Recipe for Green Tea Shots
Green tea shots have nothing to do with actual green tea. This party favorite is a sweet, smooth shooter that tastes like peach candy with a whiskey kick. You can make it at home in under five minutes with just four ingredients.
The drink earned its name from the light green color it gets when you mix Jameson Irish whiskey with peach schnapps and sour mix. Bartenders love serving it because it goes down easy and keeps crowds happy at celebrations.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn the exact measurements, the best mixing techniques, and how to scale up for parties. Even if you’ve never made a cocktail before, you can master this recipe for green tea shots on your first try.
What Is the Green Tea Shots Recipe?
The green tea shot is a layered shooter made with Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Bartenders created it in the early 2000s as a fun party drink that masks the strong taste of whiskey.
According to Statista, about 54% of adults in the United States enjoy cocktails regularly. Green tea shots became popular because they appeal to people who want a drink that tastes more like fruit juice than alcohol.
The shot doesn’t contain any tea leaves or green tea extract. The name comes purely from the pale green color that appears when you combine the ingredients. Most people serve green tea shots at bachelor parties, birthday celebrations, and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients for Green Tea Shots
You only need four basic ingredients to make this shot. Each one plays a specific role in creating the signature sweet and tangy flavor.
Core Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz Jameson Irish whiskey
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
The whiskey provides the alcohol base and a subtle warmth. Jameson works best because it has a smooth, approachable flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Peach schnapps adds the fruity sweetness that defines the drink. It also contributes to the light color. Most liquor stores carry DeKuyper or other affordable brands that work perfectly.
Sweet and sour mix balances the sweetness with a bit of tartness. You can buy this premade at any grocery store, or make your own by mixing equal parts fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and water.
What Goes in a Green Tea Shot
The ingredients for green tea shots are simple, but the ratios matter. Too much whiskey makes the shot harsh. Too much schnapps turns it into candy.
You want equal parts of the three main liquids—whiskey, schnapps, and sour mix. The soda acts as a finishing touch rather than a main ingredient.
Some bars add a lime wedge or a cherry as a garnish. You can also rim the glass with sugar if you want extra sweetness.
How to Make a Green Tea Shot
Making a green tea shot takes less time than brewing actual tea. You’ll need a cocktail shaker, some ice, and your ingredients lined up.
Start by filling your shaker about halfway with ice. Cold temperatures are key to a smooth shot. Room-temperature liquor feels harsh going down.
Pour in the whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix. Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for about 10 seconds. You want the ice to chill the liquor and create a slight froth on top.
Strain the mixture into a shot glass. Top it off with a small splash of soda. The bubbles should rise to the surface and give the shot a lively look.
Simple Green Tea Shots Recipe Steps
Here’s the step-by-step process broken down so you can follow along easily.
Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
Step 2: Add 1/2 oz Jameson Irish whiskey to the shaker.
Step 3: Pour in 1/2 oz peach schnapps.
Step 4: Add 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix.
Step 5: Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Step 6: Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
Step 7: Top with a quick splash of lemon-lime soda.
Step 8: Serve right away.
You can adjust the sour mix if you prefer a tangier shot, or add an extra splash of schnapps for more sweetness. The beauty of this simple green tea shots recipe is that you can tweak it to match your taste.
Tips for Perfect Green Tea Shots
Getting the texture and flavor just right takes a little attention to detail. These tips help you avoid common mistakes.
Always use fresh ice. Old ice picks up freezer odors that can ruin the taste of your shot. If your ice has been sitting in the freezer for weeks, toss it and make a fresh batch.
Shake hard and fast. A lazy shake won’t chill the liquor enough, and the shot will taste warm and harsh. You want to hear the ice rattling loudly inside the shaker.
Don’t overfill the shot glass. Leave a little room at the top for the soda splash. Overfilled shots spill easily and waste liquor.
Chill your shot glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. Cold glassware keeps the drink colder longer.
Use quality ingredients when possible. Cheap whiskey and artificial sour mix can make the shot taste like cough syrup. You don’t need top-shelf liquor, but avoid the bottom-shelf options.
Variations on Green Tea Shots
Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients. These variations keep the same spirit but add new twists.
Spicy Green Tea Shot: Add a dash of jalapeño-infused whiskey or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the shaker. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the peach sweetness.
Tropical Green Tea Shot: Swap the peach schnapps for coconut rum and add a splash of pineapple juice. The result tastes like a beachside vacation in a glass.
Berry Green Tea Shot: Replace the sour mix with cranberry juice and add a few fresh blueberries to the shaker. Muddle the berries lightly before shaking.
Citrus Green Tea Shot: Use orange liqueur instead of peach schnapps and add a twist of fresh lime peel on top. The citrus notes brighten the whole drink.
You can also play around with different sodas. Ginger ale adds a spicy note, while tonic water makes the shot a bit more bitter. Some people even experiment with unique mixers like a Wasabi Mixer for an unexpected kick that completely transforms the flavor profile.
Batch Green Tea Shots Recipe
Parties get easier when you mix a big batch ahead of time. The batch green tea shots recipe scales up the ingredients so you can serve a crowd without shaking individual drinks.
Batch Recipe for 10 Shots:
- 5 oz Jameson Irish whiskey
- 5 oz peach schnapps
- 5 oz sweet and sour mix
- Lemon-lime soda (for topping each shot)
Pour the whiskey, schnapps, and sour mix into a large pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Keeping the mix cold eliminates the need to shake each shot individually.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled mixture into shot glasses, filling each one about three-quarters full. Top each shot with a splash of soda just before serving.
You can scale this recipe up even more for larger parties. Just multiply the measurements by the number of servings you need. A batch for 20 shots uses 10 oz of each main ingredient.
Some people prefer to premix everything except the soda and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The soda goes flat quickly, so always add it last.
If you’re hosting a themed party where you’re also serving drinks like a Sunjoy Drink Recipe or sweet treats like the best five guys milkshake, label each pitcher clearly so guests know what they’re pouring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a recipe for green tea shots at home?
You make a recipe for green tea shots by shaking equal parts Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix with ice. Strain into a shot glass and top with a splash of lemon-lime soda. The whole process takes about two minutes per shot.
What ingredients go into green tea shots?
Green tea shots require four ingredients: Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix, and lemon-lime soda. You don’t need any actual green tea or special equipment. A basic cocktail shaker and some ice are all you need to mix the drink.
Can you explain the simple green tea shots recipe?
The simple green tea shots recipe uses half an ounce each of whiskey, schnapps, and sour mix. Shake these with ice, strain into a shot glass, and add a quick splash of soda. The recipe is forgiving, so you can adjust the sweetness or tartness to suit your preference.
How does the batch green tea shots recipe differ?
The batch green tea shots recipe multiplies the individual measurements so you can serve multiple people at once. You mix the whiskey, schnapps, and sour mix in a pitcher and chill it. Pour the mixture into shot glasses and top each one with soda right before serving.
What exactly is the green tea shots recipe?
The green tea shots recipe is a cocktail made with Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of soda. The drink gets its name from the light green color, not from any tea ingredients. Bartenders created it as a party-friendly shooter that tastes sweet and fruity.
Conclusion
The recipe for green tea shots is one of the easiest cocktails you can master at home. You don’t need bartending experience or fancy equipment. Just four simple ingredients and a few shakes, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing shot that tastes smooth and sweet.
Whether you’re making a single shot for yourself or a batch for a party, the technique stays the same. Keep your ingredients cold, shake with confidence, and serve immediately.
The most important thing is to drink responsibly and know your limits. Green tea shots go down easily, which can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Pace yourself, eat something before drinking, and never drive after consuming alcohol.