Lemon-Ginger Shot With Fresh Ginger

Ingredients for two small shots

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

If you prefer a milder shot, start with 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Measure it after grating so the amount is easier to repeat.

How to make a lemon-ginger shot

Rinse the lemon and ginger under running water before you cut or grate them. The FDA recommends washing produce before cutting, even when you plan to discard the peel. [1]

• Squeeze the lemon and measure 2 tablespoons of juice into a small cup.
• Add 2 tablespoons of cold water and 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated ginger. Stir well.
• Pour through a fine-mesh strainer to catch the ginger fibers and any seeds, then divide between two small glasses.

Still too tart after a sip? Add a splash of cold water. If you prefer a longer drink, pour one shot over ice and top it with more water to taste.

What researchers have studied about ginger

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that most studies on ginger for nausea and vomiting tested dietary supplements. The form of ginger and the amount used matter when you compare those studies with a drink made from fresh ginger. [2]

In one small study, 11 people with functional dyspepsia took ginger capsules or a placebo before a test meal. Their stomachs emptied faster after the capsules, while reported digestive symptoms were similar. The researchers studied a measured capsule dose and a specific patient group. Their results cannot tell us how this homemade shot affects digestion. [3]

Ginger can cause heartburn or irritate the mouth and throat in some people. If you make the shot, adjust the amount for flavor and skip it if it bothers you. [2]