4 Mins Read
Our city gets a bad rap for the horrible air quality, crowded streets, and workhorse mentality so it comes as no surprise that allergies, fatigue and exhaustion run rampant. While you can line up at the doctor’s office and stock up your medicine cabinets, another way to keep your defenses up is to boost your immune system by giving your body a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the form of a wellness tonic. The best way to do so is by knocking back a shot of these bad boys below. And no you LKF lifers, we’re not talking bar shots!
Small in size, these nutrient-dense wellness drinks are packed with healthy herbs and spices to keep the nasties at bay. Whether you are in need of an energy boost, want to up that gut health, or looking to beat a bad bug, tonics are basically a freshly-squeezed multivitamin, intended to prevent illness or restore health and keep you 💯. Lucky for us, Hong Kong has some amazing tonic brands and we’ve pulled together a complete guide to the best tonics you can find in town, both online and in stores to keep you happy and healthy. Bottoms up!
Bite Me
HKD108 / each
A New Zealand family recipe passed down through generations, Bite Me Immunity Booster is an all-natural tonic aimed at stopping colds, fevers, and coughs dead in their tracks. Made of Manuka honey, organic apple cider vinegar, ginger root, lime and lemon juice, cayenne pepper and turmeric, you can dilute the zing with hot or cold water (add to your desired level) for daily wellbeing or up to three times a day for an immune boost.
Available online, Bite Me will also be sold at all JustGreen Organic Convenience Stores come October 1st!
Tizzy Shots
HKD165 for 3 bottles
Having debuted earlier this summer, Tizzy Shots are a line of all-organic ginger shots designed to boost immunity and help get your digestive tract in tip top shape. Made in small batches using sustainably-sourced ingredients, these pocket-sized elixirs are available in three different flavors: Classic Ginger with a blend of lemon and Manuka honey to help battle the common cold, morning sickness, and post-workout soreness; Tumeric with coconut milk and black pepper to aid with digestion and boost skin radiance; and activated Charcoal mixed with ginger and Manuka honey to cleanse the body of MSG (like greasy Chinese food), sulfites (hello, wine drinkers) and reducing gases that causes the horrible bloating we are all too familiar with.
Available online for delivery everyday (except Sunday) on Hong Kong island and Kowloon only, order before noon to ensure next day delivery.
Genie Juicery
HKD42 / each
Hong Kong juice gem Genie Juicery offers two pint-sized tonic varieties from their vast liquid gold selection. Opt for their Cocobiotic Ginger Beer boasting fermented coconut kefir (for good gut health bacteria boost!), pear and fresh ginger or their Immunity Booster mixed with orange, lemon, ginger, cayenne and oregano oil that will offer liquid relief to anyone suffering from cold or flu symptoms.
Available online and in store at their cafe locations: ifc Flagship Store (2096B, Podium Level 2, ifc Mall, Central) and Sai Ying Pun (Shop A, 1/F Fook Moon Building, 56-72 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun).
Jahmu
HKD60 / each
Bottled with ancient wisdom from traditional jamu healers in Bali, Jahmu was inspired by local Balinese street vendors or Jamu Gendongs selling vibrant, healing tonics known as jamu in their neighborhood markets. Through a distinct process of picking roots, grinding herbs, and blending spices, Jahmu’s tonic drinks are handcrafted in small batches every morning with local organic ingredients to maximize taste and freshness. Available in four flavors: traditional, passionfruit, cayenne, and chai, with turmeric and ginger as the foundational base spice for all versions. Take a swig to keep your gut health in check or prevent yourself from getting sick. Another added bonus? To help Mother Earth, return every bottle and get HKD5 off your next purchase!
Available for pre-order online or at MANA! Fast Slow Food locations: Mana! Cafe (8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan), Mana! Fast Slow Food (92 Wellington Street, Central), and Mana! Xpress (97 Wellington Street, Central).
Images courtesy of Pexels, Bite Me, Tizzy Shots, Genie Juicery, and Jahmu.