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Ginger and turmeric are two bold roots that belong together in the kitchen. This ginger turmeric shot recipe leans into that pairing: bright citrus, spicy warmth, and a tiny pinch of pepper to round it out.
You’ll blend or juice fresh roots and lemon for a concentrated, kitchen-made shot with a clean ingredient list and no sweeteners. The process is quick, with easy straining for a smooth sip.
If you’re new to prepping the roots and citrus, these guides help: how to peel ginger, how to juice a lemon, and what to do about turmeric stains.
What are ginger turmeric shots?
They’re small, concentrated sips made from fresh turmeric and fresh ginger, balanced with lemon juice and a touch of black pepper. Many people include tiny daily portions as part of their personal morning routines.
What do ginger turmeric shots taste like?
Expect a lively mix of citrus acidity, ginger heat at the back of the throat, and turmeric’s earthy note through the finish. The pepper doesn’t read as “peppery,” but it ties the flavors together. The color is deep golden-orange, and the aroma is warm and zesty.
Why are ginger and turmeric often paired?
These rhizomes share a warm, spicy backbone but taste different: turmeric is earthy and slightly bitter; ginger is hot and citrusy. Together, they feel balanced – ginger loosens the earthiness of turmeric, while turmeric deepens ginger’s zing. This pairing is traditionally used together in many kitchens, and some people enjoy small daily amounts as part of their routine.
What you’ll need
- Fresh turmeric: earthy, peppery, and vividly colored; peel for a cleaner finish.
- Fresh ginger: spicy and aromatic; peel for a smoother texture.
- Lemon juice: brightens and sharpens the blend.
- Freshly ground black pepper: a pinch adds a subtle, savory edge.
See the printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list and quantities.
How to make ginger turmeric shots
Blender method:
Add peeled, chopped turmeric and ginger to a high-speed blender. Squeeze in the lemon juice so there’s enough liquid to get things moving. Blend on high until very smooth (about 45–60 seconds).
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, pressing well to extract the liquid. Stir in the pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Juicer method:
Juice the peeled turmeric and ginger first, then the lemons. Stir in the freshly ground black pepper. If your juicer struggles with soft citrus, juice the lemons by hand (see how to juice a lemon) and stir into the root juice.
Enjoy immediately or store for later:
Pour the juice into small, lidded bottles for single servings. Shake before sipping; natural settling is normal. For freezing, portion into silicone trays or freezer-safe mini bottles, leaving headspace.
Turmeric-specific handling notes:
Turmeric stains porous surfaces and fabrics. Wear food-safe gloves if you like, rinse equipment promptly, and see my stain guide for quick fixes and prevention: how to remove turmeric stains.
FAQs
This recipe is developed for fresh turmeric. Powder has a different flavor and can feel chalky even after straining.
Yes. Dilute cold water or add the turmeric ginger shots to sparkling water or iced tea to soften the intensity while keeping the flavor.
It’s part of the tested recipe’s flavor balance. It isn’t peppery in taste, but you can perceive a rounder finish with it.
Peeling gives a cleaner flavor and color. See how to peel ginger. Handle turmeric carefully to avoid stains.
More ginger & turmeric recipes
If you try this turmeric ginger shot recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below.
Ginger Turmeric Shots
Ingredients
- 4.5 ounces turmeric roughly 2–3 medium knobs
- 5 ounces ginger roughly a 3–4 inch piece
- 2 large lemons or 6 Tbsp juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Blender method
- Peel and chop the turmeric and ginger. Juice the lemons.
- Add the roots to a high-speed blender, pour in the lemon juice, and blend until very smooth (about 45–60 seconds).
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, pressing well to extract the liquid.
- Stir in the freshly ground black pepper. Then enjoy or bottle for later.
Juicer method
- Juice the peeled turmeric and ginger first, then the lemons, and stir in the pepper.
- Enjoy right away or pour into small bottles and store for later.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Been making these for about 4 weeks now…for me and my daughter.
Love how they make us feel.
I am using mine for anti flammatory purposes and was wondering how much actual turmeric ( mg) am I consuming per shot.
Because I have daily supplements too!
I’m so glad you are enjoying these, Karen! The exact mg varies depending on the size and freshness of your turmeric pieces, but fresh turmeric generally contains about 2–3% curcumin. A 1–1.5 inch knob usually gives you roughly 1–2 grams of turmeric root per shot.
It’s best listen to your body and consult your medical professional if needed!
Recipe looks great, wondering if it can be combined with a Retinol shot by adding carrot orange and coconut water to make one “super shot,” or should the two be kept separate?
Hi Geoff,
You can combine the energy shots with carrot, orange, and coconut water for a “super shot” and consume that immediately. If you want to store it, I’d recommend keepting them separately.
I just made these. Very messy with turmeric, but we juice a lot so I expected it, and already had a stained cheesecloth. I added an extra lemon and water. Was able to fill 10 2oz shots. I drank one, and wow it’s strong even after diluting. I still like it, and definitely will make again. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your comment, Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed the shots – indeed, they can be strong when freshly made at home. You can also dilute them with some orange or apple juice to sweeten them a bit.