What Do Green Tea Shots Contain? The Surprising Ingredients Revealed

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

The green tea shot, a popular cocktail, famously contains no actual green tea whatsoever, a fact that often surprises many drinkers. The name comes from its green-colored appearance, which resembles the brewed beverage, not its contents. The ingredients combine to create a sweet, tangy, and fruity flavor profile, making this an easy-to-drink and popular choice for parties and social gatherings.

Quick Summary

A green tea shot is an alcoholic cocktail that gets its name from its greenish hue, not from actual tea. The standard recipe consists of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda, resulting in a sweet and fruity flavor profile.

Key Points

No actual tea: The classic green tea shot does not contain any green tea; its name is derived from its green hue.
Core ingredients: The standard recipe includes Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda.
Origin: The cocktail is widely attributed to the Jameson whiskey company.
Flavor profile: It delivers a balanced taste that is sweet and fruity with a tangy, citrus finish.
Variations: Alternative versions include using vodka for a 'white tea shot' or adding matcha powder for an authentic tea flavor.
Customization: You can adjust sweetness levels or add a few drops of blue curaçao to alter the shot's color.

The Core Ingredients of a Classic Green Tea Shot

Contrary to its name, a classic green tea shot does not contain actual green tea. Instead, its name is inspired by its greenish hue. The drink is thought to have originated with the Jameson whiskey company as a way to enjoy their product. The typical ingredients create a sweet, tangy, and fruity flavor.

Irish Whiskey

The primary spirit is Irish whiskey, with Jameson being the commonly cited choice, though other smooth Irish whiskeys can be used. Other whiskeys or bourbon are also options for a different taste.

Peach Schnapps

Peach schnapps is essential for the characteristic fruity flavor and sweetness, balancing the whiskey and sour mix.

Sour Mix

Sour mix provides the tangy, citrus component that cuts through the sweetness. While pre-made options are available, homemade sour mix with fresh citrus juices and simple syrup is often preferred for a fresher taste.

Lemon-Lime Soda

A splash of lemon-lime soda adds a light, effervescent quality, enhancing the refreshing aspect of the shot. Popular choices include Sprite or 7Up.

Classic Green Tea Shot Recipe

Making a standard green tea shot at home is quick and straightforward. You'll need a cocktail shaker and the ingredients listed below:

Ingredients:

1 part Irish whiskey (such as Jameson)
1 part peach schnapps
1 part sour mix
Splash of lemon-lime soda
Ice
Lime wedge (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Combine equal parts whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix in the shaker.
Shake well until the shaker is frosty.
Strain into shot glasses, filling each about three-quarters full.
Add a small splash of lemon-lime soda to each shot.
Garnish with a lime wedge if desired and serve immediately.

Comparing Classic Green Tea Shots to Popular Variations

While the classic recipe is a staple, many variations exist to suit different tastes or occasions.


Feature	Classic Green Tea Shot	White Tea Shot	Matcha Green Tea Shot	Non-Alcoholic Version
Main Spirit	Irish whiskey (e.g., Jameson)	Vodka	Irish whiskey or Vodka	None (uses peach juice)
Key Flavor	Sweet, tangy peach and citrus	Brighter, cleaner citrus flavor	Earthy, green tea flavor added	Fruity and citrusy
Other Ingredients	Peach schnapps, sour mix, lemon-lime soda	Peach schnapps, sour mix, lemon-lime soda	Peach schnapps, sour mix, lemon-lime soda, Matcha powder	Peach juice, sour mix, green tea, lemon-lime soda
Naming Origin	The greenish hue from the mix	Clear color from vodka	Contains actual matcha green tea	Based on the flavor profile and tea content

Customizing Your Green Tea Shot

For enhanced color: A few drops of blue curaçao can make the green color more vibrant.
For a full-sized cocktail: Scale up the recipe for a tall glass, adding more lemon-lime soda or lemonade.
Using different whiskey: Experimenting with different whiskeys, such as a smooth American blend, can alter the flavor profile.
For a less sweet option: Using unsweetened lemonade instead of lemon-lime soda can reduce the sweetness.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Name

To answer "what do green tea shots contain?" is to reveal a simple yet popular cocktail. Its name refers to its color, not its ingredients, which are a mix of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. This combination results in a sweet, fruity, and tangy flavor profile, offering a refreshing twist on a whiskey shot. The green tea shot remains a favored choice for social occasions due to its appealing taste and ease of drinking.

For more cocktail recipes and guides, explore our content on cocktail preparation and mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

A classic green tea shot typically contains Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda.

No, a green tea shot does not contain any actual green tea. The name is purely based on the finished cocktail's greenish color.

The shot has a balanced sweet and tangy flavor with a noticeable fruity peach taste and a hint of warmth from the whiskey.

The drink is called a green tea shot because the mixture of its ingredients results in a pale green color that resembles iced green tea.

The main difference is the base spirit. A green tea shot uses Irish whiskey, while a white tea shot substitutes vodka, resulting in a clearer, or 'white', appearance.

Yes, a non-alcoholic version can be made by using peach juice, cooled green tea, and sour mix, topped with lemon-lime soda.

Since a traditional green tea shot contains no actual green tea, it does not contain any caffeine. However, variations that add matcha powder will contain caffeine.