Several green tea shots with lime in a row.

What Is in a Green Tea Shot? Ingredients, Benefits, and How to Make It

Written by: Mecene Research Team

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Published

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Time to read 8 min

Green tea shots have become a trendy choice at bars and social gatherings. These vibrant, flavorful shots combine green tea’s health benefits with cocktail fun. In this article, we’ll explore the green tea shot recipe, which, despite its name, does not always contain green tea but is a fruity and colorful alcoholic drink made with Jameson whiskey, sour mix, Peach Schnapps, and lemonade. At the same time, we’ll learn all about its health benefits and how to make it at home.

Shots with lime and other ingredients.

What is a Green Tea Shot?

A green tea shot is a tasty cocktail made with green tea, Jameson Irish Whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix. Despite its name, it often doesn’t include actual green tea. Instead, it gets its name from the greenish color of the mixture. The shot became popular in bars for its unique flavor and fun appearance. A white tea shot is a variation made with vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.


Green tea shots are a delightful mix of flavors and benefits, making them versatile for any occasion. Whether you enjoy a traditional green tea shot or a non-alcoholic version, these drinks add a touch of fun and health to your celebrations.


Popularity


Green tea shots have become a hit for a few reasons:


  • Health-conscious appeal: People love the idea of combining the benefits of green tea with a cocktail.

  • Fun and festive: The bright green color and refreshing taste make it a favorite at parties and social gatherings.

  • Versatile: You can enjoy it as a shot or mix it into a larger cocktail.

"Green tea shots are a delightful mix of flavors and benefits, making them versatile for any occasion."

Ingredients in a Green Tea Shot

The ingredients of a green tea shot are critical to its unique taste and appeal. Let's look at what goes into this popular drink.

Green Tea


Green tea is sometimes used in green tea shots, bringing health benefits like antioxidants and a metabolism boost. Different types of green tea, like matcha or sencha, can add unique flavors and extra health perks.


Jameson Irish Whiskey


Jameson Irish Whiskey is a classic ingredient in green tea shots, which can be found in liquor stores. It's why green tea shots are also known as the Jameson green tea shot. Known for its smooth taste and triple distillation process, Jameson adds a rich, bold flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.


Peach Schnapps


Peach schnapps gives the shot its sweet, fruity flavor. It can be found in most grocery stores and pairs perfectly with whiskey, creating a balanced and enjoyable drink. The sweetness of peach schnapps helps to soften the whiskey's kick.

Bottles of Jameson Irish Whiskey behind a bar counter.

Sour Mix


The sour mix adds a tangy twist to the Jameson green tea shot. It balances the sweetness of the peach schnapps and enhances the overall flavor. You can use a store-bought sour mix or make your own with lemon and lime juice.


Optional Ingredients


To customize your green tea shot, consider adding:


  • Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor.

  • Honey: Adds extra sweetness and a smooth texture.

  • Lime juice: Enhances the tanginess and brightens the flavor.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is known for its many health benefits. Here's how it can help you feel your best.


Antioxidant Properties


Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body. These antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Drinking or including green tea in your green tea shots can give your body a powerful health boost.


Boosting Metabolism


Green tea can boost your metabolism, helping with weight management. The catechins in green tea increase fat burning, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay fit. Adding or drinking green tea as part of a green tea cocktail can help you maintain a healthy weight.


Improving Mental Alertness


Green tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, which together enhance mental clarity and focus. This combination gives you a steady energy boost without the jitters. Enjoying a green tea shot can provide a refreshing way to stay alert and focused.

A cup of freshly brewed green tea on a table.

How to Make a Green Tea Shot at Home

Making a green tea shot at home is easy and fun. Here's what you need and how to do it.


Ingredients Needed


To make a green tea shot, you'll need:


  • 1 ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey

  • 1 ounce peach schnapps

  • 1 ounce sour mix

  • Splash of lemon-lime soda

  • Ice cubes


Step-by-Step Recipe


Follow these simple steps to make a delicious green tea shot:


  1. Add ice inside a cocktail shaker.

  2. Add 1 ounce of Jameson Irish Whiskey, 1 ounce of peach schnapps, and 1 ounce of sour mix.

  3. Shake well until the green tea shot mixture is chilled.

  4. Strain the mixture into your shot glasses.

  5. Add a splash of lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish.


Variations and Tips


Here are some variations and tips to perfect your green tea shot:


  • Substitute lemonade: You can use your own sour mix with unsweetened lemonade instead of lemon-lime soda for a tangy twist.

  • Add a sugared rim: Dip the rim of the shot glasses in sugar for some sweet and sour mix.

  • Try different whiskeys: Experiment with other types of whiskey to find your favorite blend.

Alcohol-Free Green Tea Shot Alternatives

If you prefer a non-alcoholic ice, cold drink, you can still enjoy the flavors of a green tea shot. These alcohol-free versions are great for those who want a refreshing and healthy option without the buzz of the whiskey.

Non-Alcoholic Version


Make a non-alcoholic green tea shot with these ingredients:


  • Peach juice

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Green tea (brewed and cooled)

  • Sour mix

  • Lemon-lime soda


To make your own non-alcoholic green tea shot, follow these steps:


  1. Prepare your ingredients: Brew some green tea and let it cool. Gather peach juice, apple cider vinegar, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda.

  2. Mix the ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, add equal parts peach juice, brewed green tea, and sour mix. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a splash of lemon-lime soda.

  3. Shake and serve: Shake the mixture well until it's nicely chilled. Strain into the shot glasses and enjoy your refreshing, alcohol-free green tea shot.

A non-alcoholic green tea shot served in a glass with peach juice and green tea.

Health Benefits


The non-alcoholic green tea shot still offers many health benefits:


  • Antioxidants: Green tea is known to be packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and protect your cells.

  • Vitamins: The vitamins and nutrients in the peach juice add an extra health boost, making this drink both tasty and nutritious.

  • Refreshing: This is an excellent choice for those who want a delicious drink without alcohol, perfect for any occasion.

Social and Cultural Significance

Green tea shots are more than just a drink; they have become a part of social and cultural trends. Let's explore how they fit into social settings and modern drinking habits.


Green Tea Shots in Social Settings


Green tea shots are popular at parties, bars, and social gatherings. Their bright green color and unique taste make them a fun addition to any event. Whether you're at a birthday party, a bar with friends, or a summer barbecue, green tea shots can add excitement to your social experience.


Cultural Trends


With the rise of health-conscious drinking, green tea shots have become a trendy choice. People are looking for drinks that offer a mix of health benefits and social enjoyment, and green tea shots fit perfectly into this modern wellness culture. They provide a way to enjoy a drink while being mindful of health and well-being.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While green tea shots are enjoyable, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and considerations.


Caffeine Sensitivity


Green tea contains caffeine, which can affect people who are sensitive to it. If you're sensitive to caffeine, be mindful of how much you consume when enjoying green tea shots, especially if they include actual green tea. Too much caffeine can cause jitters or disrupt your sleep.


Alcohol Consumption


Moderation is vital when consuming alcoholic beverages. Understand the effects of mixing alcohol with other ingredients and enjoy green tea shots responsibly. Remember that even though green tea shots are fun, moderation is essential to avoid potential adverse effects.


Allergies and Ingredients


Check for potential allergies to ingredients used in green tea shots. Common allergens include peach schnapps and certain types of whiskey. If you have allergies, find substitutes, like apple juice instead of peach schnapps or a different kind of whiskey you're not allergic to. Always know what's in your drink to avoid any allergic reactions.

Person trembling due to caffeine sensitivity.

Conclusion: Exploring and Enjoying Green Tea Shots

Green tea shots blend Jameson Irish Whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda for a flavorful experience. Green tea has potential health benefits, like antioxidants and metabolism boosts.


Try making green tea shots at home using our simple recipe and experiment with variations to find your perfect mix. Enjoy green tea shots responsibly and creatively, adding fun and wellness to any occasion. Cheers to living life with passion!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a green tea shot?

A green tea shot typically contains Jameson Irish Whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda.

Does a green tea shot have actual green tea?

No, a green tea shot gets its name from its greenish color, not because it contains actual green tea.

How many calories are in a green tea shot?

A green tea shot contains approximately 120-140 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

Can I make a non-alcoholic green tea shot?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version using peach juice, apple cider vinegar, green tea, and sour mix.

What does a green tea shot taste like?

A green tea shot has a balanced, sweet, and tangy flavor with a hint of fruitiness from the peach schnapps.

REFERENCES

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  2. Cabrera, C., Artacho, R., & Giménez, R. (2006). Beneficial effects of green tea--a review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 79–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2006.10719518

  3. Dulloo, A. G., Duret, C., Rohrer, D., Girardier, L., Mensi, N., Fathi, M., Chantre, P., & Vandermander, J. (1999). Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 70(6), 1040–1045. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/70.6.1040

  4. Lambert, J. D., & Yang, C. S. (2003). Mechanisms of cancer prevention by tea constituents. The Journal of nutrition, 133(10), 3262S–3267S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/133.10.3262S

  5. Nagao, T., Hase, T., & Tokimitsu, I. (2007). A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 15(6), 1473–1483. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2007.176

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. James Pendleton

Dr. James Pendleton is a primary care physician specializing in a naturopathic approach to family medicine. He has nurtured a family practice in Seattle, directed a VIP medical center in Abu Dhabi, published several books and scientific articles, and designed innovative nutritional supplements for manufacturers worldwide.