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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.
Hi I don’t know if I did right!! I did mine in the blender!! But I drink the paste it was a little strong but easy to drink !! My question it’s bad to drink the paste ??
Hi Maria,
It’s not bad to drink the paste. To have runny liquid-y shots, you need to strain the mixture. If you find the taste too strong, you can dilute 50 ml or so of the turmeric-ginger juice in some other fresh juice (apple, orange) or in some water with honey.
I do the same as this poster. I blend it all up and dont strain anything, just drink as is. I wonder why most people don’t just drink it without straining?
Lots of people don’t like the pulp, but you are right – you can drink it without straining 🙂
Incredible points.
Thanks very much!
Can I just use turmeric powder? I have plenty of it.
Hi Dean,
While it’s best to use fresh turmeric, you can indeed use powder. You can use 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder per shot. I hope this helps.
Hi! Do you have to store the shots in glass jars or can you use disposable containers?
You could use disposable containers. I try to limit my use of disposable items, which is why I love glass jars – as they don’t stain, unlike certain plastics.
Love this
Was able to find both fresh turmeric and ginger at the store yesterday. I made this and now the kitchen smells spicy! My 60 ml glass bottles will arrive tomorrow. Looking forward to my daily shots!
Thank you for your comment, Donna. I am glad you gave this recipe a try. Cheers! 🙂
I’m so happy I found your site. I was able to find fresh ginger and turmeric packaged in the same container at Sprouts. I cant wait to try it. Thank you for sharing
Hi Samira
Different strokes…
I grate ginger 200gm and chili x1 and then heat it in a pot of 1 liter of water at 60 degrees for 20 minutes. Strain.
I add honey and turmeric powder while still warm.
Cool, add the juice of two lemons and it keeps in the fridge for a month.
Are there different benefits inherent with your method of juicing compared to mine with cooking?
Thanks in advance
Hi Darren,
Some of the nutritional benefits will get lost when you cook and strain the ginger, it will also be less potent than it would with juicing. It may be worth trying both so you can compare them yourself 🙂
I cant find fresh Turmeric, but have the powder – How much powder would i use for the shots?
Hi Michelle,
You can use 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder per shot.
Hi Michelle,
When it comes to these shots, fresh turmeric root will give you the benefits you’re looking for. Not powder.
Unfortunately, after turmeric is turned into powder form, a lot of its properties are diminished. Like it’s known anti-inflammatory effects paired with black pepper.
Thank you for your comment. I agree that it’s best to use fresh turmeric.
Maybe a silly question but does it have the same effect if you dilute it? X I like the fact it’s a shot to down quickly, but my daughter would prefer it watered down
Hi Louise.
You can definitely dilute it. The benefits will be the same. You can add it to some orange or other fruit juice, instead of just water. Or if making a smoothie, add the turmeric-ginger shot to it. I hope this helps.
So I can add the turmeric , ginger , pepper to my protein shake in the morning. Wonder how that will taste. Will I get the same benefits?
Hi Mike,
Yes, you could try adding some to the protein shake. If you make these energy shots, just add one of them – about 50ml /1.7oz – or less to begin with. Indeed, the taste might change a bit especially because of the stronger pungy ginger taste but the shots have great health benefits. I hope this helps.
I add tumeric powder and pounded ginger root in my tea or alternatively just add in hot water and drink it. Is this still fine to do?
Hi Christine,
It’s perfectly fine to add turmeric and ginger powder to your tea or just hot water. You will still benefit from their healthy properties.
There is a recipe for ginger tea on the blog that uses fresh ginger. If you want to check it out, here’s the link: https://www.alphafoodie.com/how-to-make-ginger-tea/
is 50 ml the correct amount to take in one shot
Hi Joann,
Usually, yes, 50 ml is the recommended amount. You can start with half that for a few days to get used to it and then add more and more till you reach 50. If you find that the taste is too strong, you can also dilute it with some fruit juice. I hope this helps.
Can we use à slowjuicer in stead of the blender & the hussle of squeezing with a nut bag? Thanks
Hi Stefanie, of course 100 percent, it’s normally the better approach. I did this since a lot of my instagram audience don’t have slow juicer. 🙂
I used fresh turmeric and ginger is there something we can do with the strained leftovers?
Hi Sandy,
You can add the leftovers to soups and stews or other dishes. You can also add a bit to smoothies. You can also dry and grind them into powder (again to use when cooking) or make tea from the dried leftover.
Why strain it? Is there a reason not to take it as a shot of puréed ginger-turmeric-lemon? Thx!
You can drink it with the pulp if you’d prefer. Many people tend to find it a lot less palatable that way though – harder to have as a ‘shot’. However, if you don’t mind the texture and flavor then I say go for it! 🙂