Mexican Tea Shot Recipe ( Quick and Easy)

When I first heard about the Mexican tea shot recipe, I was curious because of the name. You might think it has actual tea in it, but it doesn’t. Instead, it’s a fun, refreshing, and slightly tangy cocktail that’s quick to prepare. I love making it when friends come over because it’s easy, tasty, and always gets people talking.

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I personally like how versatile it is—you can serve it at a party, make a quick round for game night, or even enjoy it as a pre-dinner drink.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

The Mexican tea shot is more than just another cocktail—it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with it:

Quick to make: You only need a couple of minutes and a few basic ingredients.

Simple ingredients: Everything can be found easily at your local store.

Versatile: You can make it with tequila, vodka, or even twist it with sprite for a bubbly touch.

Perfect balance: It’s not too strong and not too sweet, which makes it enjoyable for almost everyone.

Party favorite: The fun name and unique taste always make it a conversation starter.

Customizable: From the classic version to the Mexican tea shot with vodka or sprite, you can experiment to match your taste.

Easiest Mexican Tea Shot Recipe

This Mexican tea shot is quick, easy to make, and perfect for parties or casual nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a refreshing, tangy, and fun drink in minutes.

Ingredients to Make Mexican Tea Shot with Measurements

Making a tasty traditional Mexican tea shot is all about balancing citrus, sweetness, and the right touch of alcohol. For two servings, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Tequila – Use blanco for a smooth and crisp taste, or reposado if you want a slightly richer flavor.
• 1 oz Orange Liqueur – Triple Sec or Cointreau adds a subtle sweetness with a citrus kick.
• 1 oz Brewed Tea or Iced Tea – Chilled black tea works best for a bolder flavor, but green tea gives a lighter, refreshing twist.
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and tang, balancing out the alcohol.
• Optional ½ oz Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar – For those who prefer a sweeter shot.
• Ice Cubes – To chill the mixture while shaking.
• Garnish – Lime wedges, orange slices, or even a salted rim can make your shot look and taste even better.

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Tools Required

You don’t need a full bar setup to make this recipe. A few basic tools will do the job perfectly:

• Cocktail Shaker – For mixing and chilling the drink.
• Strainer – To pour the liquid cleanly into shot glasses without the ice.
• Measuring Jigger – Helps keep your ratios spot on.
• 2 Shot Glasses – For serving.
• Small Plate (for garnish) – Useful if you want to add a salt or sugar rim.

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Steps to Make Mexican Tea Shot

Step 1: Prepare the Shaker

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. This will quickly chill your ingredients and make the shot refreshing.

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Pour in 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of orange liqueur, 1 oz of chilled tea, and 1 oz of lime juice. If you like your shots a little sweeter, add ½ oz of simple syrup or agave nectar at this stage.

Step 3: Shake It Well

Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. The shaking helps blend the flavors together while chilling the drink, giving you that crisp, refreshing finish.

Step 4: Strain into Shot Glasses

Using a strainer, pour the mixture evenly into two shot glasses. The liquid should be smooth and slightly frothy on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add a lime wedge to the rim, a thin slice of orange, or dip the rim in salt for a Mexican-inspired touch. Serve immediately while cold.

Serving Suggestions

The Mexican tea shot is a versatile and fun drink that can be served in several ways depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas to make it even more enjoyable:

• As a Party Starter: Serve in small shot glasses before dinner or at a gathering. It’s a conversation starter and a fun way to kick off the evening.
• With a Salt or Sugar Rim: For extra flair, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your shot glass and dip it in salt or sugar. This adds a burst of flavor with every sip.
• Paired with Snacks: Light appetizers like nachos, chips with salsa, or guacamole complement the citrusy, slightly sweet flavors of the shot.
• Chilled Presentation: Always serve immediately after shaking. A frosty shot glass or a chilled serving tray enhances the visual appeal and refreshes the palate.
• Creative Garnishes: Consider small twists like a lime or orange peel, or even a sprig of mint for a fresh aroma.

This flexibility makes the Mexican tea shot perfect for casual nights, celebrations, or just a fun mini-drink with friends.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of a Mexican tea shot depends on the type and amount of alcohol you use. A typical two-serving shot contains:

• 2 oz Tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 1 oz Orange Liqueur

This combination gives each shot an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 20–25%, which is moderate for a shot. If you substitute vodka for tequila, the ABV will be similar, but the flavor will be smoother and less earthy.

Tip: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of tequila slightly and add extra tea or a splash of soda.

Taste Profile

The Mexican tea shot is well-loved because of its balanced, refreshing flavor:

• Citrusy and Tangy: Lime juice and orange liqueur provide bright, zesty notes.
• Sweet and Smooth: Optional simple syrup or agave nectar softens the tartness.
• Earthy or Neutral: Tequila adds depth and warmth, while vodka provides a neutral smoothness in variations.
• Refreshing: The chilled tea and optional splash of soda make it crisp and light on the palate.

This combination makes the drink enjoyable for almost anyone—neither too strong nor overly sweet.

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Color and Appearance

The Mexican tea shot has a vibrant and inviting look:

• Base Color: Depending on the tea used, it ranges from amber to light brown (black tea) or pale yellow/green (green or white tea).
• Clarity: Chilled and strained, the shot is clear with a slightly frothy top from shaking.
• Garnish Accents: Lime or orange wedges, or a salted rim, add visual appeal.
• Optional Fizz: If you add a splash of Sprite, tiny bubbles rise to the surface for a sparkling effect.

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Can We Make Mexican Tea Shot in Advance?

The Mexican tea shot is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare parts of it in advance if you want to save time:

Pre-Chill the Tea: Brew your tea ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. This way, it’s ready to mix without waiting for it to cool.

Mix the Alcohol Components: Combine tequila, orange liqueur, and optional syrup in a small bottle. Keep it sealed in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pour over ice, add chilled tea, shake, and serve.

Pre-Cut Garnishes: Slice limes or oranges and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes garnish quick and easy when serving.

Important: Don’t shake or mix with ice ahead of time, because that will dilute the shot and reduce its freshness. Always shake just before serving to maintain the crisp, balanced flavor. If you love light cocktails, also checkout my Pink tea cocktail recipe.

Tips and Tricks

Making the perfect Mexican tea shot is easy, but a few simple tips can help you take it to the next level:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.

Choose Quality Alcohol: A good blanco or reposado tequila, and a quality orange liqueur like Cointreau, will elevate the taste significantly.

Chill Everything: Keep your tea and glasses chilled for a refreshing experience. Cold ingredients help balance the alcohol’s strength.

Shake Well: Shaking for at least 10–15 seconds ensures the flavors blend perfectly and gives a slightly frothy, appealing texture.

Optional Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, a small splash of simple syrup or agave nectar will balance the citrus and alcohol without overpowering it.

Salt or Sugar Rim: Rimming the glass adds a fun twist, but don’t overdo it—just a light coating complements the flavors beautifully.

Experiment with Teas: Black tea gives a richer flavor, while green tea provides a lighter, more refreshing twist. Herbal teas can also add unique notes.

Variations of Mexican Tea Shot

One of the best things about the Mexican tea shot is how versatile it is. You can tweak the ingredients slightly to create different flavor experiences. Here’s a detailed look at some popular variations:

1. Mexican Tea Shot with Vodka

If you’re not a fan of tequila’s earthy taste, swapping it for vodka is a great option. Vodka is neutral, so it lets the citrus from lime juice and the sweetness from orange liqueur shine through more prominently. This version is smoother and slightly less intense, making it approachable for those new to shots.

2. Mexican Tea Shot with Sprite

Adding a splash of Sprite after shaking transforms the drink into a fizzy, refreshing shot. The carbonation lightens the texture and adds a hint of sweetness, making it feel more like a party-friendly cocktail. This is perfect for casual gatherings or when you want a playful twist on the traditional version.

3. Simple Mexican Tea Shot with Tequila

The classic simple version uses just tequila, orange liqueur, tea, and lime juice. It’s clean, straightforward, and lets the natural flavors of tequila and citrus stand out. This is ideal if you want a quick and easy shot without any additional ingredients or garnish.

4. Mexican Green Tea Shot

Replace black tea with green tea for a lighter, herbal flavor. This variation is slightly less sweet and more refreshing, with subtle earthy notes from the tea. It’s a unique twist that works well for people who enjoy a more delicate taste.

5. Mexican White Tea Shot

Using white tea gives the shot a very mild, smooth flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange liqueur. White tea is naturally lighter and less bitter than black or green tea, making this version elegant and slightly more sophisticated.

6. Sweetened Version

For those who prefer a sweeter drink, adding ½ oz of simple syrup, agave nectar, or honey can balance the citrus and alcohol. This creates a slightly dessert-like shot that’s smooth and easy to drink.

7. Salted or Sugared Rim

Rimming the shot glass with salt or sugar adds extra flavor with every sip. A salted rim complements the tequila’s bite, while a sugared rim enhances sweetness. You can also combine this with a lime or orange wedge for extra flair.

8. Citrus Twist

Experiment by adding a few drops of fresh orange juice or lemon juice along with the lime. This adds depth and brightens the flavors, giving the shot a more complex, fruity profile.

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These variations make the Mexican tea shot perfect for any taste preference or occasion. Whether you want it fizzy, sweet, or lighter with green or white tea, there’s a version for everyone.

Storage Instructions

The Mexican tea shot is best served fresh, but you can store the components separately if needed:

Alcohol Mixture: Tequila, orange liqueur, and optional syrup can be pre-mixed and stored in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Tea: Brewed tea can be made in advance and kept chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Garnishes: Lime or orange slices can be pre-cut and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days.

Important: Do not mix with ice or shake until you are ready to serve, as this will dilute the flavor and reduce freshness.

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Recipe FAQs

1. What is in a Mexican tea shot?
A Mexican tea shot usually contains tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and chilled tea. Some variations add simple syrup, Sprite, or different teas.

2. Can I make a Mexican tea shot without alcohol?
Yes! You can skip the tequila and liqueur, and just mix chilled tea with lime juice and a splash of soda or simple syrup for a refreshing mocktail.

3. Can I use green or white tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely. Green tea gives a lighter, herbal flavor, while white tea is delicate and smooth. Both make excellent variations.

4. Can I make this in advance?
You can pre-mix the alcohol and tea separately, but always shake with ice and garnish right before serving.

5. How many calories are in a Mexican tea shot?
Approximately 120 calories per serving, depending on the type of alcohol and whether you add simple syrup or Sprite.

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Conclusion

The Mexican tea shot is a simple, refreshing, and fun drink that’s perfect for parties, casual nights, or impressing friends with minimal effort. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be—whether you prefer it traditional with tequila, fizzy with Sprite, or lighter with green or white tea.