Green Tea Shot Recipe: How to Make the Classic Cocktail

This green tea shot recipe is bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Despite its name, the drink contains no actual green tea; it’s named for its light golden-green color and fruity flavor.

Green tea shot in a small shote glass next to a gold cocktail shaker.

“These fruity party shots are always a crowd favorite and come together in just minutes.”

-Becky

What Is a Green Tea Shot

A green tea shot is a popular bar-style shot made with Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. The name refers to the drink’s pale green tint rather than any tea in the recipe.

The flavor is fruity and smooth, with peach and citrus balancing the warmth of the whiskey. It’s quick to make and ideal for parties or casual get-togethers because it uses just a few common ingredients and offers a crowd-pleasing taste.

Table of Contents

  • What Is a Green Tea Shot
  • Ingredients You Will Need
  • Variations of Green Tea Shots
  • How to Make a Green Tea Shot
  • When to Serve Green Tea Shots
  • What Does a Green Tea Shot Taste Like
  • Jameson Green Tea Shot
  • How to Make Green Tea Shots for a Party
  • Expert Tips
  • RECIPE FAQS
  • More Drink Recipes
  • Green Tea Shot Recipe

Ingredients You Will Need

Whiskey and other bottles of alcohol needed to make green tea shots on a marble table.
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey – a smooth, slightly sweet Irish whiskey that works well as the base.
  • Peach Schnapps – a fruity, sweet liqueur that adds peach flavor and sweetness.
  • Sour Mix – a blend of lemon and lime with simple syrup to add bright tartness.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda (Sprite or 7-Up) – a small splash adds light fizz without overpowering the mix.
  • Ice – use plenty when shaking to chill the shot quickly.

Full ingredient amounts are included in the recipe card below.

Variations of Green Tea Shots

  • Turn it into a cocktail: Double the recipe and serve over ice in a glass for a refreshing summer drink.
  • Try different whiskeys: Jameson is classic, but other Irish whiskeys or a touch of bourbon will change the flavor profile.
  • Make a mocktail: Replace the whiskey and schnapps with non-alcoholic peach syrup and extra lemon-lime soda for a family-friendly version.
  • White tea shot: Swap whiskey for vodka to create a lighter variation sometimes called a white tea shot.

How to Make a Green Tea Shot

Drink mixture being poured into a shot glass.
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the Jameson, peach schnapps, and sour mix. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Drink mixture being poured into a shot glass.
  1. Strain into a shot glass and top with a small splash of lemon-lime soda for fizz. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge and serve immediately.

When to Serve Green Tea Shots

Green tea shots are great when you want a quick, tasty drink that’s easy to make for a group. They’re especially popular at:

• birthday parties
• girls’ nights
• game-day gatherings
• holiday parties
• backyard get-togethers
• bachelorette parties

The simple recipe makes it fast to prepare multiple rounds so guests can enjoy the party without long waits.

What Does a Green Tea Shot Taste Like

The shot is smooth and fruity, with peach notes from the schnapps and bright citrus from the sour mix. Irish whiskey adds warmth and depth without dominating the drink. The lemon-lime soda finishes the shot with a clean, fizzy note, making the overall flavor balanced and easy to drink.

Jameson Green Tea Shot

Many call this a Jameson Green Tea Shot because Jameson Irish whiskey is the traditional choice. Its smooth, slightly sweet profile pairs well with peach schnapps and citrus, though other Irish whiskeys or bourbons can be used for a different character.

How to Make Green Tea Shots for a Party

To batch for a group, combine equal parts of the main ingredients and chill:

• 1 cup Irish whiskey
• 1 cup peach schnapps
• 1 cup sweet and sour mix

Keep the mixture refrigerated. When ready to serve, shake with ice, strain into shot glasses, and top each with a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Green tea shot in a small shot glass with a lime wedge and lemon curls in front of the glass.

Expert Tips

  • Chill everything: Cold ingredients and chilled shot glasses make a smoother, more refreshing shot.
  • Leave room for soda: Don’t fill the glass to the brim — you’ll need space for the lemon-lime splash.
  • Batch ahead: Mix the whiskey, schnapps, and sour mix in advance and refrigerate. Add the soda just before serving.
  • Adjust sweetness: Increase or reduce peach schnapps or sour mix to suit your taste.
  • Use plenty of ice when shaking: A full shaker chills and dilutes the drink just enough for balance.

RECIPE FAQS

Why is it called a Green Tea Shot if it doesn’t have green tea?

The name refers to the pale greenish color of the shot, which is similar to brewed green tea. No actual green tea is used.

What kind of whiskey should I use?

Jameson Irish Whiskey is the classic choice, but any smooth Irish whiskey or even bourbon will work if you prefer a different flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have sour mix?

Make a quick substitute by combining equal parts fresh lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

What can I substitute for lemon-lime soda?

Use any lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up, or try club soda with a splash of lemonade or lime juice for a less sweet option.

How can I make this lower in sugar?

Choose diet or sugar-free lemon-lime soda and reduce the simple syrup in your sour mix, or use a lower-sugar commercial sour mix.

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Recipe intended for adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly and follow local laws.

5 from 1 vote

Green Tea Shot

By: Rebecca
Servings: 1
Prep: 3 mins
Total: 3 mins
Green tea shots in small shot glasses garnished with lime wedges on a marble serving tray.
A refreshing shot that blends smooth Irish whiskey with peach and citrus for a party-ready sip.

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Shot Glasses

Ingredients 

  • 1 ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey
  • 1 ounce Peach Schnapps
  • 1 ounce Sour Mix
  • Lemon-Lime Soda, Sprite or 7-Up
  • Ice Cubes

Instructions

  • Pour the Jameson, peach schnapps, and sour mix into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and combined.
  • Strain into a shot glass, top with a splash of lemon-lime soda, garnish with a wedge, and serve.

Notes

Leave space in the glass for the lemon-lime soda splash.

Serve immediately while cold and fizzy for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.1g

Nutrition information is an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
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