You’ve probably seen the pale, fizzy drink flooding your social media feeds lately.
The white tea shot has become one of the most talked-about party drinks of the year, and here’s the surprising twist: it doesn’t contain any actual tea at all!
This sweet, fruity shot has captured attention because it’s the complete opposite of harsh, throat-burning liquor.
It’s smooth, approachable, and incredibly easy to make at home with just four simple ingredients.
You’ll know exactly how to make the perfect white tea shot, explore delicious variations, and explain why everyone suddenly can’t stop talking about this surprisingly simple drink.
What Is a White Tea Shot?
Before we begin making this popular drink, let’s clarify some confusion about what a white tea shot actually is.
Here’s the truth that surprises most people: a white tea shot doesn’t contain any actual tea! The name is really about how the drink looks rather than what’s in it.
When you mix all the ingredients together, the shot has a pale, almost clear appearance that reminds someone of white tea.
This naming style became popular in bar culture as a fun way to describe drinks. Bartenders and drink creators often name cocktails based on their appearance, the feeling they create, or just something that sounds cool. The “tea shot” family of drinks fits right into this creative tradition.
How Does a White Tea Shot Taste?
If you’ve never tried one before, you’re probably wondering what this shot actually tastes like.
The flavor profile hits you with sweet peach notes right away. It’s fruity and pleasant, kind of like biting into a ripe peach on a summer day.
Then you get a citrusy tang from the sour mix that keeps the drink from being too sweet. Finally, there’s a light fizz from the soda that makes it feel refreshing and fun.
The classic white tea shot recipe is beautifully simple, using just four main ingredients: Vodka, Peach schnapps, Sour mix, and Lemon-lime soda.
The texture is smooth and slightly bubbly. Unlike shots of straight liquor that burn your throat, the white tea shot goes down easily.
There’s very little alcohol burn, which is exactly why people who don’t usually like shots often enjoy this one.
Ingredients You’ll NeedFor one shot:
Equipment Needed:
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Pro tip: You can use any vodka you like, but smoother, higher-quality vodkas will make an even better-tasting shot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a white tea shot is incredibly simple and takes less than a minute once you have everything ready. Follow these easy steps to create the perfect shot every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaker
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes. The ice serves two important jobs: it chills your drink quickly and dilutes it just enough to create the perfect smooth texture.
Cold drinks always taste better, especially with shots, so don’t skip the ice!
Pro tip: Use fresh ice that hasn’t been sitting in your freezer absorbing odors for the best-tasting shot.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Pour the vodka, peach schnapps, and sour mix into the shaker with the ice. Make sure you measure carefully so each ingredient is balanced.
Equal parts of each create that signature white tea shot flavor where no single ingredient overpowers the others.
Pro tip: Pour the ingredients slowly and steadily to avoid splashing and ensure accurate measurements.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Put the lid on your shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. You’ll know you’re doing it right when the outside of the shaker gets frosty cold.
The shaking mixes all the flavors together and gets the drink ice-cold, which is exactly what you want.
Pro tip: Hold the shaker with both hands, one on each end, and shake in an up-and-down motion for the best mixing.
Step 4: Strain and Top
Strain the mixture into your shot glass, filling it about three-quarters full to leave room at the top. Add a small splash of lemon-lime soda right on top; don’t stir it in.
Letting the soda sit on top creates a pretty layered effect and keeps the bubbles fizzy.
Pro tip: Pour the soda slowly down the side of the glass to maintain the layered look and preserve carbonation.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Add a lemon or lime wedge on the rim of the glass if you want that bartender-style presentation. Now drink it immediately while it’s ice-cold and still fizzy.
The carbonation fades quickly, so this shot tastes best when it’s fresh!
Pro tip: Chill your shot glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drinks for an extra-cold experience.
Making Multiple Shots for a Party
Planning to serve these at a party? You can easily multiply the recipe. For every four shots, use:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces peach schnapps
- 2 ounces sour mix
- Small splashes of soda for each glass
Mix the first three ingredients in a larger shaker or pitcher, then pour into individual shot glasses and top each one with soda right before serving. This keeps them fresh and bubbly.
Important tip: Don’t add the soda too far in advance. The carbonation will disappear, and your shots won’t have that fun fizzy texture.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you can experiment with different twists to make the white tea shot your own.
1. Switch Up the Base Spirit
While vodka is traditional, you can try other clear spirits for different flavor profiles. Tequila creates a slightly spicier version with a hint of agave sweetness.
White rum adds a subtle tropical vibe. Gin brings botanical notes that make the shot feel more sophisticated.
2. Add Real Tea for Extra Flavor
Want to make a white tea shot that actually contains tea? Brew some white tea, let it cool completely, and use 1/4 ounce of it to replace part of the sour mix.
This adds a delicate, slightly floral flavor that’s really interesting and unique.
3. Adjust the Sweetness
If the classic recipe is too sweet for you, try using sparkling water instead of lemon-lime soda. This cuts down on sugar while keeping the fizz.
You could also make your own sour mix with fresh lemon and lime juice for a fresher, less sweet taste.
For a sweeter version, add a tiny splash of simple syrup or use a flavored syrup like peach or elderflower.
4. Make It Alcohol-Free
You can create a mocktail version that tastes similar to the real thing! Use peach juice or peach nectar, add fresh lemon and lime juice with a bit of simple syrup, and top with lemon-lime soda.
It won’t have the alcohol, but you’ll still get that peachy, citrusy, fizzy flavor combination.
Why the White Tea Shot Is Trending
So why is everyone suddenly obsessed with this drink? There are several reasons behind its popularity.
1. Social Media Made It Famous
TikTok and Instagram have played a huge role in spreading the white tea shot trend. The drink looks great in videos and photos because of its clear, pale color.
When you add the fizzy soda on top, it creates a satisfying visual moment that’s perfect for filming.
People love sharing easy recipes they can make at home, and the white tea shot is simple enough that anyone can create one successfully on their first try.
2. It Fits the Lighter Drinking Trend
More people today are looking for drinks that aren’t too strong or harsh. The white tea shot fits perfectly into this trend.
It gives you the fun of doing a shot with friends without the intense burn of straight liquor.
This makes it appealing for casual gatherings, daytime parties, or people who want to enjoy a drink without going overboard.
3. Bars Love Serving It
Bartenders have noticed that white tea shots are crowd-pleasers. They’re easy to make quickly, people enjoy them, and they’re different enough to feel special.
Many bars now feature them on their shot menus or create “shot flights” that include white tea shots alongside other popular options.
The drink also fits into the broader trend of tea-inspired cocktails.
Make Your Own White Tea Shot Today
The white tea shot has earned its spot as a trending drink for good reason. It’s sweet, smooth, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with friends.
The beauty of the white tea shot is that there’s no wrong way to make it. Start with the basic recipe, then adjust it based on what you like.
Prefer it less sweet? Use sparkling water. Want more peach flavor? Add an extra splash of schnapps. Looking for something fancy? Try infusing it with real white tea.
Now it’s your turn to join the white tea shot craze! Gather your ingredients, grab a shaker, and mix up a batch for your next gathering.
Have you created your own twist on the white tea shot? We’d love to hear about it! Share your variations and experiences with this trending drink.
