Ginger Immunity Shots

What are ginger shots?

Ginger shots are small, concentrated drinks made using fresh ginger, citrus fruits and other ingredients such as turmeric and honey. I make mine by blending fresh ginger with oranges, lemon juice, water and a few extras before straining everything to create a smooth juice. They’re a handy addition to your morning routine and really easy to make at home.

How do you make ginger shots at home?

Making homemade ginger shots is really simple. I add fresh ginger, peeled oranges, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, black pepper and water to a blender and blend until smooth. I then strain the mixture through a sieve, squeezing out as much juice as possible, before dividing it into little bottles. That’s your homemade ginger shot recipe sorted!

What are the benefits of ginger shots?

Ginger contains naturally occurring compounds called gingerols, while lemons and oranges are a source of vitamin C. Turmeric also contains curcumin, a naturally occurring plant compound. I like making these ginger shots as a handy way to include fresh ginger and citrus fruit in my diet, particularly during the colder months. They’re not a cure for colds or a guaranteed way to boost immunity, but they’re a nice addition to a balanced diet.

When is the best time to drink ginger shots?

I usually have my ginger shot first thing in the morning as part of my breakfast routine. You can enjoy them whenever suits you, though. If you find the ginger and lemon a little strong on an empty stomach, try having yours alongside breakfast instead.

How many ginger shots should you drink a day?

I make these in small portions, so one little bottle is plenty for me. There’s no official recommended daily amount of ginger shots, and you don’t need to drink several a day to enjoy them. They’re quite concentrated, so I’d start with a small serving and see how you get on.

How long do homemade ginger shots last in the fridge?

I store my homemade ginger shots in a sealed, airtight bottle or container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Make sure your bottles are clean before filling them and keep the ginger shots refrigerated. Give them a good shake before drinking, as some of the ingredients may naturally settle.

Can you freeze homemade ginger shots?

Absolutely! This is one of my favourite ways to meal prep them. I divide the ginger shots into individual portions and freeze them in small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. When I fancy one, I take it out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge overnight to defrost. Just make sure you use them once defrosted and don’t refreeze them.

Can you make ginger shots without a juicer?

Yes. You don’t need a fancy juicer to make homemade ginger shots. I use a standard blender to combine all the ingredients until smooth, then pour everything through a fine sieve to separate the juice from the pulp. It’s a really easy way to make ginger shots at home without buying any extra kitchen equipment.

Can you make ginger shots without honey?

The honey is completely optional in this recipe. I add a teaspoon to balance out the sharpness of the lemon and ginger, but you can leave it out if you’d prefer. The oranges also add a little natural sweetness.

Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?

I’d recommend using fresh ginger for this recipe, as it gives the shots their strong, fresh flavour. Ground ginger has a different taste and texture, so it won’t give you quite the same result. Fresh ginger is also easy to find in most supermarkets.

Why are my homemade ginger shots so spicy?

Ginger naturally has quite a strong, peppery heat, particularly when you’re using fresh ginger. That’s what gives these ginger shots their kick! If you find them too strong, try adding another orange, a little extra water or reducing the amount of ginger next time.

Can you drink ginger shots every day?

Many people enjoy ginger shots as part of their daily routine, but they’re not essential for good health. Ginger can cause heartburn, stomach discomfort or irritation in some people, particularly in concentrated amounts. If you’re taking medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant, it’s worth checking with a healthcare professional before making concentrated ginger shots part of your daily routine.

Are homemade ginger shots better than shop-bought ginger shots?

I like making my own because I know exactly what’s going into them. You can control how much ginger, lemon, orange and honey you use, and make a big batch for a fraction of the price of buying individual bottles from the supermarket. They’re also really handy to have ready in the fridge or freezer.

Can I make ginger shots with turmeric?

I add a teaspoon of turmeric to this recipe for extra flavour. I also include a pinch of black pepper, which contains piperine and can increase the absorption of curcumin from turmeric. Both ingredients work really well alongside the fresh ginger and citrus fruits.