Classic Ginger Shot

Name: Classic Ginger Shot
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: approx. 490 ml, around 14 shots at 30 ml
Cuisine: international
Ingredients: 145.0 g Fresh Ginger Root; 6.0 Lemon; 3.0 EL Maple syrup; 140.0 ml Water

Fresh ginger shot with lemon: spicy, zingy, no juicer needed.

5 minEasyDrinkVeganVegetarianGluten-FreeLactose-Free

The classic ginger shot calls for just three ingredients: fresh ginger, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup. No juicer needed – the whole ginger root goes straight into the blender container, skin and all, gets broken down completely, and yields an intense, bright-sharp shot with zero pulp waste. Blended in about one minute, poured into a glass bottle, and stored cold it keeps for several days.

Chef's Note

How sharp the shot turns out depends mainly on how finely the ginger is broken down – the Vitamix does this particularly thoroughly. For a milder result, dilute the finished shot 1:3 with water, or pour it over hot water as a warming drink. We kept the sweetness deliberately low; adjust the maple syrup to taste. For the full background, variations, and the blender-vs-juicer comparison, see our in-depth ginger shot guide.

The Vitamix breaks down the entire ginger root completely, skin included – no juicer or second appliance needed. The high blade speed breaks up the cell structure more finely than a slow juicer, giving you more flavor and the full yield from the same amount of ginger. The fibers left after straining can be reused – that is the honest zero-waste approach a juicer cannot match.

Ingredients

Container size

approx. 490 ml, around 14 shots at 30 ml

145 gFresh Ginger Root(organic, can be left unpeeled)
6Lemon(juice only, approx. 300 ml)
3 tbspMaple syrup(approx. 45 g, to taste)
140 mlWater(optional, for diluting)

Instructions

1
Scrub the ginger thoroughly and trim off any dry ends. Organic ginger can go in with the skin on – the high-performance blender breaks it down completely. Cut into rough chunks.
2
Halve and juice the lemons until you have about 300 ml of fresh juice. Remove the pips.
3
Add the lemon juice and maple syrup to the Vitamix container first, then the ginger. Secure the lid. Start on setting 1 and increase to the highest setting within about two seconds, then keep blending for about 45 to 60 seconds, until the ginger is finely broken down. For small quantities, use the tamper to keep everything at the blades.
4
If you like, strain the shot through a coarse sieve – the remaining fibers can be reused (see the guide). Or leave the pulp in for extra bite. Pour into a clean glass bottle, refrigerate, and use within 5 to 7 days.

Nutrition per 100 ml

Energy	38 kcal158 kJ
Fat	0.5 g
Carbohydrates	6.8 g
of which sugars	5.5 g
Protein	0.6 g

Nutrition values are approximate. They may vary depending on the ingredients used and how the recipe is prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a ginger shot without a juicer?

Yes. With a high-performance blender you do not need a juicer: the whole ginger root is broken down completely, skin and all, so you use the full amount without any pulp waste. Strain out the fibers at the end if you prefer, or leave them in for extra intensity.

How long does a homemade ginger shot keep?

In a clean, sealed glass bottle, the shot keeps in the fridge for a few days. Handy tip: you can also freeze it in portions in ice cube trays and thaw individual cubes as needed.

How strong is the ginger shot, and how do I dilute it?

Undiluted, the shot is intensely sharp. For a milder version, dilute it 1:3 with water, or pour it over hot water as a warming drink. That way you can dial in the heat exactly to your taste.

Do I need to peel the ginger?

No. With organic ginger, the skin can stay on. A high-performance blender breaks it down finely. Just trim off any dry ends and wash the root thoroughly. If you want a particularly fine texture, peel the ginger with a spoon.

Which Vitamix works for ginger shots?

Any Vitamix high-performance blender works, since the high blade speed breaks down ginger reliably. For an entry point, the Explorian E310 is a solid choice; for more convenience, the Ascent series. When working with small quantities, use the tamper to keep everything near the blades.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes. We use maple syrup to keep the recipe vegan. Honey works just as well. Either way, dose the sweetness sparingly.