The short answer
A ginger shot is a small, concentrated drink made mainly from fresh ginger, usually with lemon and sometimes extras like turmeric, honey, cayenne or orange, taken in one or two mouthfuls rather than sipped. Fiery, zingy and warming, it is a popular way to enjoy the bold flavour of ginger, a root long loved in African, Caribbean and Asian cooking and drinks. People take ginger shots as a punchy pick-me-up, often in the morning. This article is general information, not medical advice. In the UK fresh ginger and ready-made ginger shots are sold by African and Caribbean food shops, supermarkets and health shops.
What to remember
- Fresh ginger and ready-made shots are sold by African and Caribbean food shops, supermarkets and health shops in the UK.
- People take ginger shots as a pick-me-up, often in the morning; it is a drink, not a medicine.
- It is fiery, zingy and warming, a punchy way to enjoy the bold flavour of ginger.
- It often includes extras like turmeric, honey, cayenne or orange, and is taken in one or two mouthfuls.
- A ginger shot is a small, concentrated drink made mainly from fresh ginger, usually with lemon.
For African and Caribbean families in Britain, ginger is a familiar, beloved flavour of home, from ginger beer and zobo to the ginger in the cooking pot. The ginger shot is a modern way to enjoy that same warming zing.
It is the fiery kick in the morning, the bold flavour that wakes you up, the root that has always been part of home drinks and cooking. Reaching for ginger far from home brings back kitchens and celebrations and the warming taste of ginger, the warmth of home in a small, fiery glass.
There is real familiarity in it too, in a root so loved across the continent, the Caribbean and beyond. It reflects a whole tradition of warming, flavourful drinks, and to make a ginger shot is to enjoy that in a modern form.
Sharing one with family, or introducing a friend to their first fiery hit of ginger, is a small, warming act of welcome, always as a drink to enjoy rather than a cure. That warming, zingy taste of home is the simple gift of the ginger shot.
What is Ginger Shot
A ginger shot is a small, intense drink built around fresh ginger, the knobbly, spicy root that is a staple of African, Caribbean and Asian kitchens.
Rather than a long drink to sip, a ginger shot is a concentrated dose, usually just a shot glass or two worth, made by juicing or blending fresh ginger with lemon and often other ingredients, then downing it quickly for a fiery, zingy hit.
It has become a popular modern wellness drink, sold ready-made in bottles and made fresh at home and in juice bars.
At its simplest a ginger shot is just ginger and lemon, but many versions add turmeric for colour and earthiness, a little honey or apple to soften the heat, orange for sweetness, or cayenne or black pepper for extra warmth.
The result is bold, sharp and warming. Ginger has long been loved in African and Caribbean drinks, and the ginger shot is a modern cousin of traditional ginger drinks we cover, such as [ginger beer](/blog/ginger-beer), and it sits alongside other zingy, warming drinks like the hibiscus [zobo and sorrel](/blog/hibiscus-drink-zobo-sorrel).
How Ginger Shot is Made and Taken
Making a ginger shot at home is simple. The classic method is to juice a good chunk of fresh ginger with a lemon using a juicer or to blend peeled ginger with lemon juice and a little water and then strain it to get a concentrated liquid.
From there you can keep it as ginger and lemon or add your extras, a small piece of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of cayenne, or some orange or apple juice to take the edge off. It is then poured into a small glass and taken in one or two goes.
Because it is strong and fiery, most people take a small amount, around 30 to 60 millilitres, and many have it in the morning or when they want a punchy, warming lift.
It can be made in a batch and kept in the fridge for a few days, or bought ready-made in bottles. It is best thought of as a bold, zingy drink to enjoy, and because it is intense, those with a sensitive stomach may prefer it with food or diluted.
This article is general information rather than medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant, on medication or managing a health condition should check with a pharmacist or GP before taking concentrated ginger regularly. Fiery and refreshing, a ginger shot is a simple way to enjoy ginger.
Things to Note Before Taking One
It is worth approaching ginger shots sensibly, as the bold, warming drink they are. Ginger is a much loved ingredient with a long history in cooking and traditional drinks, and many people enjoy a ginger shot as a zingy pick-me-up, but it is a drink rather than a medicine, and big health claims should be treated with caution. Enjoyed as a punchy, flavourful drink and part of a balanced diet, it is best kept in realistic perspective.
Ginger shots are strong, so a small amount is plenty, and because they are sharp and fiery, some people find them easier to take with or after food or lightly diluted, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or heartburn.
Using fresh, good ginger and not overdoing the quantity is sensible. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication such as blood thinners, or managing a health condition should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking concentrated ginger regularly.
This article is general information rather than medical advice. Approached that way, a ginger shot is a simple, warming drink to enjoy.
Where can I buy the Ingredients in UK?
Getting what you need for ginger shots in Britain is easy. African and Caribbean food shops sell fresh ginger, often large, good-value roots, along with lemons, turmeric and other extras, and these shops are a great place for the fresh ginger that makes the best shots.
Supermarkets sell fresh ginger and, increasingly, ready-made ginger shots in the chiller, and health shops carry bottled shots too. Making your own from fresh ginger is cheaper and lets you control the strength and flavour.
If you want to make ginger shots, an African or Caribbean food shop is a great place to find good fresh ginger, turmeric and lemons.
You can find [African food stores in London](/african-food-stores-in-london) or look up [African food stores in Birmingham](/african-food-stores-in-birmingham) to find a shop near you, where fresh ginger is a familiar staple. Fiery, zingy and warming, a ginger shot is a simple, punchy way to enjoy a much loved root, taken as a drink to enjoy rather than a remedy.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ginger shot?
A ginger shot is a small, concentrated drink made mainly from fresh ginger, usually with lemon and sometimes extras like turmeric, honey, cayenne or orange, taken in one or two mouthfuls rather than sipped. Fiery, zingy and warming, it is a popular way to enjoy the bold flavour of ginger. People take it as a punchy pick-me-up, often in the morning. It is a drink, not a medicine.
How do you make a ginger shot?
Juice a good chunk of fresh ginger with a lemon, or blend peeled ginger with lemon juice and a little water and strain it to get a concentrated liquid. Keep it as ginger and lemon or add extras like turmeric, a little honey, a pinch of cayenne, or orange or apple to soften the heat, and then take it in a small glass. It can be made in a batch and kept in the fridge for a few days.
Are Ginger shots good for you?
Ginger is a much loved ingredient with a long history in cooking and traditional drinks, and many people enjoy a ginger shot as a zingy, warming pick-me-up as part of a balanced diet. However, it is a drink rather than a medicine, and bold health claims should be treated with caution. This is general information, not medical advice; anyone with a health condition or on medication should check with a pharmacist or GP.
How much of a ginger shot should you take?
Ginger shots are strong and fiery, so a small amount, around 30 to 60 millilitres, is plenty, and many people take one in the morning. Because they are sharp, some find them easier with or after food, or lightly diluted, especially with a sensitive stomach. Anyone pregnant, on medication like blood thinners, or managing a condition should check with a pharmacist or GP first.
Where can I buy ginger and ginger shots in the UK?
Fresh ginger, along with lemons and turmeric, is sold by African and Caribbean food shops, often as large, good-value roots, and by supermarkets. Supermarkets and health shops also sell ready-made bottled ginger shots in the chiller. Making your own from fresh ginger is cheaper and lets you control the strength. You can find African food stores near you for good fresh ginger.
