Ginger Shot Recipe with Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar (No Juicer Needed!)

This easy ginger shot recipe is my go-to way to start the morning when I want something warming, zingy and low in sugar. It’s made with fresh ginger, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, and you DO NOT need a juicer! Everything goes into a blender, gets strained, and you have a week’s worth of shots in about 10 minutes.

Store-bought ginger shots start getting expensive fast. Making a batch at home costs a fraction of the price, and you control exactly what goes in: no added sugar, no fillers, just real ingredients.

Below I’ll show you how to make ginger shots step by step, how many shots this recipe makes, how long they keep in the fridge and freezer, and a few easy variations, like turmeric and cayenne.

How to Make Ginger Shots (Blender Method)

1. Juice the lemons. Halve the lemons and squeeze the juice straight into a high-speed blender.
2. Add the liquids. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and filtered water.
3. Add the ginger. Roughly chop or break the ginger into chunks and add it to the blender. Blend on high for 60 to 90 seconds, until completely smooth.
4. Strain. Set a fine mesh strainer over a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Pour the mixture through, working in batches if needed.
5. Press out the liquid. Use the back of a spoon to press the pulp and get every drop out.
6. Bottle. Pour into small glass shot bottles and refrigerate. Shake before drinking.

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Shot Recipe

• No juicer needed. A regular blender and a fine mesh strainer do the job.
• Ready in 10 minutes. Make one batch on Sunday and you’re set for the week.
• Low sugar. Lemon and apple cider vinegar give it brightness without juice or sweeteners.
• Budget-friendly. A big batch costs a fraction of store-bought shots.
• Zero waste option. Freeze the leftover ginger pulp for smoothies, tea and stir-fries.

Ingredients for Lemon Ginger Apple Cider Vinegar Shots

This ginger shot recipe uses four simple ingredients:

• Fresh ginger root. About 1/2lb. Look for firm, smooth ginger. Organic ginger doesn’t need peeling; just scrub it well.
• Fresh lemon juice. From 4 large lemons, about 1 cup. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh tastes brighter and has less additives.
• Apple cider vinegar. Use raw, unfiltered ACV “with the mother.” This is what makes it an ACV shot, and it adds a tangy kick.
• Filtered water. Thins the shot so it’s easier to drink and doesn’t burn your throat.

Tips for the Best Homemade Ginger Shots

• No need to peel. Most of ginger’s flavor sits right under the skin. Scrub organic ginger well and toss it in whole.
• Use a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag. A nut milk bag gets the smoothest shot with the least pulp.
• Too spicy? Add more water or a splash of coconut water. Too mild? Use more ginger and less water next batch.
• Use glass bottles. Ginger and lemon are acidic, so glass keeps the flavor clean. I use 2-ounce bottles [affiliate link].
• Shake before drinking. Natural sediment settles at the bottom.

Ginger Shot Variations

• Turmeric ginger shot: Add a 2-inch piece of fresh turmeric (or 1 tsp ground) plus a pinch of black pepper, which helps your body absorb turmeric. Heads up, turmeric stains. [Link to new turmeric ginger shot post once live.]
• Cayenne ginger shot: Add a small pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Orange ginger shot: Swap some of the lemon for fresh orange juice for a sweeter, kid-friendlier shot.
• Sweetened ginger shot: Stir in a little maple syrup or agave to take the edge off (keeps it vegan).

Do you need a juicer to make ginger shots?

No. A high-speed blender plus a strainer works just as well and is easier to clean. A juicer gives a slightly smoother shot with no straining, but it’s an extra appliance most people don’t need. I use my [blender name] [affiliate link], and any high-speed blender will blend ginger smooth in about a minute.

How to Store Ginger Shots

• Fridge: Keep ginger shots in sealed glass bottles in the fridge for up to [5] days. Shake before drinking.
• Freezer: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw a cube overnight in the fridge, or drop it straight into tea or a smoothie.
• Leftover pulp: Freeze the ginger pulp in ice cube molds and use it in smoothies, tea, soups and stir-fries.

FAQ’s

What do ginger shots do?

Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that research links to easing nausea, supporting digestion and calming inflammation. A ginger shot is just a concentrated way to get more ginger into your day. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s an easy, low-sugar habit.

How many shots does this ginger shot recipe make?

This recipe makes about 3 1/2 cups, or 15 two-ounce shots. That’s enough for one shot a day for about 2 weeks – share with friends or freeze leftovers. To defrost, just add to the fridge the night before.

How much ginger shot should I take a day?

One 1 to 2 ounce shot a day is plenty for most people. Start with a smaller amount if you’re new to ginger, and listen to your body.

When is the best time to drink a ginger shot?

Many people like one in the morning to wake up their system. Others prefer one before or after a meal to support digestion. If it bothers your stomach first thing, have it with breakfast instead.

Can ginger shots cause heartburn or stomach upset?

They can. Ginger, lemon and apple cider vinegar are all strong, especially on an empty stomach. If you notice heartburn, dilute your shot with water or coconut water, or drink it with food.

Is it bad to drink apple cider vinegar shots every day?

Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so always dilute it, as this recipe does with water. To protect your teeth, follow with water afterwards.

How long do ginger shots last in the fridge?

Up to 5-6 days in sealed glass bottles. Shake before drinking.

Can you freeze ginger shots?

Yes! Freeze them in the shot bottles for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can you make ginger shots without a juicer?

Yes, that’s exactly how this recipe works. Blend everything, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag.

Do ginger shots help with colds?

Ginger shots won’t cure a cold, but warm ginger and lemon can be soothing for a scratchy throat. Think of them as part of a healthy routine, alongside sleep, fluids and nourishing food. Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I start taking these shots and it helps my body fight it off.

Can you take ginger shots while pregnant?

Ginger is commonly used to ease pregnancy nausea, but a concentrated shot with apple cider vinegar is much stronger than ginger tea. Check with your doctor or midwife before adding ginger shots during pregnancy.

{If you like this recipe you’ll love my KID FRIENDLY IMMUNITY JUICE and my FIREBALL SHOTS.}