What Is the Orange Tea Shot?
The Orange Tea Shot is a citrus-flavored cocktail that has become popular because of the refreshing mouthfeel and smooth finish. It doesn’t actually have tea in it, despite its name. Instead, this particularly colorful shot is made with peach schnapps, orange juice, sour mix and some cases a splash of lemon-lime soda. The result is a sweet and tart drink that’s great for parties, celebrations or informal get-togethers. Its vivid hue and fruity taste makes it a perfect drink for anyone who prefers light and refreshing cocktails.
Why It’s Called an “Orange Tea Shot” (And Does It Have Tea?)
Another major misconception about the Orange Tea Shot is that it has actual tea in the cocktail—but it does not! Its name is derived from its resemblance to the popular Green Tea Shot, which also doesn’t have tea but is a smooth sipper. The “orange” refers to the predominant citrus flavor provided by fresh orange juice or orange-flavored liqueur. It’s a blend of fruit juices and alcohol, not tea, but the mix of ingredients lends it a sort of tea-like flavor.
The Drink’s Popularity and Origins
The Orange Tea Shot is a newer version of the original tea shot family — the popular Green Tea Shot. It became popular in bars and nightclubs as an alternative to stronger shots, being easier to drink, fruitier and more refreshing. Though the exact origin is uncertain, bartenders began creating variations of tea shots to appeal to customers who love fruity, easy-to-drink cocktails. Today it’s a favorite among those looking for a light but tasty shot without the harshness of straight liquor.
Orange Tea Shot Ingredients
Main Ingredients
A few simple ingredients blend together to make a classic Orange Tea Shot its signature citrusy and slightly sweet flavor:
- Peach Schnapps (½ oz) – This fruity liqueur adds a smooth, sweet peach flavor for a nice touch with the citrus elements.
- Whiskey (½ oz) – Like in a Green Tea Shot, Jameson Irish Whiskey is usually used, but you could use any smooth whiskey you prefer.
- Fresh Orange Juice (½ oz) – The key ingredient that brings the vibrant orange flavor and natural sweetness to this shot. For authentic taste, fresh squeezed juice is best.
- Sour Mix (½ oz) – Lemon and lime juice make a sour mix, fucking it with a wee bit of sugar.
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Optional Ingredients for Variations
If you would like to make your Orange Tea Shot to suite to your taste, here are some variations:
- Lemon-Lime Soda (Splash) – A little Sprite or 7UP may be added for additional fizziness and sweetness.
- Triple Sec (¼ oz) – Just a splash of this sweet orange-flavored liqueur can amplify the citrus notes.
- Honey or Simple Syrup (¼ oz) – If you’d like your shot a tad sweeter, a drizzle of honey or simple syrup will do.
- Tequila or Vodka (In Place of Whiskey) – Replacing the whiskey with tequila or vodka maintains the citrusy notes while bringing a different flavor profile altogether.
- Grenadine (Few Drops) — Including grenadine adds a bit of color and cherry sweetness to the drink and is ideal in small quantities.
- Coconut Rum (½ oz) – If you want to add a tropical edge, you can replace whiskey with coconut rum to make the shot even more refreshing.
Orange Tea Shot (Easy Recipe With How to Make Guide)
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Orange Tea Shot is simple to make, it takes just a few ingredients and a cocktail shaker. Here’s how to make these refreshing and delicious shots:
Girl Scouts Shot Ingredients – ½ oz peach schnapps, ½ oz whiskey, ½ oz fresh orange juice and ½ oz of sour mix
- Fill a Shaker with Ice — You want the shot to be well-chilled, so drop a handful of ice cubes into a cocktail shaker.
- Add the Liquids — Add the peach schnapps, whiskey, orange juice and sour mix to the shaker.
- Shake Well – Cover the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until combined and chilled.
- Strain Into a Shot Glass – Using a strainer, pour the liquid into a 2 oz shot glass.
- Optional: Add a Splash of Lemon-Lime Soda — If you’re into it, finish the shot off with a small splash of Sprite or 7UP.
- Serve & Enjoy! — Take it as a shot or sip it slowly to savor its fruity, citrusy flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Shot
- Use Fresh Orange Juice – It adds a natural sweetness to the shot and elevates the citrus flavor.
- Chill Your Ingredients — When all the liquor and juice are cold, it makes for a smoother, cleaner, refreshing shot.
- Shake Well — If using a cocktail shaker, the vigorous shaking will incorporate the flavors and create a bubbly, frothy filling.
- Tweak Sweetness & Tartness — If you prefer a sweeter shot simply add a bit more peach schnapps or a splash of simple syrup. For a more tangy flavor, add more sour mix.
- Play with the Liquor – Although whiskey is the standard, vodka, tequila or coconut rum makes for a fun twist.
The Best Brands of Alcohol to Make the Recipe
Using higher-quality ingredients is a relatively easy way to improve your Orange Tea Shot. Here is a list of recommended alcohol brands:
Whiskey:
- Jameson Irish Whiskey — Smooth, a touch sweet and great for cocktails.
- Jack Daniel’s Honey – Adds a little honeyed sweetness to the shot.
- Crown Royal Peach – A more peachy harvest infused flavor.
Peach Schnapps:
- DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps – Among the best, and most common to find, peach liqueurs.
- Hiram Walker Peach Schnapps – A good quality brand for a lower price.
Sour Mix:
- Finest Call Premium Sour Mix – Well blended lemon and lime essence.
- Master of Mixes Sweet & Sour – Perfect for cocktails and shots.
Optional Additions:
- Triple Sec: Use Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a top shelf orange liqueur.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Sprite or 7UP for a refreshing, effervescent finish.
Variations & Twists on the Classic Orange Tea Shot
The Orange Tea Shot is already a pretty tasty, citrusy cocktail, but there are a few different things you can do to customize it for different taste buds. There’s plenty of room to play with this fun shot; go for the nonalcoholic option, give it a spin with vodka, or try those other fruity tea shots.
The Non-Alcoholic Orange Tea Shot Version
If you don’t want to enjoy an alcoholic Orange Tea Shot, you can still have a mocktail version that tastes refreshing and satisfying. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- ½ oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz peach nectar or peach juice (instead of peach schnapps)
- ½ oz sweet and sour mix
- Soda of lemon-lime (like Sprite or 7UP)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Stir in the orange juice, peach nectar, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake well and strain into a shot glass.
- Add a splash of lemon-lime soda for an extra fizz.
- Serve and enjoy!
This version retains the fruity, citrusy flavors but is suitable for those who wish to avoid alcohol.
Tequila Orange Tea Shot
The original Orange Tea Shot will typically call for whiskey, though you can replace it with vodka like I did, or different kinds of whiskey that you have to play around with the taste.
Orange Tea Shot with Vodka:
If you’re after a smoother, more neutral flavor, vodka is a worthy substitute for whiskey. It allows the orange and peach flavors to shine.
Recipe Variation:
- ½ oz vodka (use instead of whiskey)
- ½ oz peach schnapps
- ½ oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz sour mix
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Splash of lemon-lime soda for additional fizz
Orange Tea Shot with Various Whiskeys:
- Jameson Irish Whiskey (Classic option, smooth, a bit sweeter)
- Crown Royal Peach Whiskey (This amplifies the peach taste)
- Jack Daniel’s Honey (Adds a touch of honey sweetness)
You can experiment to find the taste you love, as each variation makes a slightly different taste!
All Other Fruit-Flavored Tea Shots (Green Tea, White Tea, etc.)
So, if you like tea shots, you may also enjoy one of many popular variations of the same idea.
Green Tea Shot (one of the most popular tea shots):
- ½ oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
- ½ oz Peach Schnapps
- ½ oz Sour Mix
- Splash of Lemon-Lime Soda
- Shake and serve chilled!
White Tea Shot (A lighter, vodka-based alternative):
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Peach Schnapps
- ½ oz Sour Mix
- Splash of Lemon-Lime Soda
- Shake and strain into a shooter glass.
Blue Tea Shot (For a fun color twist):
- ½ oz Blue Curaçao (rather than peach schnapps)
- ½ oz Vodka or Whiskey
- ½ oz Sour Mix
- Splash of club or lemon-lime soda
All of these variations put their own spin on the classic Orange Tea Shot, so try out different flavors to match your mood or the event!
When to Serve Orange Tea Shots
The Orange Tea Shot is one of those fun, refreshing drinks that you can have at pretty much any social occasion. Its fruity and citrusy flavors also make it a fantastic option for parties, casual gatherings, and celebrations. Whether you’re throwing a party at your home, heading out with your buddies, or just in the mood for an exciting welcome cocktail — you can’t go wrong with an Orange Tea Shot.
Great for Entertaining & Celebrations
The Orange Tea Shot is a drink that can take any party or event to the next level. Here’s why it’s an ideal pick for various occasions:
- House Parties & Game Nights – Easy-to-make and serve, these shots are ideal for casual hang-out sessions.
- Weddings & Engagement Parties – The light, citrusy flavor is ideal for celebratory toasting.
- Birthday Celebrations – A fun change from shots, perfect for guests who want something smooth and fruity.
- Brunch & Daytime Events – The boldness of orange juice can also be a welcome addition to daytime events.
- Summer BBQs & Pool Parties – Refreshing, these shots are perfect for a hot day.
Harsh liquor doesn’t fit well with groups who favor flavorful, low-proof cocktails (like Orange Tea Shots) to sweet drinks that mask their alcohol content.
Pairing with Food & Snacks
Orange Tea Shots are tasty on their own, but these shots take things up a notch when paired with food. Here are some excellent pairing suggestions:
Savory Pairings:
- Cheese Platters — The citrusy notes complement cheeses such as brie, gouda, and sharp cheddar.
- Spicy Foods — The sweetness of the shot counteracts spicy chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy tacos.
- Grilled Meats – BBQ chicken, shrimp, or pork skewers are great matches for the shot’s tangy notes.
- Fried Appetizers – Anything like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and crispy spring rolls pair nicely with the crisp citrus flavor.
Sweet Pairings:
- Chocolate Desserts – The orange flavor contrasts very well with dark chocolate or chocolate-covered fruits.
- Citrus-Based Candy – Lemon squares, orange zest cakes, or key lime pie bring out the citrusy flavor of the drink.
- Fruit Platters — Fresh fruits such as pineapple, mango, and strawberries are a wonderful pairing.
Set out for your next party, wedding, brunch, or barbeque and enjoy tealicious fun!
Health & Nutritional Facts
In terms of taste, Orange Tea Shots make for a very enjoyable and unique drink. If you want a lighter or healthier version, there are some ways to modify the recipe without sacrificing taste.
Calories & Alcohol Content
The total calories in an Orange Tea Shot can vary depending on the ingredients used and any mixers you add. Here's a general breakdown:
Calories Per Shot (EX. 2 oz Serving):
- Peach Schnapps (½ oz) – ~30 calories
- Whiskey (½ oz) - ~35-40 calories
- Fresh Orange Juice (½ oz) – ~6-8 calories
- Sour Mix (½ oz) – ~15-20 kcal
- Optional Lemon-Lime Soda (Splash) - ~10-15 calories
Overall Estimation of Calories: ~90-110 calories per shot, depending on ingredients.
Alcohol Content:
- Peach Schnapps – ~15-20% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
- Whiskey – ~40% ABV
- Orange Tea Shot ABV: ~20-25% ABV (depends on liquor selection)
The Orange Tea Shot is more of a smooth shot than straight liquor ones, so it still has a decent alcohol content but not so much it will knock you on your butt.
Healthier Substitutions for Ingredients
If you want a low-calorie or healthy version of the Orange Tea Shot, here are ingredient swaps to consider:
Lower-Calorie Options:
- Brew Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Instead of Bottled Juice — This lowers the added sugars and gives more of an authentic citrus flavor.
- Get Rid of Sour Mix — Most store-bought sour mixes have sugar and preservatives. A healthier option is freshly squeezed juice from citrus fruits.
- Use Diet Lemon-Lime Soda or Sparkling Water — All the ingredients minus the guilt: use some sugar-free lemon-lime soda or plain sparkling water instead of a regular Sprite or 7UP for a lighter, fizzy effect.
- Swap Peach Schnapps for a Lighter Peach Liqueur — Some brands of peach liqueur are low in sugar, or natural fruit-infused, and add flavor without excess calories.
Non-Alcoholic, Healthier Version:
For a mocktail-style Orange Tea Shot, use:
- Fresh orange juice
- Peach juice or peach-flavored sparkling water
- Fresh lemon & lime juice
- Club soda or sugar-free lemon-lime soda
This version delivers all that refreshing citrus flavor without the alcohol or excess sugar.
With these simple changes, you can still have a gut-friendly Orange Tea Shot that tastes great!
FAQs About Orange Tea Shots
Can You Do It Without Drinking?
Yes! You can simply make a non-alcoholic Orange Tea Shot and still enjoy those delicious citrus and peach flavors. This is a wonderful alternative for those who don’t drink alcohol, or who are looking for a fun mocktail.
How to Prepare a Non-Alcoholic Orange Tea Shot:
- Swap Peach Schnapps for Peach Nectar or Peach-Flavored Sparkling Water — This keeps the fruity sweetness.
- Replace Whiskey with Unsweetened Iced Tea or Apple Juice — Gives a smooth depth of flavor without alcohol.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice and Lemon-Lime Soda — These keep the drink light and refreshing.
Just combine, shake, and serve the ingredients as you would the standard version. The result is a tasty and refreshing fruity shot perfect for any occasion!
What’s the Difference Between an Orange Tea Shot and a Green Tea Shot?
Orange Tea Shot versus Green Tea Shot
The Orange Tea Shot isn’t the only Green Tea Shot.
| Feature | Orange Tea Shot | Green Tea Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Base Liquor | Whiskey (or vodka) | Whiskey |
| Main Flavor | Orange & Peach | Peach & Lime |
| Citrus Element | Orange Juice | Acid Mix |
| Lemon-Lime Soda | Optional | Required |
| Color | Light orange/yellow | Pale green |
The Green Tea Shot has a more tangy, peachy-lime flavor, and the Orange Tea Shot is sweeter, and has a more citrus-forward taste. Neither contains tea, but they’re both smooth, fruity shots enjoyed at bars and parties alike.
Storing and Serving the Orange Tea Shots
How to Store Orange Tea Shot Ingredients:
- Liquor (Whiskey, Peach Schnapps, Triple Sec) — Keep in a cool, dark place or in the fridge if you prefer your spirits chilled.
- Fresh Orange Juice & Sour Mix — Store in the fridge, and use within 2 to 3 days for the freshest taste.
- Pre-Mixed Orange Tea Shot — If you’re making a big batch, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge and shake before serving. Best if used up to 24 hours after making.
How to Serve Orange Tea Shots:
- Chilled & Shaken — Chill and shake those ingredients before getting served up, it adds to the smoothness of the shot.
- Shot Glasses — Pour into basic 2 oz shot glasses for a fast and delicious beverage.
- Over Ice — If you’re more about a longer drink, serve in a small cocktail glass over ice, with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
- To Garnish — A small slice of orange, wedge of lemon or twist of orange peel are nice for decoration.
With these tips, you can store, serve, and enjoy Orange Tea Shots at their very best!
Conclusion
Three Reasons To Give This Refreshing Citrus Shot A Try
The Orange Tea Shot combines sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. If you are seeking an easy party hit, a light and springy libation, or a new beverage with a “wow” factor to share with friends, this citrusy delight is definitely a winner.
Its smooth whiskey base combines with the sweet peach schnapps and the zing of fresh orange juice to create a balanced, easy-to-drink experience. And with just a few easy ingredient swaps, you can make it work for your taste buds — a bolder kick, a tropical vibe, even a virgin cocktail.
Share Your Experience & Favorite Variations
Does Orange Tea Shot home-made work for you? Do you have a favorite variation or a twist you love? Let us know if you like it classic, with vodka, or as a refreshing mocktail, and what your favorite way to drink this vibrant and zesty citrus shot is!
Share your best recipe, tips, or serving suggestions in the comments — let’s work to make this Orange Tea Shot thing even more popular! 🍊🍹🎉
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