GREEN TEA SHOT RECIPE

Created on August 7, 2023

The Green Tea shot is an unexpected delight in the cocktail world. Despite its name, there isn't a hint of actual green tea in this drink. Rather, it captures the essence of vibrant nightlife, making it an instant hit in bars and clubs.

Also known as the "Jameson Green Tea", Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix combine in a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more.

Fizzy, light-yellow green tea shot in a shot glass, on a marble kitchen counter.

Ingredients

  • ½ Ounce Irish Whiskey (Jameson)
  • ½ Ounce Peach Schnapps
  • ½ Ounce Sweet-and-sour Mix
  • 1 Splash Lemon-lime Soda , such as Sprite (to top)

Method

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker just over halfway with ice.
  2. Pour the whiskey, schnapps, and sweet-and-sour mix into the shaker.
  3. Shake for about 15 seconds to chill the shot.
  4. Strain into a shot glass, and top off with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
  5. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Chilled Ingredients: Always use chilled ingredients, especially the liquors. Cold ingredients mix better and ensure a refreshing shot.

  • Fresh Sour Mix: While store-bought sour mixes are convenient, a homemade mix using equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup make a reasonable difference in taste.

  • Fizz at the End: Add the Sprite at the very end to maintain its carbonation, giving the shot that desired fizz.

  • Garnish: A twist of lemon or even a small slice of peach can be used as a garnish, enhancing both the look and the flavor of the shot.

What's In A Green Tea Shot?

The Green Tea shot doesn't actually have any green tea in it. Instead, it offers a blend of Irish Whiskey, Peach Schnapps, Sweet-and-sour mix, and Lemon-Lime Soda.

  • Jameson Irish Whiskey: Provides warmth and depth. Best when smooth and mellow.

  • Peach Schnapps: Imparts a fruity and sweet element. A clear, vibrant schnapps is ideal.

  • Sweet-and-Sour Mix: Brings tanginess to balance out the sweetness. Freshly prepared mix works wonders.

  • Lemon-lime soda: Adds fizz and brightness to the shot. Some people replace this with club soda to reduce the sweetness, which is already provided by the schnapps and sweet-and-sour mix.

History

The Green Tea shot is a bit of an enigma in the cocktail world, particularly when it comes to its history and origin. Unlike many classic cocktails that have well-documented origins or are tied to historical events, the Green Tea shot's backstory is more elusive. Here's what we know:

Name Confusion: One of the most intriguing aspects of the Green Tea shot is its name. Despite being called a "Green Tea" shot, it contains no green tea. The name's probably just a nod to the shot's green hue, or to green tea's rise in popularity.

American Origins: It's generally believed that the Green Tea shot originated in American bars, likely sometime during the late 20th or early 21st century, but we don't know the exact location or inventor, sorry!

Popularity Surge: The Green Tea shot began to gain traction in the 2000s, particularly in club scenes and among younger drinkers. Its sweet, approachable flavor made it a hit for those who wanted a shot that was easier on the palate than straight liquor.

In today's bar culture, the Green Tea shot remains popular, especially among groups looking for a communal drinking experience.

FAQ's

What Does A Green Tea Shot Taste Like?

Surprisingly, the Green Tea shot doesn’t taste like green tea. Instead, it presents a sweet and slightly sour flavor profile. The peach schnapps contributes a dominant fruity sweetness, while the sour mix adds a tangy edge. Jameson introduces a warmth that doesn’t overpower but perfectly complements the other ingredients.