Trick yourself into thinking you’re shooting back something healthy with the cleverly named Green Tea Shot featuring peach schnapps and Irish whiskey.
How the Green Tea Shot came into existence isn’t entirely clear (when dealing with shots, it rarely is), though scholars and philosophers of mixology point to early-2000s America—Madison, Wisconsin, specifically. Being a college town, Madison was home to a number of bars and clubs; it’s rumored it was here that the Green Tea Shot entered the world.
As for the name, it could be a tip of the cap to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which involved powdered green tea and served in small cups (similar to shot glasses, I suppose). A more apparent explanation is the shot’s color, which reminded an onlooker of the tea of the same color. Still others think the mix of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey and peach schnapps tasted like the green tea mentioned earlier. Or maybe college students felt that, by calling it “green tea”, they were consuming a drink healthier than the shot actually was.
By that logic, the Midori Sour and Grasshopper could have also bore the “green tea” moniker but then, that would have just been downright confusing, wouldn’t it.
Does a Green Tea Shot Actually Contain Green Tea?
No. A shot is such a small amount, where would the green tea even fit? On that note, it should be mentioned that you can create a cocktail based on the Green Tea shot that includes actual green tea. Here’s a recipe you can mold and bend to your will.
- 1.5 oz. Irish whiskey
- 0.75 oz. peach schnapps
- 2 oz. green tea (cooled and brewed, then chilled)
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 oz. freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice/soda
What is the Best Irish Whiskey to Use?
Tradition dictates you use Jameson’s. It’s arguably the most popular and readily available Irish whiskey, so for convenience alone, this should be your pick. My suggestion would be to try the Green Tea Shot with Jameson’s and use it as a base by which to compare other Irish whiskeys, of which there are maaaaany. Bushmills, another popular one, has a smoother and lighter taste to Jameson’s. There’s also Redbreast 12 y.o., which is more robust; and Powers Gold Label, known for its spicy character. If you have an adventurous palette (and deeper pockets), go for Connemara Single Malt. It has a distinctive peaty taste. It’s a divisive choice though, so perhaps hold off on serving this to a mass of your friends.
Ingredients
- 0.5 ounce peach schnapps
- 0.5 ounce Irish Whiskey
- 1 splash sour mix
- 1 splash lemon-lime soda
Instructions
- Pour the peach schnapps and Jameson Irish Whiskey into a shaker.
- Add a splash of sour mix to the shaker.
- Shake until the shot is well mixed and cold.
- Strain into a shot glass, leaving just enough room for a splash of lemon-lime soda.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Green Tea Shot
- Use freshly squeezed lime and/or lemon juice if you don’t want to use soda,
- Add a drop of honey if you want to sweeten the shot without simple syrup.
- Be prepared to shake for at least 30 seconds. Shaking helps blend and cool liquids.
- You can try a layering technique by pouring in the peach schnapps first then slowly pouring the whiskey over the back of a spoon.
FAQs
As this is a shot, go for a shot glass. No garnishes are necessary.
Pour any leftover mix into a mason jar or other some such airtight container and refrigerate. It should last for a day or so.
Just mix equal parts lemon and/or lime juice and simple syrup. How do you make simple syrup? Just mix equal parts granulated sugar and water and gently boil and stir until the sugar has disintegrated.
Other Shots To Try
Cement Mixer: Another with Irish ancestry, made with Irish cream and lime juice.
B-52: A creamy one made up of Baileys, Kahlua, and Grand Marnier.
Blow Job: An interesting name for a delicious shot. Baileys, Kahlua topped with whipped cream.
Duck Fart: Another with a questionable name. Another with Baileys and Kahlua. This time they are joined by whiskey.
Leave a Comment