bone broth for sipping

One of the best things I have done for my gut health is beginning my day with two things on an empty stomach:

1. A shot of good-quality olive oil (>250 polyphenols) and lemon juice.

2. A warm mug of bone broth.

   
   

Bone broth has so many benefits for the body. It has been trending in the health and wellness spheres online recently, so I just want to highlight a few of my favorite benefits:

1. Gut Health & Digestion

• Rich in gelatin and collagen, which help support the gut lining, potentially reducing leaky gut and improving digestion.

• Contains amino acids like glutamine, which aid in repairing and maintaining the intestinal barrier.

2. Hydration & Electrolytes

• Provides a hydrating and mineral-rich alternative to coffee or tea, especially beneficial after sleep.

• Contains electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium, which help with hydration and energy levels.

3. Joint & Skin Health

• Collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (like glucosamine and chondroitin) support joint health and may reduce stiffness.

• Promotes skin elasticity and hydration, reducing fine lines and wrinkles over time.

4. Supports Metabolism & Weight Management

• The protein content helps curb cravings and keeps you full longer.

• Amino acids like glycine and proline aid in detoxification and metabolic support.

5. Immune System Boost

• Rich in minerals and amino acids, which support immune function.

• Contains compounds like glutathione, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

However, bone broth from the store can be SO expensive. 32oz of Kettle & Fire is $14. I drink about 2 cups a day, in addition to what I use for my weekly recipes. I was spending so much on just broth that I decided to start making it myself.

I’ve tried several different methods. I’ve tried the stovetop, the crockpot, and the InstantPot. I’ve tried beef bones, rotisserie chicken carcass, chicken paws, and even a Thanksgiving turkey carcass. They all turned out good, but I have finally found the perfect method to make a bone broth that is delicious all on its own. It’s warm, spiced, and is my favorite way to start the day. It has helped so much with keeping pregnancy-related constipation at bay, and gives me a boost of energy so I can go with less caffeine.

the best morning sipping broth

I start out with some beef bones that I get from our local butcher. I get about 2 bones, and ask for them to be cut into thirds. This comes out to about $12-16 depending on the size of the bones.

I also like to add lemon and orange, and lately I have been getting the most scrumptious mandarins (I also made a delightful jam from these mandarins - will post that recipe later) so I’ve added some of those to the mix. On top of bringing brightness to the taste, citrus helps to kickstart digestion in the morning.

Ginger and turmeric root also add health benefits to this broth by promoting digestion and decreasing inflammation. Just be sure to also add some black pepper in order to increase the absorption of the turmeric. I slice the root lengthwise to get the maximum surface area, and don’t even peel it.

Of course, one good onion is a must-have in the bone broth. Onion has healing, anti-microbial, and immune-boosting properties that compliment the bones so sweetly. I don’t even take the skins off; I just chop it into rough quarters and throw it in there.

Last but certainly not least, I include cinnamon sticks, anise stars, and cloves. These spices together, paired with the ginger and onion, help give the broth its warmth. The subtle toasty burn provides the perfect wake up to keep me going until I can get my coffee. And it tastes sooooo good.

I throw everything together into the slow cooker. I prefer my InstantPot, because it is larger than my CrockPot. Fill it up with water to 1 inch below the top of the pot. It’s very important to add a hefty splash of apple cider vinegar, because it helps to draw the collagen and nutrients out of the bones.

I then set it on Slow Cook on Low for 24-48 hours. I have the InstantPot RIO Wide 7.5 QT cooker, and it makes me about 4 32oz mason jars.

After it’s finished cooking, I let it cool slightly, pick the bones out and push the marrow out into the broth with a fork or knife. Then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag, using either a spoon or your hands to squeeze the juices out of the elements left in the broth after the bones have been removed.

Transfer to jars to keep in the refrigerator.

This broth is so yummy all on its own and perfect for starting your morning. I use this recipe just for sipping, but I have a similar recipe using the same method for my soup broth. It just uses bones or chicken paws, onion, celery, carrots, and kale as its ingredients instead.

the best morning sipping broth

Yields: 4x32oz mason jars | Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 24-48hrs

Supplies needed:

• InstantPot or Crockpot

• Fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag

Ingredients:

• 2 beef bones, cut into thirds

• 2 lemons, sliced in half

• 2 oranges or mandarins, sliced in half

• 2 knobs of ginger, sliced lengthwise

• 4 fingers of turmeric, sliced lengthwise

• 1 onion, roughly quartered with skin on

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 anise stars

• 6 cloves

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into the InstantPot or Crockpot.

2. Fill up with water to about 1 inch from the top. Add apple cider vinegar.

3. Cook on low for 24-48hrs.

4. When done cooking, let the broth cool slightly. Pick the bones out and push the marrow into the broth with a fork or knife.

5. Use a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to strain into a large bowl or stockpot. Use a spoon or your hands to squeeze the juices from the elements in the broth (the onion, citrus, marrow, etc).

6. Transfer to mason jars to store in the fridge.

   
   

Lasts for ~1 week in the fridge and 1 year in the freezer.

Happy sipping!