How Do You Make a Green Tea Shot at Home?

Green Tea Shot with whiskey, schnapps, and soda

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If you want a quick and tasty shot to kick off your night, the Green Tea Shot is the way to go.

Don’t let the name fool you – there’s no actual green tea involved.

This shot packs a punch with a blend of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix, topped off with a splash of lemon-lime soda. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and sour with a bit of a kick. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just looking to try something new, making a Green Tea Shot at home is simple and satisfying. Let’s get into it.

What is a Green Tea Shot Made Of?

Ingredient Amount
Irish Whiskey 1 ounce
Peach Schnapps 1 ounce
Sour Mix 1 ounce
Lemon-Lime Soda Splash

The Green Tea Shot, despite its name, does not contain any green tea. Instead, it is a mix of equal parts Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix, finished off with a splash of lemon-lime soda. This combination creates a balanced and mellow drink with a sweet-sour whiskey flavor and a peachy twist, enhanced by the carbonation from the soda.

When the ingredients are mixed, the shot takes on a green hue that resembles chilled green tea, which is where the name comes from. Its refreshing blend of flavors makes it a popular choice for parties and gatherings, especially on occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or hot summer days.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make the Green Tea Shot a favorite among those who enjoy sweet and sour whiskey drinks. You can also customize the drink by making your own sour mix, which allows you to control the taste by adjusting the lemon and lime juice content.

The Green Tea Shot is typically served as a shooter, but it can also be sipped slowly if preferred. It is important to note that while the shot is relatively mellow, it still packs a punch due to the combination of whiskey and schnapps.

For those interested in variations, you can experiment with different types of whiskey or schnapps, or even substitute the lemon-lime soda with other citrus-flavored sodas or unsweetened lemonade for a less sweet version.

Why Is It Called a Green Tea Shot?

Why Is It Called a Green Tea Shot

Despite the name, the Green Tea Shot has no actual green tea in it. The name comes from its appearance; when mixed, the ingredients create a greenish hue that resembles chilled green tea. This visual similarity is the only connection to green tea.

The drink is a combination of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix, topped with lemon-lime soda, resulting in a sweet and sour flavor profile that is both refreshing and enjoyable.

The green color can vary depending on the specific sour mix used, but it typically has a vibrant, appealing look. This shot has gained popularity at parties and gatherings, particularly around St. Patrick’s Day due to its festive color. Its refreshing taste also makes it a hit during warmer weather, offering a pleasant mix of flavors that are easy to drink.

Tips for Making the Best Green Tea Shot

  1. Make Your Own Sour Mix: Store-bought sour mix is convenient, but making your own can significantly enhance the flavor of your Green Tea Shot. To make sour mix at home, combine equal parts lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This allows you to control the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
  2. Use Quality Ingredients: While the Green Tea Shot is a simple drink, using good quality Irish whiskey and peach schnapps can make a noticeable difference in taste. Jameson is often recommended for its smoothness, but other quality brands can work well too.
  3. Chill Properly: Ensure that your shot is well-chilled by shaking the mixture with ice until itโ€™s very cold. This not only improves the taste but also gives the shot a frothy, appealing texture.
  4. Batch Preparation: If youโ€™re making Green Tea Shots for a group, you can prepare a larger batch in advance. Mix the whiskey, schnapps, and sour mix in a larger container, then chill it in the fridge. Add the lemon-lime soda just before serving to keep it fizzy.
  5. Adjust to Taste: Some people prefer a less sweet shot, in which case you can reduce the amount of simple syrup in your homemade sour mix or use unsweetened lemonade instead of lemon-lime soda.
  6. Garnish: While not necessary, garnishing your shot with a thin slice of lime or a mint sprig can add a nice touch, especially if youโ€™re serving it in a fancier setting or as a cocktail.

How Strong Is the Green Tea Shot?

The Green Tea Shot is relatively moderate in strength compared to other shots. Typically, it has an alcohol content of around 15-20% ABV (alcohol by volume). This comes from the mix of Irish whiskey, which is usually 40% ABV, and peach schnapps, which can range from 15-25% ABV.

When combined with the sour mix and a splash of lemon-lime soda, the overall potency of the shot is somewhat diluted. While itโ€™s not the strongest drink out there, itโ€™s stronger than beer and some wines.

Jameson Green Tea Shot

Jameson Green Tea Shot

The Jameson Green Tea Shot specifically refers to the use of Jameson Irish Whiskey in the recipe. This brand of whiskey is known for its smooth, rich flavor, which pairs well with the sweetness of the peach schnapps and the tanginess of the sour mix.

The Jameson Green Tea Shot is mixed by shaking 1 ounce of Jameson, 1 ounce of peach schnapps, and 1 ounce of sour mix with ice. The mixture is then strained into shot glasses and topped with a splash of lemon-lime soda. Jameson is often recommended because it provides a balanced flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

White Tea Shot vs Green Tea Shot

White Tea Shot or Green Tea Shot

 

The White Tea Shot is a variation of the Green Tea Shot. While the Green Tea Shot uses Irish whiskey, the White Tea Shot substitutes vodka. This change in base liquor results in a slightly different flavor profile.

The White Tea Shot typically includes 1 ounce of vodka, 1 ounce of peach schnapps, and 1 ounce of sour mix, topped with lemon-lime soda. The color difference is subtle, with the White Tea Shot being less green and more clear. The choice between these shots often comes down to personal preference for whiskey or vodka.

When To Serve

Green Tea Shots are versatile and can be served at various occasions:

  • Parties: Theyโ€™re a hit at parties due to their sweet and refreshing taste.
  • St. Patrickโ€™s Day: The green color makes them a perfect fit for St. Patrickโ€™s Day celebrations.
  • Summer Gatherings: Their refreshing nature makes them ideal for hot summer days.
  • Casual Get-Togethers: Easy to make in batches, theyโ€™re great for casual gatherings with friends.

Variations

Non-Alcoholic Whiskeys

There are several ways to vary the Green Tea Shot recipe:

  • Change the Schnapps: Try different flavors of schnapps, such as strawberry or mango, for a new twist.
  • Use Different Soda: Substitute the lemon-lime soda with lemonade for a sweeter, more citrusy flavor.
  • Non-Alcoholic Version: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and peach juice or peach iced tea instead of peach schnapps.
  • Stronger Drink: Increase the amount of whiskey for a stronger kick.

Cocktail Shaker Replacement

If you donโ€™t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid. Fill it with ice, add the ingredients, and shake well. Strain the mixture into shot glasses and top with soda. This method works just as well as a traditional cocktail shaker.

Drink Tips

  • Chill Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing to keep the drink refreshing.
  • Fresh Sour Mix: Make your own sour mix for a fresher taste.
  • Batch Preparation: Prepare large batches in advance but add soda just before serving to maintain carbonation.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a slice of lime or mint for a fancier presentation.

Expert Tips

  • Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality whiskey and schnapps for the best flavor.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously to ensure itโ€™s well-chilled and frothy.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sour mix and soda.
  • Serve Immediately: Serve the shots immediately after preparing to enjoy them at their best.

FAQs

Can I make a Green Tea Shot without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Green Tea Shot by using non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives and substituting peach juice, peach nectar, or peach iced tea for the peach schnapps.

What can I use if I don’t have sour mix?

If you don’t have sour mix, you can easily make your own by combining equal parts lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This homemade version allows you to control the sweetness and tartness to your liking.

How long can I store a batch of Green Tea Shots?

Leftover Green Tea Shot mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months, but it wonโ€™t freeze completely due to the alcohol content.

How do I keep the shots from getting too watery?

To prevent the shots from becoming too watery, make sure to serve them immediately after shaking. Additionally, you can chill your ingredients beforehand to reduce the need for excessive ice.

Last Words

The Green Tea Shot is a quick and enjoyable drink that brings together the smoothness of Irish whiskey, the sweetness of peach schnapps, and the tanginess of sour mix, all topped off with a refreshing splash of lemon-lime soda.

Despite its name, it has no green tea but gets its moniker from its greenish hue. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for various occasions.

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Anita Brown

Hello there, I'm Anita Brown, a seasoned nutritionist with extensive experience in the field. Becoming a nutritionist was an unexpected turn in my career after spending over a decade in my previous profession. Discovering this new passion inspired me to start my own blog, where I share insights and information on all things nutrition-related.
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