Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
While these drinks may sound a bit new age, this cocktail drink has been around for years. Its popular variations include the White Tea Shot VS Green Tea Shot.
We’ve tested both shots to give you the end-all, be-all, of which one is ultimately better.
White Tea Shot & Green Tea Shot Compared
Tea lovers, if you were expecting tea in this recipe, we’re sorry to disappoint you.
The Green Tea Shot is made from four common bar ingredients: sour mix, peach schnapps, lemonade, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
This shot was the first to hit the public when the Irish whiskey brand included it on their list of best cocktail drinks to mix with Jameson whiskey.
Of course, not everyone loved Green Tea Shots — especially those who want a less hard-hitting shot.
White Tea Shots were eventually invented, replacing Jameson Irish Whiskey with vodka and sour mix with simple syrup. [1]
No one knows the exact origins of the White Tea Shot, but some say the shots can be traced back to bars from the Upper East.
Establishments in Canada and the United Kingdom have also adapted to serving these alcoholic drinks. But do whiskey & tea work well together?
Key Differences
Ingredients
A White Tea Shot drink is made from four classic bar ingredients: vodka, peach schnapps, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The ingredients give the White Tea Shot a murky white hue.
On the other hand, a Green Tea Shot drink is made from sour mix, peach schnapps, lemonade, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
If you don’t have Jameson Whiskey, any whiskey will do, but we recommend blended whiskeys as their flavor profile is a better match.
How To Make A White Tea And Green Tea Shot
White Tea Shot Recipe
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Directions:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well until combined. Strain and pour into a shot glass. Drink and enjoy!
Green Tea Shot Recipe
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz sour mix
- Lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
Directions:
Pour all ingredients (except the lemon-lime soda) into a cocktail shaker with ice and give everything a good shake.
Strain and pour into a shot glass. Top the Green Tea Shot with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
Note that these measurements can be doubled or even tripled if you want to make a White Tea or Green Tea long drink.
Health Benefits
| White Tea Shot | Green Tea Shot |
| There are no obvious benefits to enjoying a White Tea Shot apart from you’ll enjoy drinking it. On the other hand, the mocktail version uses a white tea bag, which is rich with antioxidants that are good for heart health. | Drinking a Green Tea Shot provides no apparent benefits because it is still alcoholic. A non-alcoholic Green Tea Shot drink is chock-full of bioactive compounds that can prevent cardiovascular diseases. |
Possible Side Effects
| White Tea Shot | Green Tea Shot |
| Many would consider a White Tea Shot a comparatively healthier cocktail drink as it doesn’t contain a lot of sugary mixers. However, limiting your intake of these party drinks is still best because anything in excess might cause you to get dizzy, vomit, or hungover. | Similarly, a Green Tea Shot is also an alcoholic party drink that can be a health hazard if consumed excessively. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient Content | White Tea Shot | Green Tea Shot |
| Carbs | 1.2 g | 17 g |
| Calories | 69 | 140 |
| Sugar | 0.2 g | 11.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 | 25 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 2 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 5 g |
Taste & Color
A White Tea Shot has a murky white color, almost like a very pale, whitish lemonade.
It takes on most of the taste of the tangy lemonade and fruity peach schnapps, with a sweet and boozy undertone. [2]
On the other hand, Green Tea Shots taste more bitter and sour, thanks to the Irish whiskey and sour mix. The sour mix gives it its signature green tinge.
Alcohols Used
Vodka is used in White Tea Shots. Vodka and peach schnapps are also “healthier” because they contain very little sugars, fat, and cholesterol.
Conversely, whiskey is used in a Green Tea Shot. This recipe contains a bit more calories, so drinking the first option is the way to go if you’re watching your weight.
Lemon-lime soda and sour mix also contain sugars you want to watch out for.
Alcohol Content
Both the White and Green Tea Shots are quite high in alcohol content. The spirit already has 40 percent ABV, with an additional 15 to 20 percent from the peach schnapps.
It’s said that a single shot of these cocktails can be comparable to a full glass of wine, so you may want to watch your intake.
Price
The White and Green Tea Shots cost about $10 per serving in most bars.
If you ask us, that’s a steep price to pay for it — you can easily make this drink with inexpensive ingredients like peach schnapps, sour mix, honey, and Jameson Whiskey, in the comfort of your own home.
Are There Any Similarities?
The White and Green Tea Shots are very similar in both the style of drink and how they were created.
It is said that the White Tea Shot was only created to cater to people who liked the Green Tea Shot but were looking for a less hard-hitting drink.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is easier to make, green tea or white tea shot?
Both the White Tea Shot and Green Tea Shot are easy to make.
Both shots require pretty similar ingredients and methods to create. Learning how to make them can easily elevate your drink shot list.
Which tea shot came first, white or green tea shot?
The Green Tea Shot came first, included in Jameson Irish Whiskey’s release of official cocktail drinks.
The White Tea Shot is derived from the original Green Tea when patrons wanted a shot with a less bitter taste.
What is the difference between a green tea and a white tea shot?
The main difference between a green tea shot and a white tea shot lies in their ingredients and flavor profiles. While both are cocktail shots, a green tea shot typically consists of Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix, creating a sweet and fruity taste, while a white tea shot combines whiskey, white cranberry juice, and simple syrup, resulting in a lighter and slightly sweeter flavor.
What is a green tea shot made of?
A green tea shot is crafted by combining equal parts of Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix. The whiskey contributes a smooth and robust base, the peach schnapps adds fruity sweetness, and the sour mix provides a tangy and citrusy element, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful shot.
What is the difference between green tea and white tea?
The primary differences between green tea and white tea lie in their processing and oxidation levels. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its natural color and delicate flavor. In contrast, white tea is minimally processed and undergoes less oxidation than green tea, resulting in a lighter color and a subtle, nuanced taste. Both teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant but offer distinct characteristics based on their unique processing methods.
What is a white tea shot?
A white tea shot is a cocktail that typically consists of whiskey, white cranberry juice, and simple syrup. This combination creates a drink with a lighter and slightly sweeter taste compared to traditional whiskey shots, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative for those seeking a different experience.
Are green tea shots strong?
Green tea shots can vary in strength depending on the specific recipe and the drinker’s tolerance. Generally, they are considered moderate in strength due to the inclusion of whiskey, but the overall impact also depends on the individual’s alcohol sensitivity. While not as potent as some high-proof spirits, green tea shots can still pack a flavorful punch, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced and moderately strong cocktail experience.
Is white tea just green tea?
No, white tea and green tea are distinct varieties of tea, differing in processing and flavor. White tea undergoes minimal processing, comprising young leaves and buds, while green tea involves slightly more processing by pan-frying or steaming the leaves, resulting in varied taste profiles and antioxidant levels.
Why is it called a Green Tea Shot?
The Green Tea Shot, despite its name, does not contain green tea. It’s a popular cocktail composed of Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of Sprite or lemon-lime soda. The green tea reference likely stems from its light green color, resembling the appearance of green tea.
Why are Green Tea Shots so good?
Green Tea Shots are often appreciated for their pleasant taste, balance of sweet and sour notes, and the smooth combination of whiskey and fruity flavors. The popularity of this cocktail can be attributed to its refreshing and easy-to-drink nature, appealing to those who enjoy a well-balanced and flavorful shot.
What are Green Tea Shots good for?
Green Tea Shots are primarily enjoyed as a social or celebratory drink. Their sweet and citrusy profile makes them approachable for a wide audience, and they are commonly served in bars and social settings. However, it’s essential to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and be mindful of individual tolerance and health considerations.
Why is it called a Green Tea Shot?
The Green Tea Shot gets its name from its appearance, not its ingredients. The cocktail’s light green hue, resembling the color of green tea, is a result of the combination of Jameson Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of Sprite or lemon-lime soda. Despite the name, there is no actual green tea in the recipe, highlighting the creativity and playfulness often found in cocktail naming conventions.
Final Verdict: White Tea Shot VS Green Tea Shot?
It’s a bit of a toss-up between the White Tea and Green Tea Shots.
Personally, we liked the White Tea Shot recipe when drunk in traditional shot glasses, as it had a better flavor that didn’t sting our throats when we swallowed.
However, in a long drink, we have to say the recipe for the Green Shot takes the cake, as it had a more nuanced flavor — from sour to bitter — that grew on us the more we drank it.
Let’s hear your thoughts about these shots by sounding off below.
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