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Orange Tea Shot

A bright and comforting shot that combines hot tea, orange juice, and spirits into a perfectly balanced shooter. This drink tastes more like dessert than alcohol and goes down smoother than you'd expect, making it ideal for gatherings or a quiet night when you need a little comfort.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4 shots
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Modern Cocktail
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup hot water with 1 black tea bag
  • 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or high quality bottled
  • 1/4 cup vodka or whiskey for depth
  • 2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Fresh orange peel for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or pot
  • Shot glasses (four of them)
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Kettle or hot water source
  • Strainer or tea infuser

Method
 

  1. Heat one cup of water until it reaches a rolling boil, then pour it over a single black tea bag in a small mug or pot. Let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes to extract full flavor and color.
  2. Remove the tea bag and pour the brewed tea through a fine strainer into a clean container to catch any small particles. This ensures your shot has a smooth, clean texture.
  3. Using a jigger or measuring cup, carefully measure out 1/4 cup of vodka, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1/4 cup of water.
  4. Pour the cooled tea, orange juice, vodka, and water into a small bowl or pitcher and stir thoroughly to combine. Keep stirring until the honey dissolves completely and the mixture looks uniform.
  5. If the honey hasn't fully dissolved from stirring, warm the mixture gently over low heat for 1 minute while stirring constantly to help honey integrate smoothly.
  6. Pour a tiny bit into a spoon and taste it before serving the full batch. Add more honey if you want it sweeter or a splash more water if the alcohol tastes too strong.
  7. Carefully pour the mixture evenly into four shot glasses, filling each about three quarters of the way full.
  8. Serve the shots warm right away for maximum flavor impact, or refrigerate them for 30 minutes for a chilled version. Garnish with fresh orange peel if desired.

Notes

Brew the tea slightly stronger than you normally would drink it because the other ingredients will dilute its flavor. Use freshly squeezed orange juice whenever possible for the best flavor. The shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a sealed container. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.