Refreshing Green Tea Vodka Cocktail: Your Ultimate Easy Summer Sip
Step aside, ordinary spritzers! This Green Tea Vodka Cocktail offers a light, bright, and utterly refreshing escape, perfect for those warm summer days and evenings. Crafted with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon, invigorating mint, and delicate herbal green tea, this easy-to-make drink delivers a sophisticated twist on classic summer sips. It’s perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness, ensuring a crisp and clean finish that will leave you wanting more.
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About This Green Tea Vodka Cocktail
My fascination with green tea’s unique, subtle, and herbaceous notes has always been strong, especially when complemented by the zesty brightness of fresh lemon and the cool, aromatic touch of mint. This particular Green Tea Vodka Cocktail was born from a desire to create something truly elevated, moving beyond the predictability of a standard summer spritz or a simple vodka lemonade. The secret to its distinct charm lies in the foundation: a homemade green tea simple syrup, meticulously steeped with high-quality loose leaf green tea to capture a delicate yet profound depth of flavor.
To ensure this drink remains delightfully light and crisp, I opt for cold brewed green tea. After all, who craves a hot beverage on a balmy summer evening? The unsweetened cold brew perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the homemade green tea syrup, preventing the drink from becoming cloying. The preparation itself is a sensory experience – gently muddling fresh mint leaves releases their essential oils, infusing the cocktail with an invigorating aroma, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a vibrant, garden-fresh tang. These elements harmonize beautifully with the earthy green tea and the clean, neutral profile of good vodka, resulting in a perfectly balanced and incredibly refreshing libation. It’s truly an ideal concoction for any summer gathering, particularly when fresh mint is bursting with vitality in your garden or local market.
Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this Green Tea Cocktail is surprisingly quick and simple to assemble using just a few high-quality ingredients. It strikes a balance between being a thoughtful, unique spin on summertime classics and being effortlessly achievable for the home bartender. Envision it as your go-to drink for laid-back weekend get-togethers, elegant patio evenings, or simply a quiet moment at home when you desire something both uncomplicated and exquisitely special. Beyond its delightful taste, both green tea and mint are celebrated for their natural cooling properties, making this not only a delicious choice for summer but also a lighter, more wholesome alternative to many traditional sugary cocktails. It’s truly a beverage that caters to both your palate and your well-being, embodying the essence of refreshing indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This green tea vodka cocktail recipe is more than just a drink; it’s a sensory experience that combines the best of light, fresh, and herbaceous flavors. If you’re looking for a signature summer sip that’s anything but ordinary, this is it. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this unique beverage:
- Light, Crisp, and Utterly Refreshing: Unlike heavier, sweeter cocktails, this green tea blend is incredibly light on the palate. The cold green tea base and subtle sweetness from the homemade syrup make it an ideal thirst-quencher for hot weather, offering a crisp finish with every sip.
- Perfectly Balanced Herbal, Citrus, and Sweet Flavors: The distinct herbal notes of green tea are beautifully complemented by the bright, zesty kick of fresh lemon and the cool, aromatic embrace of mint. The homemade simple syrup ensures a harmonious sweetness that enhances, rather than overpowers, these natural flavors.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make in Under 5 Minutes (After Syrup Prep): While the simple syrup requires a little steeping time, the actual cocktail assembly is lightning-fast. Once your syrup is ready, you can whip up this elegant drink in a flash, making it perfect for spontaneous entertaining or a quick evening treat.
- Naturally Lower in Sugar Than Most Cocktails: By controlling the sweetness with homemade simple syrup and using unsweetened cold green tea, this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious cocktail without the excessive sugar often found in pre-made mixes or overly sweet drinks. It’s a healthier-minded indulgence.
- Highly Customizable for Batch Drinks or Non-Alcoholic Versions: This versatile recipe easily scales up for serving a crowd at parties, or you can omit the vodka entirely for a delightful and sophisticated non-alcoholic mocktail. It truly adapts to any occasion or preference.
- Unique and Impressive: Stand out from the usual cocktail crowd! This green tea vodka cocktail offers a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests and elevate your home bartending game. It’s a conversation starter in a glass.
Ingredients for the Perfect Sip
Creating an exceptional Green Tea Vodka Cocktail starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the drink’s signature light, refreshing, and balanced flavor profile:
Water: For the green tea simple syrup, plain tap water will suffice, but filtered water can enhance the purity of the tea flavor. You’ll need just enough to perfectly dissolve the sugar and gently steep the tea leaves, creating a concentrated base.
Granulated Sugar: Standard white granulated sugar is my preference here because it creates a light and neutral simple syrup, allowing the delicate nuances of the green tea to truly shine. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to introduce a subtle caramel or molasses undertone, a light brown sugar can be an interesting alternative, though it will alter the original intended flavor profile.
Green Tea (Loose Leaf or Sachets): The quality of your green tea is paramount for this cocktail. Aim for 1 tablespoon of good quality loose leaf green tea or 2 premium green tea sachets. A mild, slightly grassy Japanese green tea, such as Sencha or Bancha, works exceptionally well, offering a clean, fresh base without bitterness. It’s crucial to avoid any green tea that is overly bitter, robust, or smoky, as these characteristics can quickly overpower the other delicate ingredients in the cocktail.
Fresh Lemon Juice: This ingredient is essential for providing that bright, zesty lift that perfectly complements and balances the herbal notes of green tea. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice if possible; the difference in flavor between fresh and bottled juice is significant and truly makes the cocktail sing. If lemons are not available, fresh lime juice can be a fantastic, equally vibrant substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious citrus kick.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint isn’t just a garnish here; it’s a key flavor component. When gently muddled, fresh mint imparts a cooling, aromatic, and distinctly herbal note that is synonymous with refreshing summer drinks. Beyond its flavor contribution, a sprig of mint provides a beautiful pop of color and an inviting aroma as a garnish.
Cold Green Tea: This is the foundation of your cocktail. Brew your green tea ahead of time and chill it thoroughly. Using cold brewed or well-chilled green tea ensures that the final drink is light, crisp, and refreshing, without immediately diluting your ice. Crucially, use unsweetened green tea to avoid making the cocktail overly sweet, as the simple syrup already provides the necessary sugar balance.
Vodka: A clean, neutral, and smooth vodka is the best choice to allow the green tea and other fresh flavors to take center stage. Brands like Tito’s Handmade Vodka or Ketel One are excellent choices known for their quality and versatility. For those who enjoy a subtle complexity, a botanical vodka, such as Ketel One Cucumber Mint, can add another delightful layer of flavor, enhancing the fresh elements of the cocktail.
Club Soda: To finish this invigorating drink, a splash of cold club soda adds a delightful effervescence and a light, refreshing fizz. You’ll only need a couple of ounces per drink, which transforms it into a sparkling green tea vodka spritzer, adding a pleasant texture and lightness.
Essential Tools for This Vodka Green Tea Cocktail
You don’t need a professional bar setup to craft this delicious vodka green tea cocktail. A few basic kitchen and cocktail tools will make the process simple and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the homemade green tea simple syrup, a small saucepan is all that’s required to combine your water and sugar and steep the green tea. Once the syrup is made and cooled, a heatproof jar or bottle will be ideal for storing it in the fridge, keeping it fresh for future cocktails.
When it comes to mixing the cocktail itself, you don’t need an arsenal of fancy bar tools. The key essentials will streamline your preparation:
- Cocktail Shaker: This is your primary vessel for combining and chilling the ingredients. A good quality shaker ensures all components are well-mixed and properly cooled.
- Muddler: To gently bruise the mint leaves and release their aromatic oils without tearing them, a muddler is indispensable. If you don’t have a dedicated muddler, the back of a sturdy wooden spoon or even a rolling pin can serve as an effective substitute in a pinch. The goal is to press, not mash, the mint.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: After shaking, you’ll want a fine mesh strainer to pour the cocktail through. This catches any stray mint leaf fragments, pulp from the lemon juice, or small ice shards, ensuring a smooth and clear drink in your glass.
- Double Old Fashioned or Rocks Glasses: These are the classic choices for serving this type of cocktail, providing a sturdy base and ample room for ice and garnishes. Their wide opening also allows for the aromatic mint and lemon to be enjoyed with each sip.
- Highball Glass (Optional): If you prefer a longer drink with more club soda and a lighter profile, a highball glass is an excellent alternative. Using a highball glass will transform this cocktail into a delightful green tea vodka spritzer, offering extra fizz and a more extended sipping experience.
- Jigger or Measuring Spoons: While not explicitly mentioned in the original list, precise measurements are key for a balanced cocktail. A jigger (a small double-sided measuring cup for liquids) or standard measuring spoons will ensure you get the perfect ratio of ingredients every time.
Having these tools on hand will make preparing your Green Tea Vodka Cocktail an effortless and enjoyable process, allowing you to focus on the pleasure of crafting and savoring your drink.
How to Make a Refreshing Mint Green Tea Cocktail
Crafting this delightful Mint Green Tea Cocktail is a straightforward process, broken down into simple steps. The key is in preparing the green tea simple syrup ahead of time, which builds the foundational flavor for your drink.
1. Crafting the Green Tea Simple Syrup
The green tea simple syrup is what truly elevates this cocktail, infusing it with subtle herbal depth. It’s simple to make and can be prepared well in advance:
- Combine Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar completely dissolves. This creates a basic simple syrup.
- Steep the Green Tea: Once the mixture is boiling and the sugar is fully dissolved, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of loose leaf green tea (or 2 green tea sachets) to the hot syrup. Cover the saucepan with a lid to trap the heat and aromas.
- Infuse and Cool: Allow the green tea to steep for 15 to 20 minutes. The steeping time is crucial; don’t over-steep, as this can result in a bitter syrup. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove all tea leaves. Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. This cooling step is vital to prevent diluting your cocktail later. The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Mixing Your Signature Cocktail
Once your green tea simple syrup is chilled and ready, assembling the cocktail is quick and effortless:
- Muddle the Aromatics: Take an empty cocktail shaker and add 10 fresh mint leaves, 1/2 oz of freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of your chilled green tea simple syrup. Using a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon), gently press the mint leaves 3-4 times. The goal is to release their fragrant oils and aroma, not to pulverize them into tiny bits, which can make the drink bitter.
- Add Liquids and Ice: Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz of cold, unsweetened green tea and 1 1/2 oz of your preferred vodka.
- Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. This intense shaking not only chills the cocktail thoroughly but also properly mixes and slightly dilutes the ingredients, creating a perfectly integrated flavor profile.
3. Serving Your Green Tea Masterpiece
The final step is all about presentation and that satisfying fizz:
- Strain into a Glass: Fill your chosen cocktail glass (a double old fashioned or rocks glass works perfectly) with fresh ice. Using a fine mesh strainer over your glass, strain the shaken cocktail directly into it, ensuring no mint fragments or ice shards make their way into your pristine drink.
- Top with Club Soda: Finish with a splash of cold club soda – typically 1 to 2 ounces, depending on your preference for fizziness and dilution. This adds a wonderful sparkle and lightens the drink.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish generously with a fresh sprig of mint and a bright lemon slice or wheel. These not only add visual appeal but also enhance the aromatic experience with every sip. Serve immediately and savor the refreshing flavors of your homemade Green Tea Vodka Cocktail.
Expert Tips for Green Tea Cocktail Success
Achieving the perfect Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is all about paying attention to a few key details. Follow these expert tips to ensure your drink is always top-notch, bursting with fresh flavor and refreshing appeal:
- Opt for High-Quality Loose Leaf Green Tea: This is arguably the most critical tip. The flavor of your cocktail will only be as good as the tea you use. Investing in good quality loose leaf green tea for your simple syrup will yield a richer, more nuanced, and less bitter flavor profile compared to standard tea bags. A mild Japanese green tea is ideal.
- Avoid Over-Muddling the Mint: When muddling mint, remember the goal is to gently bruise the leaves to release their essential oils, not to tear them apart. Over-muddling can extract chlorophyll, leading to a bitter taste and tiny, undesirable green flecks in your drink. A few gentle presses are all you need to awaken its aroma.
- Ensure the Simple Syrup is Completely Cooled: Patience is a virtue here. Mixing warm or even slightly warm simple syrup into your cocktail shaker will rapidly melt your ice. This leads to a diluted, less flavorful, and less refreshing drink. Plan ahead and make your green tea simple syrup well in advance so it can thoroughly chill in the refrigerator.
- Use Thoroughly Chilled Green Tea: Similar to the syrup, using cold brewed or well-chilled green tea as your base is crucial. This minimizes ice melt and maintains the integrity of the cocktail’s flavor and temperature, ensuring a genuinely refreshing experience.
- Customize Sweetness to Your Preference: This recipe provides a balanced level of sweetness, but your palate might prefer something different. Feel free to adjust the amount of green tea simple syrup to taste. For a natural flavor twist, consider swapping out the granulated sugar syrup for a honey syrup or agave nectar in your green tea infusion.
- Always Use Fresh Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice is convenient, it simply doesn’t compare to the bright, vibrant, and complex flavor of freshly squeezed lemon. It makes a noticeable difference in the overall freshness and acidity of your cocktail.
- Don’t Skimp on Ice: For shaking and serving, use plenty of fresh, good-quality ice. It’s essential for rapid chilling and for maintaining the drink’s cold temperature throughout your enjoyment. Large ice cubes or spheres for serving can also melt slower, preventing over-dilution.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll consistently create a delicious, perfectly balanced, and highly refreshing Green Tea Vodka Cocktail that will be the highlight of any summer day.
đź’¬ Behind the Recipe: My Inspiration
Every great recipe often has a story, and this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is no exception. It emerged from one of those quintessential summer evenings when I craved a drink that was genuinely light and refreshing, yet offered more complexity and intrigue than the standard offerings. While I love a classic spritz or a straightforward vodka lemonade, I found myself desiring something with a deeper, more sophisticated character, without being overly complicated.
As a passionate developer of cocktails for my website and clients, I’m constantly exploring innovative ways to infuse bold, distinctive flavors into approachable drinks that anyone can confidently recreate at home. This particular journey involved a series of careful experiments. I played extensively with the strength and variety of green tea used in the simple syrup, adjusting steeping times to find that perfect balance of herbal notes without bitterness. The quantities of fresh mint and zesty lemon juice were meticulously tweaked to ensure they harmonized, rather than competed, with the green tea. I even ventured into trying different spirits, testing the recipe with gin and whiskey. While both yielded delicious results in their own right – gin adding botanical depth and whiskey a robust warmth – it was ultimately vodka that allowed the crisp, clean, and refreshing essence of the green tea, mint, and lemon to truly shine, maintaining the desired lightness of the cocktail.
The final rendition of this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is a testament to that iterative process. It’s a drink that perfectly balances refreshment with nuanced flavors, offering just the right herbal undertones from the tea and an invigorating coolness from the mint. This recipe deeply reflects my core philosophy for cocktail-making: prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and keep the preparation steps straightforward. This approach ensures that you, the home bartender, can genuinely enjoy the creative process of crafting your drink, and ultimately, revel in the exceptional taste of the finished product. It has quickly become one of my absolute go-to recipes for summer, equally at home at lively backyard barbecues, elegant garden parties, or during those cherished quiet evenings unwinding on the patio. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary experiences.
Creative Variations for Your Green Tea Cocktail
While the classic Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is a masterpiece in itself, its versatility lends itself beautifully to exciting variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your drink to suit your taste or the occasion:
- Add Cucumber Slices for Extra Freshness: For an even cooler, more spa-like beverage, muddle a few thin slices of fresh cucumber along with the mint. Cucumber’s subtle, watery notes enhance the refreshing quality of the drink beautifully. You could also introduce a touch of fruity sweetness by adding a few muddled berries like fresh strawberries or raspberries for a vibrant color and flavor boost.
- Swap Vodka for Gin or Whiskey:
- Gin Lovers: For those who appreciate botanical complexity, replace the vodka with a good quality gin. The juniper and other botanicals in gin will introduce a new layer of herbal notes that marry well with green tea and mint, creating a more intricate profile.
- Green Tea Whiskey Smash: If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, try swapping out the vodka for bourbon. For this variation, you might consider skipping the club soda to lean into a richer, more spirit-forward profile, creating a delightful “Green Tea Whiskey Smash.” The woody notes of bourbon offer a surprising and comforting contrast to the green tea.
- Make it a Matcha Green Tea Cocktail: For a more intense, earthy green tea flavor and a vibrant green hue, use matcha green tea powder instead of traditional loose leaf tea in your simple syrup. Whisk the matcha thoroughly into the cooled simple syrup to avoid clumps, or even incorporate a small amount directly into the shaker for an extra boost.
- Try Honey or Agave Syrup for Natural Sweetness: If you prefer natural sweeteners, substitute the granulated sugar in your simple syrup with honey or agave nectar. Both will impart a different character to the sweetness – honey adds a floral depth, while agave provides a clean, subtle sweetness, creating a unique and delicious twist.
- Make it Non-Alcoholic (Green Tea Mocktail): This recipe easily transforms into a sophisticated mocktail! Simply omit the vodka and add extra club soda or sparkling water to fill the glass. You’ll still enjoy all the bright, herbal, and refreshing flavors, making it a fantastic option for all guests. Consider adding a splash of ginger ale for a little more kick.
- Infuse with Other Herbs: Beyond mint, consider infusing your simple syrup with other fresh herbs like basil for a peppery kick or rosemary for a more woody, aromatic flavor profile. These subtle changes can dramatically alter the drink’s character.
These variations demonstrate just how adaptable this Green Tea Cocktail can be, inviting you to explore and find your perfect version.
More summer cocktail recipes: Watermelon Gin Cocktail | Strawberry Gin Smash | Lemon Basil Cooler | Bees Knees Cocktail
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap vodka for gin to introduce botanical notes, or even for bourbon to create a Green Tea Whiskey Smash. For added freshness, muddle in some cucumber slices or a few berries like strawberries or raspberries. If you’re looking for a deeper tea flavor, try using matcha powder in your simple syrup. And for a non-alcoholic option, simply skip the vodka and top with extra sparkling water or club soda.
Absolutely! The green tea simple syrup is one of the best components to make in advance. Once prepared, strained, and cooled completely, it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This makes batching cocktails incredibly easy and saves you precious time when entertaining.
For this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail, a smooth, clean, and neutral vodka is ideal to allow the delicate flavors of green tea, mint, and lemon to truly shine. Brands like Tito’s or Ketel One are excellent choices known for their quality. If you want to add an extra layer of complexity, a citrus-flavored vodka or a subtly botanical vodka (like a cucumber mint infused one) can complement the existing flavors beautifully.
Yes, this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail recipe is perfect for scaling up for a crowd. Multiply all ingredients (except club soda) by the number of servings you need and mix them in a large pitcher or dispenser. Stir well and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour over ice and top each glass with a splash of club soda to maintain its effervescence.
For the simple syrup, steeping the green tea for 15 to 20 minutes is generally ideal. This timeframe allows enough time for the herbal flavors to infuse without extracting too much bitterness, which can happen if green tea is steeped for too long. Always taste a small amount after straining to ensure the flavor is to your liking before chilling.
Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Green Tea Cocktail
The light, crisp, and herbaceous profile of this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail makes it an incredibly versatile drink for pairing with a variety of foods. It shines brightest alongside equally fresh and vibrant flavors that won’t overpower its delicate notes. Think of it as a palate cleanser and a refreshing counterpoint to your summer spread:
- Mediterranean Appetizers: Its clean taste pairs beautifully with the bold, salty, and tangy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Consider serving it with an assortment of olives, marinated artichoke hearts, feta cheese, or a vibrant Caprese empanadas. A well-curated Italian charcuterie board featuring light cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit would also be an excellent choice.
- Fresh Salads and Veggie Platters: Enhance the “garden-fresh” feel of the cocktail by serving it with light, crisp salads. A citrus salad with segmented oranges and grapefruit, a quinoa salad with fresh herbs, or a simple cruditĂ©s platter with a flavorful dip like Greek hummus are perfect complements. Crunchy veggie chips also offer a satisfying texture contrast.
- Grilled Seafood and Chicken: The cocktail’s brightness and herbal notes cut through the richness of grilled meats, making it an excellent accompaniment. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled white fish, shrimp skewers, or a perfectly seasoned grilled chicken. The smoke from the grill offers a lovely contrast to the refreshing drink.
- Light Asian-Inspired Bites: Given its green tea base, this cocktail naturally complements subtle Asian flavors. Think fresh spring rolls, light sushi, edamame, or chicken lettuce wraps. Avoid overly spicy or heavy Asian dishes that might clash with the cocktail’s delicate profile.
- Fruity Desserts: For a sweet pairing, consider light, fruit-based desserts. A lemon tart, berry parfaits, or a simple fruit salad would echo the fresh notes in the drink and provide a delightful end to your meal.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose foods that highlight, rather than overshadow, the unique herbal brightness of your Green Tea Vodka Cocktail, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.
Storage Tips for Your Green Tea Vodka Cocktail
Proper storage ensures that your Green Tea Vodka Cocktail and its components remain fresh and flavorful. Here’s how to handle any leftovers or prepare ahead:
- Green Tea Simple Syrup: This component is ideal for making in advance. Once your green tea simple syrup has been prepared, strained, and cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or a clean glass bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This allows you to quickly assemble cocktails whenever the mood strikes.
- Pre-Mixed Cocktail (Without Club Soda): While the cocktail is best enjoyed freshly made, you can pre-mix the base (vodka, cold green tea, lemon juice, and green tea simple syrup) without the club soda. Store this mixture in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving. This is a great strategy for entertaining, as it streamlines the final preparation.
- Adding Club Soda: For optimal fizz and refreshment, always add the club soda directly to individual glasses just before serving. If you add it to the batch mixture too early, it will lose its carbonation, resulting in a flat drink.
- Garnish Storage: Fresh mint leaves are best kept in the refrigerator with their stems in a small glass of water, loosely covered with a plastic bag, for maximum freshness. Lemon slices can be cut just before serving or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a day.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure that every sip of your Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is as fresh and vibrant as intended.
More Favorite Tea-Infused Cocktails
If you’ve fallen in love with the herbal elegance of this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail, you’ll be thrilled to explore more ways to incorporate the complex flavors of tea into your mixology. Here are a few other beloved tea-infused cocktail recipes to inspire your next drink:
- This Sweet Tea Mint Julep Punch offers a refreshing and robust twist on a Southern classic. It’s a delightful blend of rich bourbon, sweet iced tea, and muddled fresh mint, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser and the perfect batch cocktail for larger summer parties or casual gatherings.
- For a sophisticated spin on a timeless classic, try the Earl Grey Old-Fashioned. This recipe elevates the traditional Old Fashioned with a homemade Earl Grey tea-infused simple syrup, lending it a unique floral and bergamot aroma. A bright citrus twist completes this elegant and aromatic whiskey cocktail.
- Warm up your bourbon game with Homemade Chai-Infused Bourbon. This bold and aromatic infusion combines the rich notes of bourbon with the cozy, spicy warmth of chai tea, creating a versatile spirit that’s perfect for crafting comforting autumn cocktails or simply sipping neat.
We absolutely love hearing from you! If you decide to make this Green Tea Vodka Cocktail recipe, please take a moment to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback means the world to us, and we genuinely enjoy responding to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have about the recipe, ingredients, or variations – we’re here to help!
And don’t forget to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you whip up this delicious drink! Seeing our recipes come to life in your homes is truly our favorite thing and warms our hearts. It honestly means the world to us!
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Green Tea Vodka Cocktail Recipe Card
Equipment
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Double Jigger
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Cocktail Shaker
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Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp looseleaf green tea or 2 sachets green tea
- 1/2 oz freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 10 mint leaves
- 1/2 oz green tea simple syrup
- 2 oz cold green tea unsweetened
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- Club soda to top
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
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For the Green Tea Simple Syrup: Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add green tea, cover, and steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain to remove tea leaves and cool completely before using.
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To Make the Cocktail: Add 10 mint leaves, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz green tea simple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint a few times to release its oils (do not over-muddle).
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Fill the shaker with ice, then add 2 oz cold unsweetened green tea and 1 1/2 oz vodka. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
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Fill a rocks glass or double old fashioned glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass using a fine mesh strainer.
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Top with a splash of club soda (about 1-2 oz, to taste). Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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