Green Tea Shot Recipe: Ingredients, Calories, Alcohol & Variations

A green tea shot is a sweet, fruity cocktail that's Irish whiskey-infused with peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. The traditional green tea shot is not made from the tea.

Quick and easy to prepare, and having a nice mix of peach, citrus, sweetness, and whiskey, it's popular at bars, parties, and gatherings.

This will show you how to make a green tea shot, what you need to do it, how many calories it may have, how much alcohol it contains, why it's called a green tea shot, and how to make a few variations.

What Is a Green Tea Shot?

A green tea shot is an alcoholic drink, traditionally comprised of the following:

• Irish whiskey

• Peach schnapps

• Sweet-and-sour mix

• Lemon-lime soda

• Ice

A popular recipe calls for equal parts of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and a sweet-and-sour mix with a splash of lemon-lime soda.

It's typically enjoyed chilled in a shot glass but can also be made into a longer cocktail, which can be served over ice.

Does Green Tea Shot have green tea in it?

No.

The traditional cocktail doesn't include brewed green tea, matcha, or green tea leaves. It is misnamed, as it may seem like a tea-based beverage.

The classic recipe, according to Liquor.com, consists of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour, and lemon-lime soda.

The origin of the name has not been definitely established. Some modern cocktail references refer to the drink by its appearance and/or resemblance to bottled green-tea drinks, but there are no reasons to add tea to the classic cocktail recipe.

Green Tea Shot Ingredients

You should have the following supplies for about 1 shot:

• ½ ounce Irish whiskey

• ½ ounce peach schnapps

• ½ ounce sweet-and-sour mix

• A small leak of lemon-lime soda.

• Ice

The proportions in the published version of the Liquor.com recipe are the same.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is used to serve as the base and lends the drink a mild whiskey flavor.

Jameson is usually known for its green tea shots; however, any Irish whiskey will do.

Peach Schnapps

Peach schnapps contributes to the fruity sweetness and peach flavor of the drink.

Sweet-and-Sour Mix

Peach schnapps is balanced by a sweet and sour mix.

If you prefer a homemade version, you can create it with lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. For the homemade sweet-and-sour mix, according to Liquor.com, it recommends a concoction of lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Lemon-Lime Soda

Slight lemon-lime soda to give a sweet, fizzy kick.

Be careful not to add too much, as too much soda can water down the drink and dilute the whiskey and peach flavors.

How to Make a Green Tea Shot

It only takes a few minutes to make a green tea shot.

Step 1: Add Ice

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients together.

Add the Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet-and-sour mix to the shaker.

Step 3: Shake

Vigorously shake until well chilled.

Step 4: Strain

Strain into a shot glass.

Step 5: Add Soda

Top with a little lemon-lime soda.

Serve immediately.

The recipe is based on the standard recipe as published by Liquor.com.

Green Tea Shot Recipe

Quick Recipe

Prep time: 3 minutes

Servings: 1 shotcitrus-based

Difficulty: Easy

Place ½ ounce of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet-and-sour mix into an ice-filled shaker. Chill, shaking until sufficiently cold, then strain into a glass or shot glass. Squeeze in a small amount of lemon-lime soda and pour into it.

Use cold ingredients, and if available, a fresh citrus based sour mix for the best flavor.

What does a green tea shot taste like?

The typical green tea shot has a flavor that's

• Peachy

• Sweet

• Citrusy

• Slightly tart

• Lightly fizzy

• Mildly whiskey-forward

Does not have a brewed green tea flavor.

The peach schnapps gives the beverage fruitiness, and the sour mix gives the beverage citrus acidity. The alcoholic base is provided by Irish whiskey, while the lemon-lime soda provides a lighter finish to the drink.

The ingredients complement one another, and the flavor of the whiskey might not be as prominent as in a straight whiskey pour.

How many shots of alcohol are in a green tea shot?

The quantity and brand of alcohol used will affect the alcohol content.

Although the portion is small, it is an alcoholic beverage, as the original recipe includes peach schnapps and Irish whiskey.

A standard drink, as defined by the CDC, is about 0.6 fl oz of pure alcohol. One standard drink is the equivalent of 1.5 ounces of 40% distilled spirits.

So a green tea shot should not necessarily be considered the equivalent of one standard drink. The quantity varies according to the real ABV and quantity of whiskey and peach schnapps.

Be sure to read the labels of the products that you use.

Green Tea Shot Calories

No standard calorie amount, as there are different recipes and brands.

Calories may be obtained from:

• A whiskey with alcohol added.

• Alcohol and sugars in peach schnapps

• Sugar for making commercial sour mix.

• The common denominator of regular lemon-lime soda. By reducing the amount of sugary mixers used, you can also lower the amount of added sugar, but without reducing the alcohol calories.

When counting calories, use the nutrition label provided on the individual glass or bottle and not a generic estimate that may be found online.

Green Tea Shot vs. White Tea Shot

A white tea shot is a very similar cocktail and is made with vodka rather than whiskey.

Base spirit change results in flavor profile change.

For the classic green tea shot experience, opt for Irish whiskey.

How to Make a Green Tea Shot Without Sour Mix

Commercial sour mix can be replaced by homemade sour mix.

Homemade Sour Mix

Combine:

• Lemon juice

• Lime juice

• Simple syrup

Lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup are the ingredients for the homemade sweet-and-sour mix as found in Liquor.com's published recipe.

Some bottled citrus shots can seem less vibrant than fresh ones, so try adding fresh citrus to your shot.

Is it possible to make a green tea shot without alcohol?

Yes.

But, if it doesn't contain alcohol, it's technically a green tea mocktail shot, not the traditional green tea shot.

Non-Alcoholic Green Tea Shot

Try combining:

This is a brewed green tea that is chilled.

• Peach juice

• Lemon/lime zest

• Sparkling water

• Ice

Add ice to the tea, peach juice, and citrus and shake. Fill a glass, strain, and top with sparkling water.

This version has green tea in it, not the traditional alcoholic cocktail.

Can You Make a Green Tea Shot into a Cocktail?

Yes.

Liquor.com suggests doubling the recipe and serving as a full cocktail on ice.

For a longer drink, mix the whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix with ice and strain over fresh ice. Taste and add lemon-lime soda as desired.

It's a nice choice for individuals who don't like taking a shot.

Green Tea Shots for a Party

If you're preparing drinks for a gathering, you can multiply the basic recipe.

Mix the whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix together for better flavor, and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Pour in carbonated soda just before serving.

Remember that a bigger batch doesn't necessarily equal less. The total amount of alcohol will vary depending on the amount of whiskey and peach schnapps consumed.

When mixing several shots for a party, liquor.com also suggests pre-batching the cocktail.

For the best green tea shot, take a tip from the experts:

Chill Everything

A cold green tea shot is more refreshing to taste.

Use fresh citrus for cooking.

Homemade sourdough mix can be made with fresh lemon and lime to brighten up the flavor.

Shake Well

Shaking mixes and cools the beverage.

Avoid drinking too much soda.

Add just enough soda to give the cocktail a little fizz.

Weigh Your Ingredients

With accurate measurements, the flavor becomes more consistent, and you'll know exactly how much alcohol you're consuming.

These are common problems with green tea shot mistakes.

Addition of green tea

Traditional green tea shots don't need real green tea!

Intrusive use of Too Much Sour Mix.

Consuming excessive amounts of sour mix may cause the beverage to be too tart.

Adding Too Much Soda

Beware that the soda can make the cocktail too watery.

Predicting the alcohol content of a beverage.

The ABVs for various whiskey and schnapps are different. Read labels on the bottles.

Treat it like a healthy tea drink.

The name doesn't necessarily mean that the cocktail is brewed with green tea.

Is a Green Tea Shot Healthy?

A traditional green tea shot should not be considered a health drink.

It is alcoholic and often sweetened with mixes.

As per the CDC, drinking alcohol can be dangerous to your health, and learning about proper drink sizes and alcohol consumption is important.

If you are looking for a green tea-alcohol-free drink, opt for a real drink made from green tea or a non-alcoholic alcoholic beverage that is actually made from the plant.

Who Should Avoid Alcohol

Alcoholic green tea shots are for use by people who are not pregnant or may be pregnant, not of legal drinking age, not taking medications that interact with alcohol, or not advised to avoid alcohol by a health care professional.

Don't be sure if alcohol is suitable for you; consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Green Tea Shot Frequently Asked Questions

Does a green tea shot have green tea?

No. Brewed green tea or matcha is not used in the traditional recipe.

What is in a green tea shot?

The original recipe includes Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet-and-sour mix, and lemon-lime soda.

Why is it called a green tea shot?

The etymology of the name has not been clearly established. The traditional cocktail is made without green tea, for obvious reasons!

Describe the taste of a green tea shot.

In general, it tastes sweet, peachy, citrusy, slightly tart, and has a low level of effervescence.

How many calories are in a green tea shot?

The calorie content depends on the recipe, brands, serving size, and mixers. No single calorie count applies to all versions.

What is the strength of the green tea shot?

Its alcohol content depends on the amount and ABV of the whiskey and peach schnapps used.

Is it possible to make a green tea shot without sour mix?

Yes. A popular alternative is to make homemade sour mix with lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Is it possible to make a green tea shot that's not alcoholic?

Yes. For a non-alcoholic option, serve chilled brewed green tea, peach juice, citrus, and sparkling water.

Is a green tea shot the same as a white tea shot?

No. They are alike drinks, but a white tea shot will often be made with vodka rather than Irish whiskey.

Can I make a green tea shot into a cocktail?

Yes. Double the ingredients and serve the drink over ice for a longer cocktail.

Final Thoughts

The green tea shot consists of a simple fruity cocktail of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet-and-sour mix, and lemon-lime soda.

Most important to keep in mind is that the traditional drink is not green tea.

To prepare the classic version, shake:

Take ½ ounce of Irish whiskey, ½ ounce of peach schnapps, and ½ ounce of sour mix. Fill with ½ ounce of Irish whiskey, ½ ounce of peach schnapps, and ½ ounce of sour mix.

Strain into a shot glass with ice, then top with a bit of lemon-lime soda.

To add a new twist, create your own citrus sour mix. For an alcohol-free beverage, try iced green tea with peach, citrus, and sparkling water.

As it is an alcoholic drink, drink responsibly, know the alcohol content in your ingredients, and never drive after drinking.

References

1. Liquor.com — Green Tea Shot Recipe: Recipe ingredients, preparation method, homemade sour mix, and cocktail variation.

2. CDC — About Standard Drink Sizes: U.S. standard drink definitions and information about alcohol content.

3. CDC — Facts About Excessive Drinking: Information about alcohol consumption and associated risks.

4. CDC—Standard Drink Chart and Risky Drinking Levels: U.S. guidance and standard drink information.

Medical & alcohol disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and for recipe purposes only, and not as medical advice. Alcohol can have a negative impact on health, judgment, medications, pregnancy, and medical conditions. Avoid drinking if younger than the legal age to consume alcohol, pregnant or potentially pregnant, or advised to abstain from alcohol. Never drink and drive. If you're unsure if alcohol is right for you, talk to a trained health care provider.