Ginger Turmeric Shots

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You only need a handful of ingredients to make these energizing lemon ginger turmeric shots at home! These shots pack a punch and are much more affordable than store-bought. No fancy equipment needed — just a blender and sieve!

A popular item at juice bars and grocery stores, ginger shots are touted as having anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties thanks to their wholesome ingredients. Whenever cold and flu season comes around, I try to always have some in the fridge.

A ginger turmeric shot on a plate surrounded by cut ginger and turmeric and more juice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s much more cost-effective to make these lemon ginger shots at home instead of buying them. Even purchasing the shots in bulk at Costco, it’s still a pretty penny to buy a box of 6 to 8. Buying the ingredients to make at home costs a fraction!
It’s very easy to make, as you don’t need specialized equipment like a juicer. Simply blend everything in a blender and then strain it through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag.
I’m not going to lie to you and say this is delicious. It’s an acquired taste and it’s quite zingy. However, I’ve had these shots so often that I happily take a shot without any issue.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make ginger turmeric shots.

orange — fresh oranges (or orange juice) add a nice sweetness to the shot to balance out the zing you get from the lemons and ginger. If cara care oranges are in season, I would 100% use those as they’re much sweeter.
lemon — I highly recommend using fresh lemons instead of swapping for bottled lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice tastes much brighter and fresher and doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste.
ginger — fresh ginger is a natural antioxidant and may assist as an anti-inflammatory and support the immune system (source). No need to peel it as you’ll strain the juice but you should wash them before cutting them.
turmeric — similar to ginger, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties as well (source). If you can’t find fresh turmeric root, you can add a few dashes of turmeric powder. I’ve used the Trader Joe’s one.
cayenne pepper & black pepper — the shots that I purchase have cayenne pepper and black pepper, so I add them as well. Cayenne pepper is supposed to reduce inflammation, but while I’m not sure the amount added does much, I don’t skip it just in case it helps haha. Don’t skip the black pepper, though, as it supposedly helps increase your body’s ability to absorb the turmeric’s benefits (source).
coconut water — you can use coconut water or just regular filtered water. Coconut water adds a bit of sweetness and has antioxidant properties.

How to Make Ginger Turmeric Shots

Set of two photos showing oranges, lemon, ginger, and turmeric cut.

Peel the oranges and lemons.
Wash and chop the ginger and turmeric

Set of two photos showing ingredients added to a blender.

Add everything to a blender.

Set of two photos showing the blender with the liquid then poured over a sieve.

Blend for around 20 to 30 seconds.
Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a large measuring cup.

Set of two photos showing liquid pushed through a sieve and ginger turmeric shots in a measuring cup.

Use a spoon to press down the pulp or squeeze the liquid out if using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth so that as much juice is strained out as possible. Discard the pulp.
Pour the ginger shots into small glass bottles and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days. Give them a shake before serving.

A ginger turmeric shot in the middle of a wooden board surrounded by more ginger turmeric shots.

Recipe Tips and Notes

If you have a juicer, you can add everything into a juicer without having to strain the juice.
It’s normal for the juice to separate in the fridge over time. I usually take a shot every morning and simply shake it well before drinking.
Instead of oranges, you can try pineapples, pears, or mango!
You can use 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder in place of fresh turmeric root.
If you prefer these wellness shots to be sweeter, you can add some honey.
You can read more about the benefits of ginger shots here from the Cleveland Clinic.

Two ginger turmeric shots on a wooden board surrounded by cut ginger, turmeric, and orange.

Make Ahead Tips

Meal prep: pour the ginger shots into small glass bottles or one large bottle and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Shake before enjoying.
Freezer: if you want to make a large batch, you can freeze the ginger shots in an ice cube tray. Thaw one to two cubes in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.

Can I use ground ginger?

No, I don’t recommend using ground ginger. Ground ginger has a more earthy flavor whereas fresh ginger root has a spicy flavor that gives you a nice kick when drinking.