for two weeks. Then, filter the tonic through a clean piece of muslin, pour into a sterilised bottle and label. It will keep at room temperature for up to six months.

Take as soon as you feel you need it, take a 50ml shot-size small drink three times daily, before food.

Extract taken from the book Tonics and Teas by Rachel de Thample, published by Kyle Books, £9.99.

Manuka Doctor’s Apple Cider Vinegar now comes in four different flavours to help you shape your perfect tonic.

You can browse our selection here