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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.
I just tried this recipe, have to say it is a lot of messy work. It only makes 4 60 ml shots. It seems like a lot of work for 4 shots. It is very good and healthy. It is also difficult getting out all the juice even using nut bag. I had normally bought these shots at Costco, they are called Dose, but they are pricey.
Hi Sheila, Thank you for your comment! If the ginger and turmeric are not too fresh, it’s possible you can’t extract a lof of juice from them. You can add a bit of water or more lemon juice to make the consistency thinner. It might be easier to squeeze out the liquid then, too. I hope this helps. I’m glad you found it tasty and healthy!
I can’t wait to try, but I REALLY need your jars…where are they from?
Hi Vanessa,
I hope you tried the energy shots. You can find similar shot glass jars online. A similar model is also linked on the Shop page of the blog. I hope this helps.
Wow I’m going to try this where do I get the glass vals.
Hi Andrea,
I hope you gave the recipe a try. You can find similar shot glass bottles online. A similar model is linked on the Shop page of the blog as well. I hope this helps.
It is necessary to peel the skins off if using a Vitamix?
Hi Michelle,
If the skin is tender and not too thick, it’s not necessary. The skin of both turmeric and ginger is edible. Make sure to wash and brush them well first.
Is it okay to not strain the ginger shots and just leave all the pulp in there? I keep thinking that maybe that is even good.
Hi Sara,
It’s OK if you don’t mind the pulp in the juice. 🙂
is it ok to have ginger, garlic, turmeric, lemon juice and black pepper shot every day?
Hi Lila,
While these ingredients may provide potential health advantages, make sure to consume them in a balanced manner and be aware of any individual reactions. If you have any concerns , it’s best to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. I hope this helps.
Are there any alternatives to nut milk bags?
Hi Terry,
You can use a fine mesh sieve, a cheesecloth, muslin cloth (a couple of layers might be needed), cotton handkerchief, or even a clean cotton kitchen towel or pillow case (an old one that you wouldn’t need any longer as it will get stained). You can also try using a coffee filter but passing the juices through it will probably be very slow. I hope this helps.
Thank you for this recipe.
I used to peel the ginger and turmeric.
On one of the blogs, they indicated that once you wash the turmeric and ginger, drop everything, including the skin, into a blender. Once you squeeze out the liquid in the nut bag, the skin etc. will remain in the bag.
Hi Bard,
Indeed, after you wash/brush well the turmeric and ginger, it’s not necessary to peel them.
I suggest making sure you use organic tumeric and organic ginger, especially if you keep the skins on.
Thank you so much for your suggestion, James!
Could you use tumeric powder instead of fresh?
Hi Rosetta,
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.
Is it possible to use powdered turmeric and ginger instead of fresh?
Hi Tyler,
It’s best to use fresh turmeric and fresh ginger if you can. When using powdered turmeric and powdered ginger, use 1/2 tsp of each per shot. I hope this helps.