Green Tea Shot Recipe

If you've never had a green tea shot, you're in for a surprise. It doesn't actually contain any green tea, but it's one of the most refreshing and easy to drink shots you'll ever make. Sweet, slightly sour, and dangerously smooth, this is the shot that disappears fastest at every party. Four ingredients, three minutes, and you're done.

What Is a Green Tea Shot?

Here's the thing that trips everyone up the first time they hear about this drink. There's no actual green tea in it. Not a drop. The green tea shot gets its name purely from its color, which happens to look remarkably similar to a glass of iced green tea once it's poured into the glass. The name stuck and now it's one of the most ordered shots at bars across the country.

The original recipe was created by Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is why you'll still hear people call it the Jameson green tea shot. Over time the name got shortened and the shot took on a life of its own beyond just one brand of whiskey, though Jameson is still the most popular choice and the one I'd recommend if you want the most authentic version.

What actually goes into it is a combination of whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of Sprite. That combination gives you a fruity, slightly fizzy shot with a bright citrus flavor and just enough sweetness from the peach schnapps to balance the tartness of the sour mix. It tastes way better than it sounds on paper and it goes down way too easily for something with that much alcohol in it. Consider yourself warned.

Don't just take my word for it either. Reader Brielle left this comment after making it at home:

I've made this shot a couple times so far and I absolutely love it! It's so delicious and honestly smooth enough to even sip!

And honestly that last part says it all, a shot smooth enough to sip is a dangerous thing to have in your recipe box.

The best part is how quick it is to pull together. Four ingredients, a cocktail shaker, some ice, and about three minutes is all it takes. If you love this one you'll also want to try my ranch water and white tea shot. Also easy and equally dangerous.

Green Tea Shot Ingredients

• ½ oz. Jameson Whiskey
• ½ oz. Peach Schnapps
• ½ oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
• ½-1 oz. Sprite
• Ice cubes

How to Make Green Tea Shots

Step 1: Shake It Up

First, measure out all your ingredients - ½ oz. is equal to one tablespoon or ⅓ of a shot glass if you want an easy way to measure everything out. Now add ice cubes to fill ½ to ¾ of your cocktail shaker, and pour in the measured-out whiskey, peach schnapps, and the sweet & sour mix. Then, shake vigorously for about 10 seconds or until the shaker feels frosty so the peach schnapps, Jameson Irish whiskey, and sweet and sour mix

Step 2: Serve and Enjoy

Next, pour the cocktail into the shot glasses about two-thirds of the way full. You can use a cocktail strainer to prevent the ice from falling out with the rest of the drink. Finally, finish each shot off with a splash of Sprite (or fresh lime juice and lemon juice). And if you want to make it a full drink instead of a shot, just use extra lemon lime soda. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for The Perfect Green Tea Shot

• Use Jameson Irish Whiskey. Any Irish whiskey works but Jameson is the original for a reason. It's smooth, slightly sweet, and blends perfectly with the peach schnapps and sour mix without any harsh burn. If you use a cheap whiskey the shot will taste like a cheap whiskey, don't do that to yourself or your guests.
• Shake it hard and shake it long. This isn't a gentle stir situation. Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice and shake vigorously for a full 10 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels ice cold. That aggressive shake is what chills the shot properly, dilutes it just enough, and gives it that slightly frothy finish when it hits the glass.
• Use fresh lemon and lime juice if you can. Sweet and sour mix works great and is the easiest option, but if you want to take this shot to the next level squeeze fresh lemon and lime juice instead. The flavor is noticeably brighter and more vibrant. Equal parts lemon and lime juice is the sweet spot.
• Add the Sprite last and don't shake it. The whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix go into the shaker with ice. The Sprite goes in after you pour the shot into the glass. Never shake the Sprite, you'll lose all the carbonation and end up with a flat shot. A gentle splash right before serving is all it needs.
• Chill your ingredients ahead of time. If you're making these for a group pop the whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix in the fridge an hour before you need them. Pre-chilled ingredients mean the ice doesn't have to work as hard, which means less dilution and a colder, more flavorful shot.
• Keep the ratios equal. The classic green tea shot is equal parts whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix, half an ounce of each. That balance is what makes it taste right. Don't go heavy on the whiskey thinking it'll make it stronger and throw off the whole flavor.
• Use a cocktail strainer when pouring. Always strain the shot when you pour it into the glass so the ice stays in the shaker. Ice chips in a shot glass water it down fast and change the texture. A clean pour into a chilled shot glass is the move.
• Make a big batch for parties. This shot scales up perfectly. Multiply all the ingredients by however many shots you need, shake in batches, and keep the mixture in a pitcher in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Add the Sprite to each glass individually right before serving to keep the fizz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a green tea shot have green tea in it?

Nope, not a drop. The green tea shot gets its name entirely from its color, which looks surprisingly similar to a glass of iced green tea once it's poured. The actual ingredients are whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix, and Sprite. The name has stuck around for decades now and at this point it's just part of the charm.

What does a green tea shot taste like?

It tastes fruity, slightly sweet, a little tart, and surprisingly smooth for a shot with whiskey in it. The peach schnapps brings a light peachy sweetness, the sweet and sour mix adds a bright citrus tang, and the Sprite gives it a subtle fizz. Most people are shocked by how easy it goes down the first time they try one.

What's the difference between a green tea shot and a white tea shot?

The main difference is the ingredients. A green tea shot uses whiskey and peach schnapps while a white tea shot typically uses vodka and peach schnapps with a splash of cranberry juice. The white tea shot is a little lighter and slightly sweeter with a pink color instead of green. Both are easy crowd pleasers but they have a distinctly different flavor profile.

What whiskey is best for a green tea shot?

Jameson Irish Whiskey is the classic choice and the one the original recipe was built around. It's smooth, slightly sweet, and blends beautifully with the other ingredients without any harsh burn. Other Irish whiskeys like Tullamore DEW or Bushmills work well too. Avoid anything too smoky or peaty since it'll clash with the fruity flavors.

Can I make a green tea shot without peach schnapps?

Yes. If you don't have peach schnapps you can substitute peach vodka for a similar fruity flavor with a little more kick. Midori melon liqueur is another option that keeps the green color and adds a tropical twist. The shot will taste slightly different but it'll still work well.

Can I make a green tea shot without sweet and sour mix?

Absolutely. Equal parts fresh lemon juice and lime juice make a great substitute and honestly taste even better than the bottled mix. You can also use just lemon juice in a pinch. Fresh citrus juice gives the shot a brighter, more vibrant flavor that really elevates the whole drink.

How much alcohol is in a green tea shot?

A standard green tea shot contains one ounce of alcohol total split between the whiskey and peach schnapps at half an ounce each. The peach schnapps is typically around 15 to 20 percent ABV and the whiskey is usually around 40 percent ABV, making this a moderately strong shot that goes down very easily. That's part of why it's so popular.

Can I turn a green tea shot into a cocktail?

Yes and it's delicious. Just keep the same ratios of whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix but pour everything over ice in a rocks glass and top with more Sprite instead of just a splash. It turns into a light, refreshing cocktail that's perfect for sipping on a summer evening.

Can I make green tea shots ahead of time?

You can mix the whiskey, peach schnapps, and sweet and sour mix together ahead of time and keep it in a pitcher in the fridge. Just don't add the Sprite until right before serving or you'll lose all the carbonation. When you're ready to serve shake each batch with ice, strain into shot glasses, and add a fresh splash of Sprite to each one.

More Drink Recipes to Try Next

If you're looking for some more delicious alcoholic drinks, we have some pretty tasty ones on the blog that you have to try next!

Give all of these a shot:

• Lemon drop shot
• Vegas bomb shot
• Applesauce shot
• Mexican candy shot
• Liquid marijuana shot
• Mudslide
• Jungle juice
• Nonalcoholic ginger hot toddy