Ginger lemon shots have become a popular health drink in recent years. Packed with nutrients and flavor, these tangy shots provide a quick boost of energy and immunity. But just how long do ginger lemon shots last after making them? Here’s a comprehensive guide on storing and preserving homemade ginger lemon shots.
What are ginger lemon shots?
Ginger lemon shots are a concentrated blend of fresh ginger, lemon juice, and sometimes honey or other ingredients like turmeric or cayenne pepper. The spicy, sour liquid is meant to be consumed in one gulp as a mini health tonic.
Ginger adds anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Lemon provides immune-boosting vitamin C. Together, they make a potent combo that aids digestion, reduces nausea, boosts immunity, and increases energy.
Unlike juices which can oxidize and lose nutrients quickly, the acidity of lemon juice helps preserve ginger lemon shots longer. The acidic pH prevents microbial growth. The gingerol compounds in ginger also have antimicrobial properties.
How to make ginger lemon shots
To make basic ginger lemon shots at home:
- Peel and roughly chop a 3-4 inch piece of fresh ginger
- Juice 1 large lemon
- Blend the ginger and lemon juice together
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag
- Sweeten to taste with honey or stevia (optional)
- Pour into a small glass or shot glass
- Drink immediately or store in the fridge
Other possible mix-ins include cayenne pepper, turmeric, mint, apple cider vinegar, etc. Experiment with different flavor combinations.
How long do ginger lemon shots last in the fridge?
The shelf life of ginger lemon shots depends on ingredients and storage method. General guidelines are:
- Ginger lemon shots will last 3-5 days when refrigerated.
- Shots with added honey or sweetener may last 5-7 days refrigerated.
- Frozen ginger lemon shots can last 2-3 months.
Properly stored, ginger lemon shots stay fresh for around a week in the fridge. The acidic lemon juice helps prevent bacterial growth and oxidation. Refrigeration slows these processes down further. Let’s look at storage tips and signs of spoilage.
How to store ginger lemon shots
Here are some best practices for storing ginger lemon shots:
- Store in a tightly sealed glass jar or bottle. Limit air exposure.
- Refrigerate after making. Keep shots as cold as possible.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice each time you reopen the jar for a boost of acidity.
- Pour shots into small individual containers or ice cube trays to freeze.
- Consume within 3-5 days for peak freshness.
- Label jar with date made.
Avoid leaving ginger lemon shots at room temperature for more than a couple hours. The warmer temperature allows microbes and enzymes to quickly proliferate.
Can ginger lemon shots be frozen?
Freezing is a great way to preserve homemade ginger shots for longer storage. To freeze:
- Pour ginger lemon liquid into ice cube trays or small jars.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag.
- Thaw individual shot portions as needed.
- Frozen shots will last 2-3 months in the freezer.
Freezing stops the enzymatic and microbial degradation that affects shelf life. Thawed frozen shots should taste freshly made.
How to tell if ginger lemon shots have gone bad
Look for these signs that ginger lemon shots have spoiled:
- Cloudy appearance
- Fermented smell
- Fizzy carbonation
- Mold growth
- Strange colors or textures
The acidic lemon juice prevents most microbial growth. But if shots are left unrefrigerated too long, fermentation can occur. Toss batches that smell or taste unpleasantly funky.
Tips for making ginger lemon shots last longer
Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of homemade ginger lemon shots:
- Use fresh, high quality ingredients – old limp ginger has less preserving compounds
- Wash all produce thoroughly
- Peel ginger – the skin harbors bacteria
- Juice lemons right before use
- Sanitize equipment
- Strain well – remove ginger solids that can turn rancid
- Store in sterile jars
- Keep refrigerated
- Seal tightly
- Freeze for long term storage
Proper food safety and handling prevents introducing contaminants that lower shelf life. Starting with the freshest ingredients helps shots retain their potency longer.
Do ginger lemon shots need to be pasteurized?
Pasteurization is not required for ginger lemon shots, but can extend shelf life. Pasteurizing involves briefly heating the liquid to around 165°F to kill bacteria and enzymes. However, the heat can diminish some nutrients and alter flavor.
As an alternative, lemon juice’s acidity makes ginger shots “shelf stable” when properly prepared and stored. The pH is low enough to inhibit microbial growth without heat. Refrigeration further prevents spoilage.
Can ginger lemon shots be canned or bottled?
Ginger lemon shots can be canned or bottled to enjoy for several months. Proper canning methods must be followed to prevent botulism risk. Key steps are:
- Use sterile glass jars and lids
- Fill jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace
- Wipe rims clean
- Apply new lids tightly
- Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes
- Allow to seal and cool before storing
- Check lids sealed properly
- Label and store in a cool, dark place
For bottling, prepare ginger lemon concentrate and leave 1 inch headspace. Add preservatives like potassium sorbate. Store refrigerated and consume within a month.
Should ginger lemon shots be kept in the fridge or pantry?
Ginger lemon shots must be refrigerated. The fridge temperature of 32-40°F prevents microbial growth and slows enzyme activity. At room temperature, shots will only last a day or two before spoiling.
Do not store ginger lemon shots at room temperature like juices – the additional solids make shots more perishable. Keep opened jars in the fridge and use within 3-5 days.
Unopened, properly canned ginger lemon shots can be stored in the pantry up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
How long do commercial ginger lemon shots last?
Commercially made ginger lemon shots also have a fridge shelf life of 3-7 days. Look at expiration or use by dates for a guide. The product packaging and ingredients affect exact shelf life.
Some brands use preservatives and pasteurization to prolong stability. But for peak freshness and potency, abide by expiration dates and store opened bottles in the fridge.
Can you freeze store-bought ginger lemon shots?
Freezing extends the shelf life of premade ginger lemon shots too. Commercial shots with sweeteners or juices may become icy or separated when thawed.
To freeze, pour store-bought ginger shots into ice cube trays or small freezer containers. Freeze until solid then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw as needed and use within 2-3 months.
Signs store-bought ginger shots went bad
Check for these signs ginger lemon shots from the store are spoiled:
- Expired sell by/use by date
- Fermented odor
- Fizzing, bulging or leaking bottle
- Mold on top
- Discoloration
If a bottle looks or smells off, don’t risk tasting it. Toss expired or contaminated ginger lemon shots.
Summary
Here’s a quick summary of ginger lemon shot storage times:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3-7 days |
| Frozen | 2-3 months |
| Canned | 1 year unopened |
Prepare fresh small batches and keep ginger lemon shots refrigerated for optimum potency and flavor. With proper handling and storage, homemade ginger shots can be enjoyed for up to a week. Freezing expands the shelf life even longer without compromising quality.
Whip up a batch of ginger lemon shots to boost your health. Then drink up promptly or preserve using proper canning methods or freezing. Avoid leaving shots at room temperature and watch for signs of spoilage. Following these guidelines, you can safely store and enjoy ginger’s zesty zing for months.
