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Ginger Shots: Recipe, Benefits & Optional Additions

By Holly Darnell, RD

September 28, 2023

The trend of wellness shots shows no sign of abating, as they are available in juice shops, healthy cafes and gourmet grocery stores. They also can be made at home. And the most popular is the ginger shot.

A DIY ginger shot offers support for a healthy immune system, gut health and brain function. Loaded with antioxidants and micronutrients, including vitamins C and E, it’s a perfect compliment to your day, whether you start the day with a ginger shot or close it. Ginger shots also help one detox the body.

Below learn how to make ginger shots with the best ingredients.

What Are Ginger Shots?

Ginger shots are made with a combination of healthy ingredients, with ginger root playing the star role. The ingredients often vary depending on the recipe, but citrus juice, cayenne and turmeric are most commonly used. (Similarly, check out our turmeric shots.)

Some people consume ginger shots daily or a few times a week, often as a way to stay healthy when the weather gets cold outside or just as a general wellness shot. Ginger, also, is an increasingly popular beverage, with ginger beer, ginger ale and ginger tea all common drinks today.

Benefits

The benefits of ginger shots come from its combination of nutrient-rich ingredients. Here are some of the benefits from ginger shots:

• Supports a healthy immune system

• Supports healthy inflammation levels

• Aids digestion

• Supports healthy cholesterol levels

• Promotes detoxification

• Improves mood and energy levels

• Supports hydration

Ginger Shot Ingredients

1. Ginger root

The best source are peeling and chopping the actual root, but you can also simply use the spice powder version. Both are loaded with antioxidants and health benefits, including supporting a healthy response to inflammation.

2. Black pepper

Black pepper is also used, for it adds a spicy flavor and possesses major antioxidant properties. It also adds an extra kick of pain-relieving effects.

3. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper provides vitamin C, E and B6, along with potassium, manganese and flavonoids. It’s a natural aid for digestion, helps to relieve pain, supports detoxification, reduces congestion and supports healthy weight management. Research indicates that capsaicin, a major compound in cayenne, also features a metabolic effect.

4. Lemon juice

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber, and the flavor marries well with the other flavors in DIY ginger shot.

5. Coconut water

Coconut water is high in potassium and serves as a healthy electrolyte replacement. It provides vital hydration and that pleasant coconut flavor, plus promotes natural detoxification.

6. Lemon ginger collagen powder (optional)

Multi Collagen Protein Gut Restore includes several ingredients to support the gut and beyond. For example, 2 billion CFU of soil-based organism (SBO) probiotics, two forms of glutamine to support the gut lining and clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen, which helps reduce joint discomfort, crow’s feet appearance and hair breakage.

How to Make Ginger Shots

The first step to making ginger shots is to prep your ingredients. With ginger root, first peel it and then wash throughly and chop into small pieces. Add into the blender, along with the other ingredients. The Multi Collagen Protein Gut Restore powder is optional.

Blend well and then place a mesh sieve over a medium bowl. Strain the blended ingredients through the sieve to remove pulp. Pour the strained liquid into two glasses and drink all at once.

Optional Additions

Want to add in an extra punch of sweetness, hydration or nutrients to your ginger shots? Try some of these optional additions:

1. Natural sweetener

If you prefer a sweet flavor in your shot, add a natural sweetener like raw honey, stevia or maple syrup. Start with a small amount and increase as needed. Remember, a little can go a long way.

2. Fresh orange or pineapple juice

The taste of ginger isn’t for everyone, so adding in fresh juice from orange or pineapple can help to minimize the taste, while providing additional micronutrients, including vitamin C.

3. Sparkling water

You can turn your shot into a longer-lasting beverage by adding sparkling water (after blending). Simply pour your shot into a glass with ice, add in your desired amount of sparking water and stir.

Storage Instructions

Ginger shots will be best served fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store the liquid in an air-tight container, but keep in mind that the longer it sits, the less potent it will be.

To store ginger shots for a longer period of time, store them in the freezer for 2–3 months. This will work best when you use an ice cube tray to freeze shots individually. Then let them melt naturally a few hours before consumption or blend them again with a little water.

How to Serve

Ginger shots can be served in small glasses or consumed in 1–2 swigs. You can also serve them over ice and sparkling water to make a mocktail or add a shot to your favorite fresh juice or smoothie recipe.

Precautions

With any new natural health remedy, it’s best to go slow with ginger shots. Start with one shot every other day and increase to once daily if you’re tolerating them well. Do not exceed one shot per day.

People who are allergic to ginger (or any other ingredient in the recipe) should not consume ginger shots.

For people on blood thinners, taking ginger shots regularly is not recommended.

Other DIY Healthy Drinks

• Detox drink

• Beauty collagen drink

• Homemade energy drink

• Ultimate green juice

• Ginger turmeric tonic

• Iced golden milk latte

• Strawberry lemonade mocktail

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.