Green Tea Shot

The Green Tea Shot is a popular concoction known for its refreshing and easy-to-drink nature. Despite its name, it contains no actual green tea, but gets its moniker from the pale greenish-yellow hue of the final mixture. It combines Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix, often with a splash of lemon-lime soda. The result is a surprisingly balanced shot that is sweet, tart, and smooth, making it a favorite for groups in bars everywhere.
Green Tea Shot

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Green Tea Shot is categorized as a modern shot. It was designed to be consumed quickly in one go and gained widespread popularity in bars during the early 21st century. It doesn't fit into traditional classic cocktail categories but is a staple of contemporary bar culture.

Serving

This drink is served cold in a small shot glass, which can be chilled beforehand for an even more refreshing experience. It has a moderate alcohol content for a shot, making it relatively smooth.
Serving size
Approx. 60-75 ml / 2-2.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
Chilled (optional)

Backstory

The exact origin of the Green Tea Shot is somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed to have been created by the Jameson whiskey brand as a promotional drink. Its simple recipe, approachable flavor, and memorable name helped it spread rapidly through American bars in the early 2000s. It quickly became a staple for group celebrations and nights out due to its palatable and less aggressive flavor profile compared to other shots.
Origin
United States, circa early 2000s.

Green Tea Shot

This drink is often called a Jameson Green Tea because it is traditionally made with Jameson Irish Whiskey. Its primary name, Green Tea Shot, comes from its light greenish-yellow color, not from any actual tea in the recipe. The name can be misleading, but it aptly describes the drink's appearance.
Original name
Green Tea Shot
Alternative names
  • Jameson Green Tea
  • Jameson Peach Sour

Characteristics overview

This shot boasts a dominant flavor of sweet peach balanced by sour citrus, with a fruity, peachy aroma. The taste profile is a straightforward sweet and sour combination, leading to a clean, short finish with a smooth texture.
Flavor
Peach, Citrus, Sweet, Tart, Smooth
Aroma
Fruity, Peachy, Lemony
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Sweet, Short
Fizziness
Lightly effervescent
Color appearance
Pale green, Yellow-green, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Light
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a high level of sweetness and fruitiness from the peach schnapps, which is balanced by a distinct sourness. The alcohol taste is mild, with very little bitterness and a slight fizziness if soda is added.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This shot is made from three core, equal-parts ingredients: Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix. A small, optional splash of lemon-lime soda is often added at the end for a touch of carbonation.
  • Irish Whiskey30 ml / 1 oz
    Jameson is the traditional and most common choice.
  • Peach Schnapps30 ml / 1 oz
    Provides the signature sweet, fruity flavor.
  • Sour Mix30 ml / 1 oz
    For a fresher taste, substitute with 15ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice and 15ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup.
  • Lemon-Lime SodaA splash(optional)
    Adds a bit of fizz and lengthens the shot slightly. Some recipes omit this entirely.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To prepare this shot, you will need a cocktail shaker and strainer to mix and chill the ingredients, and a jigger for accurate measurements.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accuracy
  • Strainer to pour into the shot glass

Instructions

To create a Green Tea Shot, simply combine Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until chilled, strain into a shot glass, and optionally top with a splash of soda.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
5. Top with a small splash of lemon-lime soda, if using.
6. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The Green Tea Shot is a simple drink that is typically served straight-up without any garnish.
  • None

Dietary Information

This shot is typically vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free. However, it is not considered gluten-free because whiskey is derived from gluten-containing grains, though the distillation process removes most gluten proteins.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

Each Green Tea Shot contains approximately 110 calories, with around 11 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar, primarily from the peach schnapps and sour mix.
Calories
Averagely 110 kcal / 460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 11 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Green Tea Shot is perfectly suited for high-energy social gatherings, such as parties, nights out with friends, and celebratory moments. Its quick and easy nature makes it a popular choice for a group toast or to kick off an evening.
  • Party
  • Night Out
  • Celebration

Pairing suggestions

As a shot, this drink is rarely paired with a full meal. It is best enjoyed on its own or alongside simple, salty bar snacks that contrast its sweet and sour profile. It can also serve as a refreshing start to a night of drinking.
  • Light bar snacks
  • Salty appetizers like pretzels or chips
  • As a palate cleanser between beers

The Deceptively Simple and Delicious Green Tea Shot

The Green Tea Shot is a modern bar classic celebrated for its remarkably approachable and refreshing flavor. It masterfully combines the smoothness of Irish whiskey with the juicy sweetness of peach schnapps and the sharp tang of sour mix, resulting in a perfectly balanced and easy-to-drink shot. Its name is derived solely from its pale green color, as it contains no tea. This simple, three-ingredient recipe has become a go-to for social occasions and group celebrations worldwide.