The White Tea Shot is a light, refreshing cocktail that has gained popularity for its smooth, crisp flavor and ease of preparation. Despite its name, this shot doesn’t contain any white tea. Instead, it’s a delightful mix of vodka, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda.
This guide has all the information you need to make a White Tea Shot. It includes details about its origins, ingredients, variations, and serving suggestions.
More drinks and shot recipes: Vegas Bomb, Green Tea Shot, Hugo Spritz, Mai tai
Introduction to the White Tea Shot
The White Tea Shot is often confused with the Green Tea Shot, but these two popular drinks have different flavor profiles and ingredients. The drink offers a slightly sweeter and lighter taste, making it a hit at parties and social gatherings. The perfect drink for those who enjoy a balanced cocktail that isn’t too overpowering is available.
This shot has become increasingly popular because of its refreshing taste and simple ingredients. Whether you’re new to mixing drinks or a seasoned bartender, the cocktail is an easy addition to your repertoire. To understand more about the ingredients used in similar cocktails, you can explore this Guide to Mixing Drinks.
History and Popularity of the White Tea Shot
The White Tea Shot is a relatively new addition to the cocktail world, but it has quickly become a favorite for many. Some think that someone created it as a gentler version of the Green Tea Shot by swapping vodka for whiskey. The name “White Tea Shot” likely comes from the drink’s light, almost tea-like color, rather than any actual tea content.
Why It Became Popular
People attribute the popularity of the cocktail to its appealing flavor profile and its simplicity. The combination of vodka and peach schnapps provides a sweet base, while the sour mix adds a tangy twist. The splash of lemon-lime soda gives it a refreshing finish that’s perfect for warm weather or as a light, easy-drinking shot.
Additionally, you can enjoy the White Tea Shot on its own or as part of a larger cocktail. Its lightness and sweetness make it a great choice for those who prefer cocktails that aren’t too strong or heavy. If you’re interested in exploring more light cocktails, check out this collection of light and refreshing drinks.
Key Ingredients for a White Tea Shot
To make the perfect drink, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the drink’s signature flavor.
Vodka
- Why Vodka? Vodka is the base spirit in the White Tea Shot, providing a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine. A versatile liquor pairs well with the sweetness of the peach schnapps and the tartness of the sour mix.
- Choosing the Right Vodka: While any vodka will work, using a high-quality vodka will result in a smoother shot. If you’re looking for something specific, a vodka with a subtle citrus note can enhance the overall flavor of the drink.
Peach Schnapps
- Sweet and Fruity: Peach schnapps is a key ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity flavor to the shot. Its sweetness balances the tartness of the sour mix and complements the neutral taste of the vodka.
- You can replace peach schnapps with other fruit liqueurs like raspberry or orange to make different versions of the White Tea Shot.
Sour Mix
- Tangy Twist: Sour mix is what gives the White Tea Shot its tangy edge. Mix lemon and lime juice with sugar to create sour mix, which adds a citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of peach schnapps.
- You can buy sour mix, but making it at home is simple. This way, you can adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking. Simply mix equal parts fresh lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup for a fresher, more vibrant taste.
Lemon-Lime Soda
- Refreshing Finish: A splash of lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or 7UP, is added to the shot for a fizzy, refreshing finish. This soda lightens the drink and adds a slight effervescence that makes the shot more enjoyable.
- Alternatives: If you’re looking for a less sweet option, you can use club soda or tonic water instead of lemon-lime soda. This will still provide the fizz without adding additional sweetness.
Tools Needed to Make a White Tea Shot
Before you start mixing, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Cocktail Shaker: A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly and chilling the shot. Shaking the drink with ice helps to blend the flavors and cool the drink, making it more refreshing.
- Shot Glasses: Shot glasses are necessary for serving the drink. Use 1.5 oz shot glasses or slightly larger ones for more soda in the shot.
- Measuring Jigger: A jigger is a small tool used to measure out the ingredients accurately. This ensures that each shot has the right balance of vodka, schnapps, and sour mix.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Making a White Tea Shot is easy and fast, perfect for parties or when you want a delicious shot.
Preparation Steps
- Gather Ingredients and Tools: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Chill your vodka, schnapps, and soda for the best results.
- Chill the Ingredients: Using chilled ingredients helps to enhance the flavor of the shot and makes it more refreshing. If your ingredients aren’t cold, you can chill them quickly by shaking them with ice in the cocktail shaker.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Measure and Pour: Using a jigger, measure out equal parts vodka, peach schnapps, and sour mix. Typically, you’ll use 1 oz of each ingredient per shot.
- Shake Well: Pour the measured ingredients into the cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake the shaker vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled. Shaking mixes flavors and slightly thins the drink, making it smoother and tastier.
Adding the Lemon-Lime Soda
- Strain into Shot Glasses: Strain the mixture from the shaker into shot glasses. The drink should have a light, almost tea-like color.
- Top with Lemon-Lime Soda: Add a splash of lemon-lime soda to each shot glass. This adds a fizzy, refreshing finish that enhances the overall flavor and makes the shot more enjoyable.
Variations of the White Tea Shot
The White Tea Shot is versatile, and there are several ways you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are some popular variations:
Green Tea Shot
- Whiskey-Based Variation: The Green Tea Shot is similar to the White Tea Shot but uses whiskey instead of vodka. This gives the drink a stronger, more robust flavor. The other ingredients—peach schnapps, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda—stay the same, giving a sweet and tangy flavor.
Fruit-Infused
- Fresh Fruit Additions: Add fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to the shaker for a fruity twist. Mash the fruit a bit before adding other ingredients. This helps release the juices. It also enhances the drink’s natural flavors.
Herbal
- Herbal Infusions: Infuse the vodka with herbs like mint, basil, or lavender before making the shot. This adds a light herbal taste that enhances the drink’s sweetness and tang, making the flavor more interesting.
Low-Calorie
- Use a low-calorie sour mix and diet lemon-lime soda to make a tasty drink with fewer calories. You can also reduce the amount of peach schnapps and add a bit more vodka for a stronger, less sweet shot.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The drink is a flexible drink that tastes great alone or with different foods and drinks.
When to Serve White Tea Shots
- Great for parties: The White Tea Shot is light and refreshing, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. It’s a great drink to serve as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a fun shot to enjoy with friends during a night out.
- Warm Weather Favorite: The drink’s crisp, refreshing taste makes it particularly enjoyable during warm weather. It’s a perfect choice for summer barbecues, beach parties, or any outdoor event.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Light Appetizers: The sweet and tangy flavors of the White Tea Shot pair well with light appetizers like cheese platters, bruschetta, or shrimp cocktail. These foods complement the drink’s flavors without overpowering them.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve the drink with a platter of fresh fruit like melon, berries, or citrus slices. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit enhance the drink’s refreshing qualities.
Other Drinks to Serve Alongside
- Pair the White Tea Shot with light cocktails like mojitos or margaritas for a consistent flavor experience. These drinks share the refreshing, citrusy qualities of the drink, making them a good match.
- Non-Alcoholic Choices: If guests don’t want alcohol, offer a non-alcoholic mojito or sparkling water with lime. These drinks offer a refreshing alternative that still fits with the overall theme of the event.
FAQs About White Tea Shots
A White Tea Shot is a cocktail made from vodka, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Despite its name, it contains no actual white tea. The drink is named for its light, tea-like color and smooth flavor.
How Does a White Tea Shot Differ from a Green Tea Shot?
The main difference between a White Tea Shot and a Green Tea Shot is the base liquor. The drink uses vodka, while the Green Tea Shot uses whiskey. This gives the Green Tea Shot a stronger, more robust flavor, while the White Tea Shot is lighter and slightly sweeter.
Can You Make a White Tea Shot Without Alcohol?
You can create a non-alcoholic Shot by using non-alcoholic vodka and replacing peach schnapps with peach juice. This mocktail version offers a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
How Strong Is a White Tea Shot?
A White Tea Shot is relatively mild compared to other shots, with an alcohol content of around 15-20% ABV. This makes it a light, easy-drinking option that’s perfect for those who prefer cocktails that aren’t too strong.
What’s the Best Way to Serve the cocktail?
Serve a White Tea Shot chilled and top it with a splash of lemon-lime soda. Serve it in standard 1.5 oz shot glasses, and enjoy it as a quick, refreshing drink.
Can You Customize it?
Absolutely! The cocktail is highly customizable. Try using various fruit liqueurs, fresh fruits, or herbs to make your own special version of the drink.
Conclusion
The White Tea Shot is a versatile and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re having a party, going out, or just want to try a new cocktail, this shot will impress you.
It has sweet, tangy, and crisp flavors. You can make a tasty drink quickly using just a few simple ingredients and a quick shake. It’s easy to prepare and fun to enjoy.
So, gather your ingredients, chill your shaker, and get ready to mix up the perfect White Tea Shot! You can use the classic recipe or try new versions; this drink will be popular at your next get-together.