Irish beers and full-sized green-colored cocktails might be the first drinks that come to mind when you think of St. Patrick’s Day, but apparently, tastes are changing. According to data crunched by hospitality engagement platform Union, green tea shots were the top cocktail ordered at last year’s festivities. Is the sipper poised to sweep the holiday again this year?
It’s still too early to say, but a glance at Google Trends suggests that the emerald-hued concoction might have appeal beyond St. Patrick’s Day. Searches for “green tea cocktail” are at an all-time high, and TikTok videos tagged with that term have pulled in roughly 6 million views. (In contrast, videos tagged #grinchcocktail—referring to the viral Grinch cocktail recipe—only have 2.7 million views.) To say that it’s popular is a vast understatement.
Not familiar with this increasingly in-demand drink? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Green Tea Shot?
As best we can tell, the green tea shot doesn’t actually contain any tea. (It’s not unlike Long Island iced tea or the Tokyo tea, in that respect.) It is, however, as its name suggests, a shot—meaning that it’s usually served in a shot glass. Typically a shade of light green, the drink is sweet and tangy. Like most shots, it’s meant to be downed in one gulp.
What Is in a Green Tea Shot?
Although there are several variations across the internet, recipes tend to call for some combination of whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix and lemon-lime soda. Irish whiskey, particularly Jameson Irish Whiskey, is a popular choice, which seems appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day.
Not a fan of store-bought sour mix? Make your own homemade version by blending fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, a trick bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler showed us with his amaretto sour. (Add one teaspoon of simple syrup for every ounce of lemon juice.)
How to Make Green Tea Shots
Recipe by Jacy Topps
Ingredients
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice, add Irish whiskey, peach schnapps and sour mix. Shake to chill, about 10 seconds. Strain into a shot glass or rocks glass. Add a splash of lemon-lime soda and garnish with lime twist.
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Last Updated: June 27, 2023
