Green Tea Shots are bright, refreshing, and ideal for celebrating a warm evening with friends. This version mixes Japanese whisky, peach schnapps, homemade sour mix, and sparkling lemonade for a sweet-tart shooter that goes down very easily—so sip responsibly.
We enjoy whiskey-based mixed drinks and have tried many shots; this green tea shot is one of our favorites. It’s simple to make at home and delivers a bright, lemonade-like texture with a touch of whiskey warmth.
Why You’ll Love Green Tea Shots
- Taste – Sweet and tangy with a subtle whiskey finish.
- Texture – Light and refreshing, similar to sparkling lemonade.
- Effort – Very easy: pour, shake, and serve.
- Time – Minimal prep—ready in minutes.
Where Did the Green Tea Shot Originate?
The green tea shot was popularized by Jameson and named for its green color; it does not contain actual green tea.
Ingredients
- Suntory Japanese Whisky – Smooth and slightly fruity; a great match for the other flavors. Jameson or another favorite whiskey also works.
- Sour mix – A lemon-lime and simple syrup blend. Use store-bought or make your own for better control of sweetness.
- Peach schnapps – Peach-flavored liqueur that adds sweetness and fruitiness.
- Sparkling lemonade – Adds lemon brightness and carbonation while diluting the spirit-forward base.
- Ice cubes – Keeps the mixture cold when shaken.
See the recipe card for specific quantities.
Instructions
Homemade Sour Mix
- Make simple syrup – Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a jar to cool.
- Add lemon and lime juice – After the syrup cools, stir in fresh lemon and lime juice. Shake or stir to combine. Store up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Green Tea Shot
- Add ingredients to a lidded jar or cocktail shaker – Combine whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and two ice cubes.
- Shake – Seal and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Pour the mixture into shot or shooter glasses, filling about ¾ full.
- Top with sparkling lemonade – Finish each glass with chilled sparkling lemonade, serve immediately, and enjoy.
Pro tip – To make a cocktail instead of shooters, multiply the ingredients and serve over ice in larger glasses. Try the shooter first to confirm the balance.
Substitutions and Variations
- Store-bought sour mix – Ready-made sour mix works if you’re short on time, though homemade lets you control sweetness.
- Whisky – Substitute Jameson or any preferred whiskey for the Suntory.
- Lemon-lime soda – Swap sparkling lemonade for lemon-lime soda or regular lemonade for a different citrus profile and carbonation level.
- No ice – Omit the ice when shaking if you prefer a cooler rather than icy-cold shot.
Recipe FAQs
No. The name refers to the bright green color; there is no actual tea in the shot.
Yes. These shots are easy to drink but contain spirits: peach schnapps is typically 15–20% ABV and whiskey is around 40% ABV. Pace yourself and drink responsibly.
Most ingredients are available at large grocery stores; for specific liquors, a local liquor store will have better selection.
Yes. Peach schnapps and sour mix contain sugar. Make a lower-sugar sour mix at home to reduce sweetness.
The ingredients used here are gluten free, though some store-bought sour mixes could contain gluten. Homemade sour mix avoids that risk.
A typical price is around $10 per shot, varying by location and venue. They are economical to make at home.
Shots are often about 1.5 ounces, while shooters can be 2–3 ounces. For this recipe, use glasses that hold about 3 ounces.
Equipment
This recipe needs only a few basics: measuring spoons, a lidded jar or cocktail shaker for mixing, and shot or shooter glasses that hold about 3 ounces each.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight glass bottle or lidded jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-chill before serving; these shots do not freeze well.
Top tips
- Making your own sour mix lets you control sugar and the lemon-lime balance.
- Swap regular lemonade for sparkling lemonade to reduce carbonation if desired.
- Chill shot glasses before serving to keep the drinks extra cold and refreshing.
Related Recipes
For more cocktail ideas and mixed drinks, explore other simple recipes and seasonal cocktails.
📖 Recipe
How to Make a Green Tea Shot
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Lidded jar or cocktail shaker
- Shot or shooter glasses
Ingredients
Green Tea Shot
- 1 oz whisky
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz sour mix (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 oz sparkling lemonade (chilled)
- 2 ice cubes
Homemade Sour Mix
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup lime juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Homemade Sour Mix
- Make simple syrup – Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Cool.
- Add lemon and lime juice – Stir the citrus into the cooled syrup. Store up to 3 days.
Green Tea Shot
- Add ingredients to a jar or shaker – Combine whisky, peach schnapps, sour mix, and ice.
- Shake – Seal and shake for about 10 seconds. Pour the mixture into glasses about ¾ full.
- Top with sparkling lemonade – Add chilled sparkling lemonade to each glass, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
Storage – Leftover shots keep in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-chill before serving.
Top Tips
- Control sweetness by adjusting the sugar in your homemade sour mix.
- Use regular lemonade instead of sparkling to lower carbonation.
- Chill shot glasses for an extra cold serving.
Nutrition
Share your version and enjoy responsibly.