This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I’ve been making small, spicy ginger shots at home for years. This ginger shot recipe keeps the ingredients simple and the method straightforward, with consistent results you can batch for the week.
The goal is clean, fresh juice with a balanced kick. You’ll juice ginger and lemon, combine them in equal parts, then finish with a touch of honey and a pinch of cayenne to taste. You can then enjoy these shots as part of a balanced routine, especially during the cold season.
If you’re new to juicing ginger, see how to juice ginger with and without a juicer, and if you enjoy variations, try these turmeric ginger shots.
What are ginger shots?
Ginger shots are small, concentrated sips made from fresh ginger juice and citrus. They’re typically taken as a quick 2‑ounce shot rather than a drink to sip. This homemade version focuses on fresh ginger and lemon, lightly sweetened and gently spiced so the flavor is strong but smooth.
What do they taste like?
Expect an immediate, gingery heat that warms the back of the throat, balanced by fresh lemon tang. The finish is clean and bright, with just a hint of sweetness if you use honey. If the first sip feels intense, dilute your shot with a splash of cold water or sparkling water and sip it slowly.
What you’ll need
- Fresh ginger root: Scrub well. Juicing releases a clean, peppery heat and natural oils.
- Fresh lemons: Bright acidity tempers the ginger’s heat and keeps the flavor lively.
- Honey (optional): Softens sharp edges; maple or agave also work if needed.
- Cayenne pepper: A tiny pinch adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
See the printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list and quantities.
How to make ginger shots (juicer + no-juicer options)
Start by scrubbing the ginger well and drying it. You don’t have to peel it if it’s clean and fresh. Juice the ginger first, then juice the lemons. Aim for equal volumes of ginger juice and lemon juice so the flavor is balanced and consistent from batch to batch.
For a juicer: Feed the ginger through the chute, then the lemons. Stir the juices together in a pitcher until evenly mixed, then whisk in the honey (if using) until dissolved. Stir in a small pinch of cayenne.
For a blender: Chop the ginger into pieces and add it to the blender with the lemon juice. Blend on high until the mixture looks thick and pulpy, about 60–90 seconds, pausing to scrape the sides. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, pressing firmly to extract the juice. Whisk in honey (if using) until dissolved, then add a small pinch of cayenne.
For a hand-grate method: Finely grate the ginger, then squeeze it through cheesecloth to extract the juice. Stir with the lemon juice, dissolve the honey (if using), and add a small pinch of cayenne.
Strain for a smoother sip, or leave a little fine sediment for extra punch. Bottle right away and keep in the fridge for up to 7 days, or pour into a large ice cube tray and freeze. The flavors of the lemon ginger shots are brightest on day one.
Samira’s tips
- Scrub well: Dirt clings to ginger’s crevices; a veggie brush helps.
- Equal parts, steady results: Keeping ginger and lemon in equal volume makes each shot consistent.
- Strain to your preference: Fine straining gives a cleaner sip; a coarser strain leaves extra zing.
- Adjust the heat thoughtfully: Start with a tiny pinch of cayenne, then taste; a little goes a long way.
- Small bottles help: Portioning into 2‑ounce bottles makes it easy to grab and shake before drinking.
FAQs
Fresh ginger makes a cleaner-tasting shot. If you must use powder, whisk very well and strain; the flavor will be different and more muted.
Yes. Try a splash of cold water or sparkling water, or stir a shot into iced tea or a smoothie. You can also reduce the intensity with a bit more lemon or a touch of honey.
Many people enjoy a small ginger lemon shot in the morning or early afternoon as part of a balanced routine.
No. It’s optional and used in a very small amount for warmth.
Related recipes
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a recipe card rating below!
Ginger Shots (Juicer and Blender Methods)
Ingredients
- 16 oz ginger root to yield about 12 fl oz juice
- 6 lemons to yield about 12 fl oz juice – may need more or less, depending on size
- 1 tsp honey or agave/maple
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Juicer method
- Scrub and dry the ginger. Juice the ginger first, then juice the lemons. Aim for equal volumes of ginger juice and lemon juice and pour both into a pitcher.
- Whisk in the honey until fully dissolved, if using. Stir in the cayenne pepper.Bottle immediately. Shake the ginger lemon shots before serving. One shot is 2 fluid ounces.
Blender method
- Chop the ginger and blend it with the lemon juice until pulpy, 60–90 seconds.
- Strain very well through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.
- Whisk in honey and cayenne, then bottle right away.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If I wanted to add powdered turmeric, how much would you recommend?
Hi Kristin,
I would recommend ½ tsp of turmeric powder per shot.
Hi where did you order those one shot bottles? Could you give me the size and information. This was most helpful. Great recipe. Thank you
Hi Susie,
You can find them easily online. For energy short, I recommend 30-50 ml bottles (1-1.7 fl oz). A similar size is linked on the Shop page here on the blog. I hope this helps.
Can this bit diluted with a little water? I just made it! It’s good but packs quite a punch lol
Hi Tammi,
Yes, you can dissolve it with a bit of water. Or add it to another fresh juice (like apple or orange).
Thanks! Never thought of putting Ginger into my Great Grand-mother’s “be well” recipe. She’d give us a high ball glass full 2x a day if we started feeling sick. If given right away, we usually Never got sick. But helped lesson being sick if taken later. Worked for me when I had pneumonia and all the Dr’s drugs didn’t work. Did this and Hot Toddy Teas for a week and my Dr was amazed and now prescribes it to his patients. He went back to school for herbal medicine that year.
She would mix all in a blender with an ice cube or two.
2 Oranges and 1/2 lemon semi juiced (would usually include pulp.)
1 TBS honey, 1 TBS olive oil, 1/3 tsp cayenne pepper, 4 cloves fresh garlic
Thank you for your comment, Cilenia. Homemade remedies can be great indeed 🙂
Have someone hug you for me today for sharing your grandma’s Be Well recipe
🙂
I like this recipe, thanks! I have a nutri bullet, has anyone had any success using one of those to make the shots? What kind of juicer are you all using? I dont know if want to purchase another appliance. I am thinking making larger batches in the bullet and portioining them out for the week.
Hi Alex,
I usually use an Omega juicer but you can also make ginger shots using a blender or a food processor. All the details for how to do this are included in this blog post – https://www.alphafoodie.com/turmeric-ginger-energy-shots/
I hope this helps.
Used my magic bullet. Liquid is key and worked beautifully. I wish i could send u a photo. Vitamix is great too
Thanks for the feedback!
Why do you have to strain it if it’s made in a blender? I have a vitamix and never strain the shots I make. Am I doing it wrong?
Hi Cindy,
Sometimes, there’s some pulp left and so I prefer straining it. If you are happy with the consistency (indeed Vitamix is powerful and pulverizes all the fibers), then there’s no need to strain the juice.
Awesomeness
Thank you for your comment, Rhonda!
Can u use a neutral bullet
Hi,
You can make these shots using a blender or a food processor. All the details for how to do this are included in this blog post – https://www.alphafoodie.com/turmeric-ginger-energy-shots/
I hope this helps.
Hi, new on this. I got all the stuff to make 1:1 ginger shots. I ordered shots bottles from Amazon, and I would like to ask is it ok to drink a shot of 60ml first timer to start with 30ml for beginners?
Hi Danny,
It’s recommended to have 1 shot a day. You can start with 1 oz for a couple of days and then up it to 2 oz. I hope this helps.
Hey Samira, great recipe! Made it and freezed a bunch for later use. I believe in your recipe you meant “no” need to peel the ginger. Easy fix. Thanks for the informative rundown on the health properties of each ingredient!
Thank you so much for your comment, Lee. You are right – indeed there is no need to peel the ginger. Will fix this typo quickly!
Magic solution
Thank you for your comment!
Thanks for the recipe, I made it exactly as posted with organic ginger and had a shot, my oh my!
How much can one consume daily? I made and bottled a large batch.
Hi Jen,
It’s recommended to have 1 shot a day (1-2 oz/30-60ml). You can store it in your refrigerator in an airtight bottle or freeze it in ice cube trays.