Photo: Gayle McLeod

Why You’ll Love These Ginger Shots

Ginger is often my go-to ingredient for an immunity or anti-inflammatory boost. I use ginger in my carrot ginger soup, make candied ginger and pickled ginger at home, and love my healing Indonesian Jamu juice when I’m feeling under the weather. But to keep my immune system strong and healthy, especially during the winter season, these ginger shots are perfect for a quick dose of concentrated ginger juice. They might be small, but they’re intense (don’t say I didn’t warn you), and certainly mighty! Here’s what you’ll love about them: 

• They’re cheaper than branded versions. I used to buy ginger shots from Kor, Vive Organic, or Suja, but gosh are they expensive! And all you need are four simple, affordable ingredients to create these copycat wellness shots at home. 
• One ginger shot holds powerful health benefits. Ginger is well known to have a myriad of health benefits. From relieving pain and reducing inflammation to soothing your digestive system, ginger does wonders when it comes to healing the body. I’ll talk more about this below!
• They store well in the fridge or freezer. I always store a batch of these ginger shots in an ice cube tray in the freezer. Think of it as meal prep for wellness! Then, I can thaw and enjoy them throughout the entire fall and winter season as needed.

Ginger Shot Ingredients

• Ginger: Use fresh ginger root for the strongest, most potent flavor. But if you only have access to dried or ground ginger, I have tips for that below.
• Lemon Juice: The bright citrus flavor of fresh lemon juice pairs well with the ginger and tastes much better than bottled lemon juice. It also adds a dose of Vitamin C.
• Coconut Water: Although you can use water, I like to use coconut water to add a splash of natural sweetness. This helps to balance the pungent ginger lemon flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch of cayenne pepper gives these shots a kick of heat, and it can also improve circulation and digestion.

How to Make Ginger Shots

Blend until smooth. Blend the ginger pieces, lemon juice, coconut water, and cayenne pepper until no chunks of ginger remain.

Strain well. Straining the ginger mixture helps remove bits of ginger peel and those pesky ginger fibers! To get the most juice, press the solids with the back of a spoon when straining.

Health Benefits of Ginger

If ginger shots are new to you, let me give you a little background on the health benefits of ginger. Ginger is a flowering plant originating from China and is related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The underground part of the ginger stem has a long history in both traditional and alternative medicine. And ginger gets its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from naturally high levels of gingerol.

Ginger has been used to treat nausea, indigestion, muscle soreness, and osteoarthritis symptoms. It also may help to lower blood sugar, improve brain function, and prevent heart disease. It’s a true superhero in the world of superfoods and one of my favorite anti-inflammatory ingredients.