Best Orange Tea Shot Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed trying fun and colorful drinks, and the orange tea shot is one that never fails to impress. It’s a bright, citrusy shot with a smooth kick that makes it perfect for parties or even a quick treat at home.

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I love how simple it is to make, yet it feels special and festive. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a refreshing drink that looks great and tastes even better.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy tools or bartending skills. A few ingredients and a quick mix are all it takes.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet orange and smooth liquor creates a balanced, refreshing taste.
• Quick to Prepare: This shot takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: You can adjust sweetness, try different liquors, or add a fizzy twist with soda like Sprite.
• Visually Appealing: Its bright orange color makes it fun and inviting, perfect for serving at parties.
• Versatile: Great for celebrations, small gatherings, or even just a casual drink at home.

Orange Tea Shot Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, and flavorful shot to impress friends or enjoy yourself, the Orange Tea Shot is a perfect choice. Its bright orange color, balanced sweetness, and refreshing citrus notes make it a standout drink for any occasion.

Ingredients to Make Orange Tea Shot

This shot is simple but flavorful, and using the right measurements ensures you get the perfect balance every time. Here’s everything you’ll need to make one delicious orange tea shot:

• Jameson Irish Whiskey – 15 ml (0.5 oz): The smoothness of Jameson gives the shot a mellow kick. You can also try other light whiskeys if you prefer.
• Peach Schnapps – 15 ml (0.5 oz): Adds sweetness and a fruity flavor that blends beautifully with the whiskey.
• Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur – 15 ml (0.5 oz): Enhances the citrus notes and gives the shot a zesty finish.
• Fresh Orange Juice – 10 ml (0.3 oz): Brings natural orange flavor and freshness to the mix.
• Sprite or Lemon-Lime Soda – 20 ml (0.7 oz): Optional, for a fizzy twist that makes the shot lighter and more refreshing.
• Ice Cubes – as needed: Helps chill the shot quickly without diluting the flavor too much.
• Orange Peel or Slice – for garnish: Makes the shot visually appealing and adds a subtle aroma.

Each ingredient plays an important role in balancing sweetness, citrus, and smoothness, creating a fun and tasty shot that’s easy to drink.

Ingredient Substitutes

Sometimes you may not have the exact ingredients on hand or prefer alternatives. Here are some easy substitutes for the orange tea shot:

• Whiskey: If you don’t have Jameson or prefer a different flavor, you can use any smooth light whiskey, bourbon, or even rum for a slightly sweeter note.
• Peach Schnapps: Triple sec, apricot liqueur, or peach-flavored syrup can be used if you don’t have peach schnapps. These alternatives maintain the fruity sweetness of the shot.
• Triple Sec / Orange Liqueur: Any orange-flavored liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, orange extract or fresh orange juice can add flavor without the alcohol.
• Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice is best, but store-bought juice works too. For a more concentrated flavor, use blood orange juice or a splash of mandarin juice.
• Soda (Sprite/Lemon-Lime): Any carbonated lemon-lime drink or sparkling water with a splash of citrus juice can substitute for the soda. This keeps the fizz and lightness without altering the flavor too much.

Using these substitutes allows you to adapt the recipe to what you have on hand while keeping the flavor balanced and enjoyable.

How to Make Jameson Orange tea shot

Making the orange tea shot is quick and easy, but following each step ensures the perfect balance of flavors. Even if you’re new to mixing drinks, these instructions will guide you smoothly.

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Start by placing your shot glass in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice while you prepare the ingredients. A chilled glass keeps the shot cool and refreshing from the first sip.

Step 2: Add the Whiskey

Pour 15 ml (0.5 oz) of Jameson Irish Whiskey into the glass. This forms the base of your shot, giving it a smooth and slightly warm kick that balances well with the sweeter ingredients.

Step 3: Add Peach Schnapps

Next, add 15 ml (0.5 oz) of peach schnapps. This adds fruity sweetness and blends seamlessly with the whiskey, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 4: Add Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur

Pour 15 ml (0.5 oz) of triple sec or any orange liqueur you have. This boosts the citrusy notes and gives the shot its signature orange flavor.

Step 5: Add Fresh Orange Juice

Add about 10 ml (0.3 oz) of fresh orange juice. This not only enhances the natural orange taste but also adds a fresh, tangy element that makes the shot more vibrant.

Step 6: Add Soda (Optional)

If you like a fizzy twist, pour in 20 ml (0.7 oz) of Sprite or lemon-lime soda. It lightens the drink, making it easier to sip and adding a fun sparkle.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by adding a small piece of orange peel or slice on the rim for garnish. This not only looks attractive but also adds a subtle aroma as you sip the shot.

Alcohol Content

The orange tea shot is an alcoholic drink that combines whiskey, peach schnapps, and triple sec. Each shot contains approximately 15–20% alcohol by volume (ABV), depending on the brands and proportions you use.

While it’s smooth and easy to drink, it still packs a noticeable kick, so enjoy responsibly.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the liquor slightly and add more soda for a milder, refreshing taste.

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Orange Tea Shot

If you want a non-alcoholic or “mocktail” version of the orange tea shot, it’s easy to make while keeping the same bright citrus flavor:

• Replace Whiskey: Use brewed black tea, green tea, or a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute for the base. This provides body and a slight warmth without alcohol.
• Replace Peach Schnapps and Triple Sec: Use peach syrup, orange syrup, or a small splash of fresh orange juice to keep the fruity sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Keep fresh orange juice as in the original recipe for brightness and tang.
• Soda (Optional): Add lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for fizz.

Steps:

1. Chill a shot glass with ice.
2. Pour 15 ml of brewed tea or non-alcoholic whiskey substitute into the glass.
3. Add 15 ml of peach or orange syrup.
4. Add 10 ml fresh orange juice.
5. Top with 20 ml of soda or sparkling water (optional).
6. Garnish with a small orange peel or slice.

This version is refreshing, safe for all ages, and keeps the vibrant citrusy flavor while eliminating alcohol. Perfect for family gatherings or anyone avoiding alcohol.

Serving Suggestions

The orange tea shot is best enjoyed fresh and chilled. You can serve it in a small shot glass or a mini cocktail glass for a fun presentation.

Pair it with light appetizers like citrus-flavored snacks, finger foods, or sweet treats to complement the fruity flavor of the shot.

If you’re hosting a party, line up multiple shots with a small orange slice or peel on each glass—it not only looks beautiful but also makes serving easy for guests.

For a playful twist, you can rim the glass with sugar or a tiny bit of citrus zest to enhance the aroma.

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Can We Make Orange Tea Shot in Advance?

While the orange tea shot is best served immediately after mixing, you can prepare the liquid mix in advance if needed.

Combine the whiskey, peach schnapps, triple sec, and orange juice in a small container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When ready to serve, simply pour the mixture into chilled shot glasses and add the soda (if using) right before serving to maintain the fizz. Garnish with orange peel or slices just before serving to keep them fresh and aromatic.

Avoid storing the complete shot with soda added, as it can go flat.

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Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor and aroma.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter shot, increase the peach schnapps slightly or add a splash of simple syrup.
• Chill Everything: Keep your shot glasses, liquids, and soda chilled for the best drinking experience.
• Experiment with Garnish: Try different garnishes like a twist of lime or a sugared rim for variety.
• Measure Accurately: Using a jigger or small measuring cup ensures each shot has balanced flavor.
• Make It Fizzier: Add soda just before serving to keep it bubbly.

Variations of Orange Tea Shot

The orange tea shot is versatile, and there are many ways to tweak it to suit your taste or mood:

Orange Tea Shot with Sprite: This version is perfect if you like a fizzy, refreshing twist. Simply add lemon-lime soda (like Sprite) on top of the shot just before serving. The soda lightens the drink, adds bubbles, and makes it a little sweeter without overpowering the citrus flavor. It’s especially great for parties when you want a lighter, easy-to-drink shot.

Orange Green Tea Shot: For those who enjoy a subtle earthy note, replace a portion of the orange juice with chilled green tea. The green tea adds a delicate bitterness that balances the sweetness of the peach schnapps and triple sec. This variation is perfect if you want a slightly more sophisticated flavor profile that’s still vibrant and citrusy.

Orange Jameson Green Tea Shot: This is a fun twist on the classic green tea shot. Combine Jameson whiskey, peach schnapps, fresh orange juice, and just a splash of green tea. The orange juice brightens the earthy green tea, while the whiskey adds warmth and depth. It’s a creative, unique version that stands out at gatherings.

Orange White Tea Shot: If you prefer a milder, smoother taste, try substituting green tea with white tea. White tea has a delicate flavor and light aroma that blends beautifully with the orange and liqueurs. It’s a subtle, elegant option for those who enjoy lighter cocktails.

Orange Peel Shot Recipe: This variation focuses on enhancing the aroma and flavor of the orange peel garnish. Use a slightly thicker peel or lightly twist it over the shot to release the natural oils before placing it in the glass. This gives a more fragrant experience and adds visual appeal, making the shot feel extra special.

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Storage Instructions

The prepared mix of orange tea shot ingredients (without soda) can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Keep it chilled and only add soda or garnishes right before serving to maintain freshness and fizz.

Avoid freezing, as it can alter the flavor and texture of the drink.

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Recipe FAQs

Q: How many calories are in an orange tea shot?
A: One shot has approximately 160 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Q: Can I make this shot vegan?
A: Yes, as long as you choose plant-based liquors and avoid honey-based liqueurs.

Q: Can I prepare the shot in advance?
A: You can mix the liquids ahead of time, but add soda and garnish just before serving.

Q: Can I make a larger batch for a party?
A: Absolutely! Multiply the ingredient quantities and mix in a pitcher, then pour into individual shot glasses when ready.

Q: What is an orange tea shot made of?
A: The classic version combines whiskey (like Jameson), peach schnapps, triple sec, orange juice, and optional soda for fizz.

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Conclusion

The orange tea shot is a simple, refreshing, and fun drink that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick treat at home. Its bright citrus flavor, smooth whiskey kick, and easy preparation make it a favorite for many. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a perfectly balanced shot in minutes. Also check out Pink tea shot recipe.

Plus, with all the variations, you can experiment and find your favorite version. Whether you like it fizzy, slightly earthy with green tea, or sweet and citrusy, this recipe gives you the freedom to create a drink that’s just right for you.

Now it’s time to grab your ingredients, mix up a shot, and enjoy the bright, flavorful experience of a homemade orange tea shot!