Orange Tea Shot Recipe

Orange Tea Shot appear in online sources and recipe collections around the late 2010s and early 2020s, suggesting it’s a relatively recent innovation in the beverage world.

While its history may be brief, the Orange Tea Shot’s combination of familiar flavors in a refreshing and unique way has secured its place as a delightful addition to the world of cocktails.

 

Recipe Details

  • Preparation Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 – 15 mins
  • Yields: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approx. 130 Calories

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon black tea leaves
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
  • 1/2 ounce sour mix
  • Ice

 

Step-By-Step Brewing Guide

Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.

Add the orange slices and black tea leaves to the boiling water.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.

Strain the tea into a mug and stir in the sugar (Optional) until dissolved.

Let the tea cool completely.

Combine the cooled tea, orange liqueur, and sour mix in a shaker with ice.

Shake well and strain into a shot glass.

 

Serving Suggestions

The citrusy and slightly sweet flavors of the orange tea shot pair well with a variety of savory and sweet options, depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Savory:

  • Salty and Tangy: Fried pickles, onion rings, mini corn dogs, mozzarella sticks, or any type of bar food with a salty and tangy flavor profile will complement the sweetness and acidity of the shot.
  • Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider pairing your shot with jalapeno poppers, spicy chicken wings, or chili cheese fries. The contrasting flavors can be surprisingly delightful.
  • Creamy: For a richer counterpoint, opt for a creamy cheese dip with crackers, mini quiches, or even a small portion of mac and cheese.

Sweet:

  • Fruity: Fresh fruit skewers, orange slices drizzled with honey, mini fruit tarts, or even a scoop of orange sorbet can enhance the citrus notes of the shot.
  • Chocolate: The unexpected combination of chocolate and orange can be quite pleasing. Consider offering dark chocolate squares, brownies, or orange-flavored chocolate chip cookies.
  • Desserts: If you’re serving a full spread, mini cheesecakes, lemon bars, or a slice of orange cake can be delightful pairings.

Twisted Tea Recipe

Health Benefits and Tips

While orange tea shots can be a refreshing and flavorful beverage, it’s important to be aware of their limitations regarding health benefits and potential downsides:

Limited Health Benefits:

  • Vitamin C: The primary health benefit often associated with orange tea comes from its potential vitamin C content. However, the amount of vitamin C actually present in the shot depends on the preparation method and ingredients used. Pre-made tea and liqueurs might have minimal vitamin C content, while using freshly brewed orange tea could offer some vitamin C, but likely not significant enough to meet your daily needs.
  • Other nutrients: The other ingredients in the shot, such as sugar, liqueur, and sour mix, contribute minimal to no significant health benefits.

Potential Downsides:

  • High Sugar Content: The use of sugar and sweet liqueurs in the typical orange tea shot recipe can contribute to a high sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health concerns like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Alcohol Content: Orange liqueurs like Cointreau and Grand Marnier contain alcohol. Consuming alcohol can have negative health effects, including impaired judgment, addiction, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Tips for Responsible Consumption:

  • Limit intake: Enjoy orange tea shots in moderation and as an occasional treat, not a regular part of your diet.
  • Focus on fresh ingredients: If making your own tea, use fresh oranges and limit added sugar. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or stevia in moderation.
  • Be mindful of alcohol: If you choose to include an alcoholic liqueur, opt for a small amount and be aware of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

 

Final Words

The orange tea shot offers a vibrant blend of citrus and sweetness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing and flavorful beverage.

Remember, responsible consumption is key. While the shot might offer a limited amount of vitamin C from fresh orange tea, it’s important to be mindful of the potential downsides like high sugar content and alcohol (if using liqueurs).

 


Frequently Asked Questions about Orange Tea Shots

  1. What does an orange tea shot taste like?

An orange tea shot has a sweet and citrusy flavor, primarily from the orange liqueur and orange tea. The sour mix adds a tartness that complements the sweetness, and the overall taste can be described as refreshing and slightly tangy.

  1. What’s the difference between an orange tea shot, green tea shot, and white tea shot?

These “tea shots” share similar ingredients like sour mix, peach schnapps, and often have a similar visual layering due to the density of the liqueurs. However, the base alcohol differentiates them:

  • Orange tea shot: Uses orange-flavored Irish whiskey.
  • Green tea shot: Uses Jameson Irish whiskey (not green tea).
  • White tea shot: Uses vodka, resulting in a lighter color compared to the others.
  1. Can I make an orange tea shot without alcohol?

Yes! Simply replace the orange liqueur with orange juice or orange syrup and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can also add a splash of grenadine for a layered effect.

  1. How strong is an orange tea shot?

The strength depends on the alcohol content of the orange liqueur used. Typically, these liqueurs range from 20-40% alcohol by volume (ABV), similar to vodka or whiskey. It’s important to consume them responsibly.

  1. Are there any variations to the orange tea shot recipe?

Absolutely, here are some ideas:

  • Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeno pepper for a kick.
  • Tropical: Substitute pineapple juice or mango juice for some of the orange juice/liqueur.
  • Creamy: Add a splash of cream or Bailey’s Irish Cream for a richer taste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image by Charlotte May

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