A juice shot is a small, strong drink, usually 30 to 60ml, made from punchy ingredients such as ginger, lemon and turmeric. You drink it in one or two sips. It takes a couple of minutes to make at home, costs far less than buying bottled shots, and lets you control exactly what goes in.
This guide covers what juice shots are, which juicer to use, five easy recipes and how to store them safely in the UAE heat.
What is a juice shot?
Think of a juice shot as a concentrated version of a fresh juice. Instead of a full glass, you get a small measure of the strongest flavours: fresh ginger root, citrus, turmeric, beetroot or leafy greens. Because the quantity is small, it is an easy way to add some fresh fruit and vegetables to your morning without sitting down to a large drink.
Many people in the UAE take one before heading to the office, after a session at the gym, or at suhoor during Ramadan. A shot will not replace a balanced diet, but ginger, citrus and turmeric can be a nice part of one, and the sharp flavour is a good wake-up.
Which juicer works best for shots?
Shots use tough, fibrous ingredients like ginger and turmeric root, so a cold press (masticating) juicer is the best fit. It squeezes slowly rather than spinning at high speed, which gets more juice from small, hard pieces and leaves drier pulp.
- For ginger, turmeric, apple, beetroot and greens: the f2500 Self Feeding Whole Fruit Juicer takes whole fruit, so there is very little chopping. It is a Which? Best Buy and handles small knobs of root as well as whole apples.
- For lemons, limes and oranges: the f900 Automatic Citrus Juicer is quicker. Halve the fruit, press the lid down and the motor starts on its own.
Using both together is the easiest way to work: press the citrus on the f900, juice the roots and fruit in the f2500, then stir the two together.
5 juice shot recipes to try
Each recipe makes roughly 4 shots of about 50ml. Wash everything well and peel ginger and turmeric if the skin is tough or dirty.
1. Ginger and lemon
- 60g fresh ginger
- 3 lemons, halved and pressed on the f900
- 1 green apple, for a little sweetness
The classic. Sharp, warming and very clean tasting. Add a teaspoon of honey if it is too fiery.
2. Turmeric and orange
- 40g fresh turmeric root
- 3 oranges, pressed on the f900
- 2cm ginger
- A pinch of black pepper, stirred in
Bright gold and gentler than the ginger shot. Fresh turmeric stains, so rinse your juicer and chopping board straight away.
3. Pomegranate and lime
- Seeds of 1 large pomegranate
- 2 limes, pressed on the f900
- A few mint leaves
Tart and refreshing, and a good one to make when pomegranates are in season. Feed the seeds and mint through the f2500 together.
4. Beetroot, apple and ginger
- 1 small beetroot
- 1 red apple
- 3cm ginger
- Juice of 1 lemon
Earthy and slightly sweet. Popular before a workout. If you like this one, try the full glass version in our ABC juice recipe.
5. Green shot
- A large handful of spinach
- Half a cucumber
- 1 green apple
- 2 limes, pressed on the f900
Fresh and mild, a good starting point if you find ginger shots too strong. Cucumber adds plenty of liquid, which is welcome in summer.
Tips for making and storing shots
- Make a batch: juice enough for three or four days, then pour into small glass bottles with tight lids.
- Keep them cold: store in the fridge and drink within 2 to 3 days. In the UAE heat, never leave fresh juice out on the worktop or in a car.
- Freeze extras: pour shots into an ice cube tray, then add a cube to water or a smoothie made in the f500 Portable Blender.
- Shake before drinking: natural separation is normal.
- Start small: if you are new to ginger, halve the amount and build up.
When to drink a juice shot
There is no fixed rule. Most people enjoy one first thing in the morning, often with a glass of water. During Ramadan, a mild shot such as the green or pomegranate recipe sits well alongside water at suhoor or iftar. Ginger and citrus can be harsh on an empty stomach for some people, so take it with food if you notice any discomfort.
If you are pregnant, take regular medication or have a health condition, check with your doctor before adding large amounts of ginger or turmeric to your routine.
FAQs
Do I need to peel ginger for a juice shot?
Not always. If the ginger is fresh and the skin is thin, a good scrub is enough. Peel older or dirty roots.
How long do homemade juice shots last?
Keep them in sealed glass bottles in the fridge and drink within 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an ice cube tray.
Can I make juice shots in a blender?
You can blend and strain through a nut milk bag, but it is messier. A cold press juicer like the f2500 separates the juice from the pulp for you.
How many juice shots a day is right?
One a day is plenty for most people. Shots are concentrated, so enjoy them as part of a varied diet rather than in large amounts.
With a cold press juicer and a citrus press, a week of shots takes around ten minutes to make. Browse the Fridja juicer range to find the right fit for your kitchen, with free UAE delivery and Tabby instalments available on fridja.ae.