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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.