Recipe

Quick Green Tea Shot (Smoky + Spicy)

A 2 minute party shot with peachy sweetness, a bright sour snap, and a smoky chile rim that keeps things interesting.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

Two green tea shots with a smoky chile salt rim on a wooden bar top, with a lemon wedge and a small bowl of chile salt nearby

Despite the name, a green tea shot usually contains zero green tea. The “tea” part is just the vibe: that golden green color and a lightly herbal, honeyed flavor that somehow tastes like you did more work than you did. This version keeps the classic base but adds my favorite twist: smoke and heat.

Think peachy whiskey, bright citrus, a gentle fizz, and a smoky, spicy rim that makes your first sip pop. It is quick, it is easy, and it is the kind of shot that turns “just one” into “okay, fine, another.”

Why It Works

Fast: Shaken and poured in about 2 minutes.

Balanced: Sweet peach + tart citrus + a touch of fizz keeps it from tasting syrupy.

Smoky and spicy: A chile smoked salt rim delivers heat where it matters most, right at the first sip.

Easy to scale: Multiply the base and shake in batches for a crowd.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Can you make green tea shots ahead?

Yes, with a small tweak. Shake the base (Irish whiskey + peach schnapps + sour mix, or lemon juice + simple syrup) and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. For best brightness, use it the same day. It will still be solid for up to 24 hours, but citrus can taste a bit flatter as it sits. Shake again before pouring.

What not to store

Do not add the soda until serving or it goes flat.
Do not rim the glasses early if your kitchen is humid. Rim right before pouring so it stays crisp.

Leftover rim mix

Keep the smoky spicy rim mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month for best flavor. Keep it dry and skip storing it if you added any fresh zest. It is also great on popcorn and pineapple.

Common Questions

Why is it called a green tea shot if there is no green tea?

It is named for the color and flavor vibe that reminds people of sweetened green tea. The classic combo is Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon lime soda.

What whiskey is best?

Irish whiskey is the standard because it is smooth and lightly sweet. Jameson is the common pick, but any decent Irish whiskey works.

How do I make it smokier?

Best options first: use a chipotle heavy rim blend, or rinse each shot glass with a tiny splash of mezcal and dump it out before pouring.

If you want to use liquid smoke, go easy. Add 1 drop to the shaker (shake, taste, then decide if you want another). Or put 1 drop on the wet lemon rim before dipping into the salt so it spreads evenly. Do not drip it straight into the dry rim mix or it can clump.

How spicy is this?

With the rim, it is a gentle to medium heat depending on your chile powder. Skip the cayenne for mild, or add more for a kick.

Can I make it without sour mix?

Absolutely. Use fresh lemon juice + simple syrup for cleaner flavor and less “store bought sweet.” Heads up: fresh lemon gives you a more golden shot, not the neon green you get from some commercial sour mixes.

Can I turn this into a cocktail instead of a shot?

Yes. Pour it over ice in a rocks glass, top with a little more soda, and add a lemon wedge. Same flavor, longer hang time.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring shot glass
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a cleaner pour)
Small plate for rimming
4 shot glasses

I love a recipe that feels like a party trick but is basically just measure, shake, pour. The first time I made green tea shots at home, they were dangerously easy and a little too sweet. So I did what I always do when something needs a backbone: I added salt, smoke, and a tiny bit of chaos.

The smoky chile rim turns the whole thing into a “wait, what is that?” moment. It is still friendly and crowd pleasing, just with a little edge. Kind of like the friend who brings the good hot sauce and refuses to apologize for it.