GINGER SHOTS (RECIPE AND BENEFITS)
These 6-ingredient ginger shots (with pineapple, orange, and cayenne), are potent with immune-boosting, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. They can be made in a blender or juicer!
TROPICAL GINGER IMMUNITY SHOTS WITH PINEAPPLE, ORANGE, AND LIME
Healthy shots, whether immunity shots, detox shots, energy shots, etc., have grown in popularity over the last few years and are now a staple in most health food stores, cafés, and coffee shops. They’re packed with good-for-you ingredients ready to provide a concentrated burst of benefits. However, store-bought versions are not only less fresh but come with a hefty price tag ($4+ for a single shot?! Yuck!). Luckily, it’s incredibly simple to prepare your own ginger shots, and you don’t even need a juicer!
These concentrated immune booster shots are robust, tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy. They’re made with just a handful of fresh inexpensive ingredients, a blender and strainer, take just minutes to prepare, and are loaded with beneficial nutrients. In fact, this is the perfect wellness shot recipe to boost energy, mood, immunity, metabolism, and more!
GINGER SHOT BENEFITS
What are ginger shots good for? The ginger shot benefits are plentiful thanks to a careful selection of ingredients. It’s a perfect combination for boosting immunity during cold and flu season and keeping you feeling your best year-round!
THE INGREDIENTS
Ginger: Fresh ginger root is the star of the show, and for good reason. Along with its zingy, spicy kick, it packs a punch with plenty of antioxidants and health benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory, aids digestive health, is cold and flu busting, and may improve brain and heart health and lower blood sugar levels.
Studies show it may also reduce period pains, fight infections, and aid digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and nausea. Use young ginger for a milder flavor.
Orange: Orange juice is tangy-sweet and rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and folate. The combination might be beneficial for decreasing the risk of kidney stones and inflammation, while it may improve heart health.
Lime juice (or lemon juice): This adds a bright, zesty flavor, and it’s a wonderful detox ingredient. Lemon and limes are antibacterial and antiviral and can help to balance your body’s pH level and increase iron absorption. They also help to promote healthy skin. AVOID bottled juice for this recipe!
Pineapple: Pineapple add a wonderful sweetness but also contains plenty of antioxidants plus several vitamins and minerals, including impressive levels of vitamin C, manganese, and copper. It also contains the plant compound bromelain, which is anti-inflammatory, may boost the immune system, and contains gut-health benefits.
Cayenne pepper: A pinch of cayenne is perfect for seasoning food with a kick of heat, but also boasts several health benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, can improve circulation, and may even help with various issues like tummy upset and coughs during cold and flu season.
My recipe also includes coconut water, which helps blend the ginger juice and dilute the shot with a subtle sweetness and several vitamins and minerals. Use water or more orange juice, if preferred.
You can read more about the benefits and downsides of ginger shots on Healthline!
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:
You could use several ingredients to further boost this ginger shot recipe.
Turmeric & black pepper: This ingredient can increase the antioxidant capacity in our bodies, and may be beneficial to heart health, blood pressure, inflammation, brain function, mood, and more! Use half turmeric root and half ginger in the immunity shots.
Sweetener: If you find the flavor of the homemade ginger shots a little strong, maple syrup or a sugar-free syrup will work to sweeten the juice.
Grapes or apples: To add natural sweetness and help mellow the flavor of these homemade ginger shots.
For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
HOW TO MAKE GINGER SHOTS?
First, wash and scrub the ginger root before chopping it into small pieces. There’s no need to peel it since you’ll strain the immunity booster shots.
Then, slice each orange in half and squeeze them until you get ½ cup of orange juice. Also, juice the limes (3) or lemons (2) for ¼ cup of juice.
You can do this with a citrus reamer or fork/spoon. Roll it against the kitchen counter to make it easier to juice.
Transfer all the ingredients to a blender and blend until fairly smooth.
If you have a juicer, there’s no need to juice the various ingredients separately. Instead, just chop them down to fit the juicer chute and feed them through the machine.
Pass the ginger shot mixture through a fine-mesh trainer or nut milk bag to remove unwanted fiber/solids.
Finally, transfer the ginger shots to small glass shot tubes or glasses – enjoy!
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Fridge: Fresh juice recipes are best consumed immediately for maximum nutrient absorption and health benefits. However, you can store any immune booster shot leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. The potency will decrease over time as it oxidizes.
Freezer: If you want to store the ginger shots over a long-term period while retaining as many nutrients as possible, the freezer is your friend. Freeze the juice in the measured ‘shots’ in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Allow an ice cube to thaw overnight in the fridge.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS
My favorite way to consume ginger shots is in one go (not sipping). However, if you struggle with the potent flavor, you could mix it into other drinks:
Like sparkling water
Add to iced tea
Mix into smoothies
WHEN TO TAKE GINGER SHOTS?
The shot of ginger is most beneficial on an empty stomach when it’s most easily and quickly absorbed into your system. I drink a shot first thing in the morning, 20-30 minutes before breakfast.
HOW MANY GINGER SHOTS A DAY?
When you start consuming homemade ginger shots, I recommend starting slowly. One shot is more than enough in the beginning. Once your body is used to the ingredients, you can increase the dose slowly.
DO GINGER SHOTS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
In general, all the ingredients in these ginger immunity shots are healthy and safe. However, consuming too much ginger in one go could cause stomach upset and heartburn. It can also have blood-thinning effects and impact blood-sugar levels. So proceed with caution if you are taking medications with similar benefits.
HOW MANY ML IS A SHOT?
For these ginger immunity shots, a shot is about 45 ml.
HOW TO MAKE GINGER JUICE WITH A BLENDER?
I’ve used a blender instead of a juicer for this ginger shot recipe. The main difference is that you’ll need additional liquid in your blender to help blend the ginger and other hard ingredients into their juicy, mushy state. In this case, coconut water and the other fruit juices will help blend the ginger root.
CAN I MAKE GINGER SHOTS WITH POWDERED GINGER?
Technically, yes, though I recommend using fresh ingredients for the maximum benefits. To use powdered ginger, I recommend using about 1/3-1/2 teaspoon per shot and increasing the coconut water by a tablespoon or so.
RECIPE NOTES
Pulpy or smooth: If you don’t mind the pulp in the juice, then the extra fiber is excellent for your gut. However, feel free to strain it if preferred.
Reduce waste: If you ditch the pulp from the healthy shots but don’t want to chuck it away, add the leftover pulp to smoothies. I also recommend zesting the citrus fruits before juicing them and storing the zest in the freezer.
Fresh organic ingredients are best: They’re usually the most nutritious and delicious option. Avoid bottled and pre-juiced ingredients.
