Looking for a refreshing way to kickstart your day? These spicy ginger shots are immune-boosting, full of vitamin C and antioxidants, and invigorating!
Containing only 4 basic ingredients, these shots are easy to make ahead and enjoy all week long.
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What are ginger shots?
I like to start my mornings with healthy food and drink, but between getting up early for work and the usual morning sluggishness, it’s not always easy. I don’t think I’m alone in this!
Luckily, I recently discovered these spicy ginger shots: the perfect way to shake me awake and get my first serving of vitamins in (and also pretty helpful for hungover Sunday mornings).
But what exactly are ginger shots? Don’t worry, we’re not going to chug vodka in the early morning – these shots are small servings of juice made with lots of ginger root, typically consumed from a shot glass. I like to add some red chili pepper to mine to wake me up and because it aids the digestive system.
The easiest way to prepare your spicy ginger shots is using a slow juicer, which is great at extracting all the best from the ingredients but removes the pulp. These juicers can be a bit of a hassle to clean, but they’re worth it if you drink juice regularly.
If you don’t have the luxury of a slow juicer, don’t worry! Blending the ingredients and then straining the mixture will also do the trick.
Spicy ginger shots: Ingredients
Ginger
Ginger may seem like a simple home remedy, but this root vegetable is packed with medicinal properties. It can aid in combating various issues, including inflammation and digestive problems. The secret lies in gingerol, a substance known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
You can incorporate this healthy root vegetable into a wide range of dishes and drinks, such as soups, salads, or smoothies. The sweet and spicy taste of ginger is also perfect for giving these shots that signature kick!
Lemon
Lemon is a must-have citrus fruit in your spicy shots! It’s loaded with vitamin C and great for your digestive health, and its zesty acidity perfectly complements the natural sweetness of ginger.
If lemon juice on its own is a bit much for you, you can always balance it out by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to your spicy shots. Alternatively, you can replace the lemon with fresh oranges. Still refreshing, but a bit friendlier!
Chili
Who said ginger alone brings enough fire to your drink? Let’s take it up a notch by adding some chili! As mentioned, chili peppers help get your digestion going and aid in keeping things running smoothly. This is thanks to the compound that makes them spicy: capsaicin.
Feel free to add as much chili pepper as your taste buds can handle; the 1/4 cup mentioned here gives a kick, but won’t scorch the taste buds too much. For a quick solution, you can add some Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce.
Substitutions
As mentioned earlier, you can add loads of different ingredients to your spicy ginger shots. Heck, you can even omit the chili pepper if you don’t feel up to it, but this is Hint of Chili, so we’re including it in ours! 😉
Try one or multiple of the following:
- Turmeric
- Coconut water
- Black pepper
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cinnamon
- Mint
- Honey or maple syrup
- Pineapple
- Lime
- Orange
- Carrot
While we have these ginger shots in the morning for health reasons and therefore generally refrain from adding vodka, you don’t have to make yours virgin. The spicy ginger, lemon and chili pepper make an excellent base for a cheeky alcoholic shot.
Most clear spirits will work:
- Vodka
- White rum
- Gin
- Tequila blanco
Spicy ginger shots: Method
Your options for making spicy ginger shots depend on whether you have a slow juicer or not. If you do, it’s dead simple: just toss all the ingredients into the juicer and you’re done. You don’t even need to peel the lemons and ginger root!
If, like myself, you don’t have a slow juicer, don’t worry. As long as you have a (stick) blender and a fine strainer, you’re good. It’s just a little bit more work, as you’ll have to juice the lemons and peel the ginger.
To enhance the presentation, you can garnish your shot glasses with a slice of lemon or some chili pepper. And of course, feel free to sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top for an added kick.
Zero waste tip
When making these ginger shots, you’ll either strain out the pulp or it’ll be left in your juicer. Don’t throw it away! Just add a bit of water to the residual, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Next time you make a smoothie, add one or two spicy ginger lemon ice cubes! I love using them in frozen pineapple and spinach smoothies.
Spicy Ginger & Lemon Shots
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine sieve
- Spoon
- Shot glasses
Ingredients
- 4 lemons (or approx. 1/4 cup of lemon juice)
- 1/3 cup peeled and chopped fresh ginger root
- 1/4 cup chopped red chili pepper
- 1/3 cup water or coconut water
Instructions
- Juice the lemons.
- Place the lemon juice, chili, ginger and water in your blender. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the pulp through a fine (mesh) strainer. Press with the back of a spoon to get every drop of juice out.
- Have your morning shot and store the rest in the fridge, or divide over 8 shot glasses to share. Optionally garnish with some cayenne powder, a slice of lemon, or a piece of chili pepper.
Notes
- As mentioned in the post, if you own a juicer, all you have to do is toss the ingredients in there to make your shots. No peeling or anything required.
- Don’t feel like repeating this recipe weekly? The spicy ginger lemon juice freezes just fine, so feel free to double or triple the amounts and freeze in an ice cube tray.
- Alternatively, the juice last for at least 5 days in the fridge. I’ve drank mine after 7 days, and although it’s best fresh out of the blender or juicer, it was still great.
Do you have any questions or recommendations about this recipe? Don’t hesitate and leave a comment below!
