These homemade ginger shots are an intensely flavored drink and the perfect immunity booster packed with health benefits. Plus, they’re easy to make in a blender and are much more affordable than store-bought bottles.
Why You’ll Love These Ginger Shots
Ginger is often my go-to ingredient for an immunity or anti-inflammatory boost. I use ginger in my carrot ginger soup, make candied ginger and pickled ginger at home, and love my healing Indonesian Jamu juice when I’m feeling under the weather. But to keep my immune system strong and healthy, especially during the winter season, these ginger shots are perfect for a quick dose of concentrated ginger juice. They might be small, but they’re intense (don’t say I didn’t warn you), and certainly mighty! Here’s what you’ll love about them:
- They’re cheaper than branded versions. I used to buy ginger shots from Kor, Vive Organic, or Suja, but gosh are they expensive! And all you need are four simple, affordable ingredients to create these copycat wellness shots at home.
- One ginger shot holds powerful health benefits. Ginger is well known to have a myriad of health benefits. From relieving pain and reducing inflammation to soothing your digestive system, ginger does wonders when it comes to healing the body. I’ll talk more about this below!
- They store well in the fridge or freezer. I always store a batch of these ginger shots in an ice cube tray in the freezer. Think of it as meal prep for wellness! Then, I can thaw and enjoy them throughout the entire fall and winter season as needed.
Ginger Shot Ingredients
- Ginger: Use fresh ginger root for the strongest, most potent flavor. But if you only have access to dried or ground ginger, I have tips for that below.
- Lemon Juice: The bright citrus flavor of fresh lemon juice pairs well with the ginger and tastes much better than bottled lemon juice. It also adds a dose of Vitamin C.
- Coconut Water: Although you can use water, I like to use coconut water to add a splash of natural sweetness. This helps to balance the pungent ginger lemon flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch of cayenne pepper gives these shots a kick of heat, and it can also improve circulation and digestion.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
How to Make Ginger Shots
Blend until smooth. Blend the ginger pieces, lemon juice, coconut water, and cayenne pepper until no chunks of ginger remain.
Strain well. Straining the ginger mixture helps remove bits of ginger peel and those pesky ginger fibers! To get the most juice, press the solids with the back of a spoon when straining.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- For storing in the fridge: You can store these in individual glass shot bottles or a larger jar and pour individual shots throughout the week. They will last for up to one week in the fridge.
- For storing in the freezer: I love to freeze leftovers in a Souper Cubes tray. If you use this small tray, one shot is equal to about 2 frozen cubes. You can then thaw and enjoy as needed!
Common Questions
I prefer fresh ginger root in this recipe over ground ginger powder. Ginger root tastes almost spicy when eaten raw, while ground ginger has a more earthy flavor similar to ground turmeric. But, if you don’t have a high-speed blender, you can quickly make these ginger shots by whisking together ground ginger with the other ingredients.
I always say consume things in moderation, and that applies to these ginger shots as well. Also, be careful not to drink more than one ginger shot a day since too much ginger could cause heartburn.
Not going to lie, they do! The potent flavor compounds in fresh ginger can give you a fiery sensation in your mouth when drinking ginger shots. That’s normal, but you can always drink a little water afterward.
Yes! To make your ginger shots even healthier or have a different flavor profile, you can add raw honey, turmeric root (with a sprinkle of black pepper), freshly squeezed oranges, blueberries, aloe vera juice, pineapple juice, or apple cider vinegar.
If the solids were peeled before using, you could always toss them in a smoothie for a ginger boost. But if it’s more the outer skin, I’d probably just use it in compost.
Health Benefits of Ginger
If ginger shots are new to you, let me give you a little background on the health benefits of ginger. Ginger is a flowering plant originating from China and is related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The underground part of the ginger stem has a long history in both traditional and alternative medicine. And ginger gets its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from naturally high levels of gingerol.
Ginger has been used to treat nausea, indigestion, muscle soreness, and osteoarthritis symptoms. It also may help to lower blood sugar, improve brain function, and prevent heart disease. It’s a true superhero in the world of superfoods and one of my favorite anti-inflammatory ingredients.
More Healthy Drink Recipes
- Golden Milk: A cozy and delicious way to enjoy turmeric during the winter.
- Green Smoothie: A staple green smoothie I always keep in rotation.
- Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie: A tropical delight with a turmeric boost.
- Turmeric Tea: A vibrant and earthy tea for cold weather days.
- Elderberry Tea: A warm and soothing drink that helps ward off colds and flu.
- Or enjoy these other anti-inflammatory drinks!
If you make these ginger shots, I’d love to know how they turn out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
Video
Equipment
- Vitamix Blender My favorite high-speed blender.
- Souper Cubes Tray The best silicone freezing trays!
- Small Glass Bottles Perfect for storing individual ginger shots.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ginger root, washed, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup lemon juice, from 3 to 4 lemons
- ¼ cup coconut water
- pinch or two cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Blend the mixture. Place all the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Put the lid on the blender, and process until the ginger and lemon juice mixture is smooth.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer. Press on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.
- Serve or store away. Pour the strained liquid into shot glasses and drink right away or store them in an ice cube tray or glass bottles.
Lisa’s Tips
- Each shot is about 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons.
- You can always double, triple, or quadruple this recipe and save the remaining ginger shots for up to one week in a sealed container in the fridge. I love to make an extra-large batch and then store in these glass shot bottles or freeze leftovers in a Souper Cubes tray. If you use this small tray, one shot is equal to about 2 frozen cubes. You can then just thaw and enjoy as needed!
- While you can peel the ginger if you’d like, it’s not necessary, since you’ll be straining the juice before drinking it. Just make sure it’s washed well.
- Ginger shots are meant to be drunk all at once as a quick shot. And yes, they’re potent! I always seem to let out a little “whoah” sound after drinking (see the video above, lol!).
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted September 2020, but updated to include new information and information for your benefit!
Perfect to get you through the cold/ flu season!
I double the recipe so I have a whole weeks worth. If I can find fresh turmeric, I use half fresh turmeric half ginger and add fresh cracked black pepper. I never have a shortage of citrus in the winter, so I use whatever I have on hand to get to 2/3 cup. I’ve used lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit, they’ve all been good.
I’ve been making these juice shots for the last two flu seasons and – knock on wood! – I haven’t been sick. So of course I’m making them again this year. I love doing it first thing in the morning to wake myself up.
Happy to hear these ginger shots are super helpful Jessica!
I make a large batch of these shots with fresh ginger. I freeze the strained juice in large cube trays and then freeze the pulp in scooped portions. I use the pulp in curries, soups, stir-fries, tossed with vegetables before roasting. Basically anywhere you would use grated ginger. The pulp still has kick even after the juice has been extracted.
So healthy!! I make these in a larger batch for the week. I add mini cucumbers, a little fresh pineapple, small amount of pineapple juice and use pineapple water. To make pineapple water you simply boil pineapple skin in filtered water with cinnamon sticks for about 40 minutes, then simmer for 20. I still haven’t figured out a way to use the leftover “paste” yet. Thank you for sharing!
So happy you love them!
I made this using frozen ginger root. I grated it frozen, then used an immersion blender. Since the pieces were so fine, I didn’t even need to strain it.
Is there any use for the pulp
I haven’t tested anything, but you could always use the pulp for smoothies or adding into a soup!
I have 100% pure ginger juice that I made. Do you know how much of it that I would need for this recipe?
Hello. How long will this last in the refrigerator.
They will last for one week in the fridge.
If I make a batch of this, how long will it last?
You can always double this recipe and save the remaining ginger shots for up to one week in a sealed container in the fridge.
My husband and I really enjoyed this recipe, thanks! If I wanted to add turmeric root as you suggested as an extra ingredient, do I just add a small piece raw like the ginger root?
Yes, you can just add a small piece :)
Amazing shot recipe thanks so much. Do you have any recipes on what to do with the reaming pulp? Seems like it can be whipped into something yummy. Thanks
I haven’t tested out anything yet using the leftover pulp. But if you do, please let me know what you come up with!
Hi. How much ginger would u recommend a day. I saw somewhere 50 grams in a pure shot so I have been putting this amount in a smoothie and have been doing so for a while now , but have seen recently max amount 4 grams per day? Thanks in advance
This is an excellent recipe. I use a similar one. I peal ginger and lemons and blend them, adding a bit of water. Then I strain it to have the liquid and small pieces of ginger and lemon. I add a big spoon of honey. In one go I make 0.5 litres of the juice and later disolve it with water. It can be a hot drink (lemon ginger tea) or refreshing cold drink.
Hi Lisa,
can you substitute the coconut water with another liquid? I l live in Italy and it is very difficult to find some here, and the only one I found was chemical flavoured so a big no for me.
Thank you for your help!!
Yes, you can use water or another liquid. :)
I absolutely love this recipe thank you and it’s so easy to make every morning. If I was to add fresh turmeric how much would I add?
Can this be made in 64oz or 48 oz vitamix?
I plan to buy a vitamix but am unclear whether your recipes, which you make in a 64oz container, have to be proportioned for the 48 oz,, and also if texuture varies with container size/shape. What model would you recommend for single person household wanting shots/salad dressing capability plus multi serving soup recipe capacity?
Thanks for your authenticity and recipes for those of us trying to solve auto-immune issues with healthy food!
For sauces or even these ginger shots, any Vitamix would work really since you’re blending a smaller amount compared to soups or other types of recipes.
I had a holiday in Thailand and I was introduced to these shots and I was unable to find a recipe with quantities Thank you very much Regards Gail from Australia
Ginger, lemon, and cayenne are all part of our standard pantry already – whipping this together was genuinely easier than running to the grocery store or juice shop to buy it. Many thanks for the simple, straightforward recipe!
I couldnt find the quantity of ground ginger to use
For ground ginger, you’ll need about 3 teaspoons.
I’ve been following you for a while and I’ve never been disappointed with a recipe! I’m excited to try this as I’m dealing with chronic pain and just not feeling well in general. If I were to use ground ginger is it still 1/4 cup? or would it be a different measurement?
Keep in mind that ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger is the equivalent of one teaspoon of peeled and grated fresh ginger. Ground ginger is much more potent, so I would use about 3 to 4 teaspoons of ground ginger.
Thanks so much,I brought all the ingredients today,now I don’t have to bye anymore shots, from the supermarket,much love 😀
Homemade ginger shots are the best!
Hi Lisa. I did this recipe, I used ginger home made paste and substituted the cayenne pepper with Turmeric. It came out great! Thanks for your recipe
Happy to hear you enjoyed these ginger shots Cathy!
I’m so happy with this app… I just tried one yesterday felt great and forgot I hadn’t had my second energy drink… Because I felt so good and usually I don’t notice much from shots. However the price was crazy and even when they’re coldpressed an organic nothing beats fresh so Can’t wait to do this tomorrow
I don’t know how people down ginger shots from the store. I have to sip mine. Ginger BURNS. Last time I tried it in one take I thought my insides were about to explode. I genuinely almost puked it back up. 😂
It’s definitely a strong shot, but great for you nonetheless :)
I confess: I am lazy, especially first thing in the morning. A local supermarket recently enlarged its vegan offerings and now sell 150ml ginger shots. They cost €0,99, and contain 65% apple juice, 25% ginger juice, and 10% lemon juice, all fresh-squeezed. There are no additives. I keep them in the refrigerator and pop one open as soon as I can drag my self to the refrigerator. Healthy greetings from Austria!
I just discovered your recipes and I’ve already made like 5 of them! Thanks so much for providing great, healthy recipes for us.
If someone doesn’t have a blender, can powdered ginger be used and if so, how much would you recommend? Thanks!
Hi Kryss – I haven’t tried this recipe with powdered ginger, but dried spices are typically used at 1/3 the amount of fresh. So give that a try!
What if I cannot find coconut water? Can I use tap or bottled water?
Yes, you can do that!
Can the shots be frozen and used as a morning tonic with hot water?
Thank you
Kimberley
I believe it should be okay, but haven’t tried it that way!
Do you think it would be possible to double or triple tis recipe and store it in the fridge for a weeks worth? Would be nice to make it on Sunday and have ginger juice shots for the week!
Hi Jessica – Yes, you can make a bigger batch if you’d like! You can also freeze them as well.
Hi Lisa, can we store this in fridge without adding lemon
Sure, I don’t see why not.
Hi Lisa, Thank you for all your wonderful videos . I just tried the ginger shot recipe which was pungent. question for you…what do you do the leftover ginger in the strainer? throw it away or can you make tea from it? Thank you!
Hi Rima – I haven’t tried anything with it yet, but if you do, let me know how you use it!
Walk, don’t run and get the ingredients to make this simple, healthy health shot!!!! I have a Vitamix but I guess I always assumed I needed a juicer to make this. Thank you Lisa for sharing this! LIFE CHANGER 🙌
I have made this so many times! It is strong but delicious. I used to purchase the ginger shots at Trader Joe’s at $1.99 for 2 oz. but not any more!! Thanks Lisa!!!
Homemade versions are so much better :)
These make a massive difference first thing.
Loved it!
I love your content and videos! I see a lot of people use coconut water, milk, etc in their recipes and this one in particular. I have a severe allergy to it. What ingredient would you recommend in its place?
Hi Caitlin – you can use plain water in this recipe as well. No problem!
I am pregnant, can I have these?
Hi Deanna – that would be a good question for your doctor.
Today was the fIrst time I tried a ginger shot, your recipe is invigorating; love the heat! Thank you for sharing so many great glutton free whole food recipes.
Glad you loved these ginger shots! They are pretty potent.
Thanks so much for your quick and easy recipe it is a very very best I have ever tasted and it truly is a lot cheaper to make your own than to go and buy it already made! I appreciate you because you always have the best efficient recipes that are cost-effective thanks again sincerely Angel star
Homemade ginger shots are the best! Glad you enjoyed this recipe and can now save a bit of money on store-bought ginger shots.
Can you blend this using a magic bullet?
I believe it should be okay in your bullet!
Would this do well in the freezer?
Yes, you can definitely freeze them!
Hi Lisa!
I recently came across your Youtube channel and I love it! This recipe turned out great!
Out of curiosity, after straining the juice, can the left over bits be used for anything? If so, what do you recommend?
I made a larger batch so I have half a glass full of the strained bits.
Thank you so much!
Hi Tiffany – You can use the pulp for smoothies, but I haven’t tried using it for anything else yet. If you do, let me know what you come up with :)
You could add it to muffin mix before baking. I’ve done that with the remains of juiced beets and carrots and so it should work with the ginger root too.
Can you make a batch of these and store? How long would they last in fridge, or freezer? Do you lose nutritional benefit if you don’t consume immediately?
Hi Brittany – yes, you can definitely make a larger batch! It’s hard to say how much nutritional benefit you’d lose, but personally, I still think it’s worth it. You can keep them in the fridge for about 4-5 days or the freezer for months. Just add them to an ice cube tray!
Thanks, Lisa! You’re right, these are SOOOOO expensive when bought from the market!
Would you consider adding a recipe (equivalent) for turmeric lime juice shots too? :)
I’ll definitely keep that in mind for another variation! :)
I tried this recipe just this morning, but added 1tbsp of organic turmeric powder. I had to add a little agave to tone it down until I get used to it, but the drink itself was DELICIOUS, and the burn was invigorating!!
I’m going to try doing this every morning for a week, with the goal of doing it for one month.
Thanks for sharing!!
Glad you enjoyed this recipe Sonya! :)
Do you recommend a particular brand of coconut water? I’ve seen mixed reviews about locally available brands and I’m never sure if I’m wasting money or buying a decent product.
Hi Emily – I just read the ingredient list and try to avoid added sugars or other flavors.
Absolutely amazing. Before I tried these shots I had problem with having enough energy for my busy day. I’ve tried supplements, energising teas and had to drink red bull from time to time just to get through the day. These shots changed it for me, I feel energised like never and I’m sure with time they will improve my immune system.
Oh wonderful! I’m happy you loved this ginger shot recipe and you’ve experienced such positive benefits. Thanks for sharing Benita!
This recipe was fabulous! Love shots like this for boosting my family’s immunity, especially this time of year! Will definitely make again!
Glad to hear everyone enjoyed this recipe!
Viruses be gone! Love this…
Definitely a great thing to whip up during this time :)
Super easy, healthy, and delicious! I love the ginger and coconut combo and I’ve used cayenne in my healing beverages since my college days, so it’s a welcome addition to this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed this one!
This is such a refreshing way to start the day!! It wakes me up immediately without caffeine and tastes great too!
So glad to hear that! :)
Ginger is something I have incorporated into my daily life. Thank you for sharing the recipe
Of course! Hope you love these shots :)
Wonderful shots, thank you.