White Tea Shot Recipes
When it comes to tea, there are a lot of options out there. While black and green teas are some of the most popular, don’t knock white tea until you try it. In fact, white tea may even have more health benefits than other teas.
Gut health is a hot topic these days, and we’re all trying to beat the bloat before it begins. That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a boozy night out! Next time, try a white tea shot. It’s similar to a green tea shot, but will typically have actual tea in it. The best thing you can do is make white tea shots at home so you know exactly what’s in it. It’s a great way to keep your sugar intake low and take care of your gut.
What is White Tea?
To start, let’s look at what white tea is before taking shots. White tea comes from the same plant as green and black tea, the Camellia Sinesis plant. The biggest difference between the teas comes from the time its harvested.
White tea won’t look like your standard black or green tea and this is due to the harvest time. It’s harvested before the tea plant’s leaves fully open, so the buds will still have white hairs on them. This is how white tea got its name! When you look at a bundle of white tea, you’ll be able to see the white hair and it typically consists of bulbs and leaves.
Many teas have an endless list of varieties. For white tea, there are only five main types. All white teas have sweet and floral flavors to them, which makes them a good choice for a white tea shot. The flavors aren’t overpowering but give just enough to make a delicious drink.
White tea is minimally processed. In fact, it is the least processed out of any tea you can find on the market. This makes it some of the most delicate and freshest tea you can buy. Because of its freshness, white tea is believed to have better health benefits.
Essentially, white tea is a tea that is harvested early with no extra processing and picked before the buds have fully opened.
History of White Tea
White tea began being harvested during the time of Chinese imperial dynasties. The white tea of the past, however, looked different than the white tea we know today used in shots. Its origins can be traced all the way back to the Tang Dynasty (960-1269.)
Tea culture has always been strong in China. There are tea rituals that have been practiced for years, and the idea has made its way into Western culture. Tea is considered the drink of relaxation, and the most drank beverage across the planet. It would also be a very long time before something like the white tea shot was ever considered.
Tea was considered a drink of royalty and was grown in secret imperial gardens and was considered as elegant as orchids. It wasn’t until much later on that the white tea of today was introduced around the globe.
Modern White Tea
The way modern-day white tea is harvested is still a minimalistic approach. White tea is often referred to as “raw tea” because of how simply it’s cultivated. The process allows white tea to hang on to more antioxidants, and potentially have more health benefits.
Health Benefits of White Tea
May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
White tea contains high amounts of polyphenols, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Polyphenols have been shown through research to relax blood vessels and boost immunity.
White Tea Can Protect Your Teeth
When we’re out pounding shots, the last thing on our minds is our dental hygiene. If you’re drinking white tea shots, you could be protecting your teeth. This is because white tea contains fluoride and tannins which can help to strengthen your teeth and protect them from bacteria and sugar.
It May Help You Lose Weight
Typically, when we think of tea for weight loss the go-to is green tea. That’s because green tea is full of caffeine and catechins, which increase your energy and metabolism. Well, white tea can do the same thing.
Types of White Tea
As with any type of tea, there are several types of white tea, but not as many as other teas. There are five different types of white tea to choose from, and they all come from the Da Bai variety of the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Yin Zhen Bai Hao/Silver Needle
Silver needle is the top tier of white tea. It’s typically produced in China in the Fujian province. It’s also harvested in other parts of the world. This white tea gets its name from being made with only silver-colored buds that are 30mm in length. Silver needle has a light and sweet flavor that's commonly associated with white tea.
Bai Mu Dan/ White Peony
This white tea is made with a combination of young tea buds and leaves. It’s typically cheaper than silver needle tea but still has a fabulous flavor. When brewed, White peony has a strong full body flavor with floral hints.
Gongmei/Tribute Eyebrow
This white tea is grown in the Chinese provinces of Guangxi and Fujian. It’s harvested later than silver needle teas so it has a bolder flavor. If you like oolong tea, tribute eyebrow has a similar flavor profile.
Shou Mei/Noble/Long Life Eyebrow
Long Life Eyebrow is a lower quality white tea than silver needle or peony. It’s harvested later than white peony or silver needle, so you get a stronger and darker tea which sort of takes away from why people like white tea. It will have a golden yellow color.
There are also white tea blends and other ways to enjoy white tea. When it comes to a white tea shot, you can use whatever type you like!
What is a White Tea Shot?
Now that we know all about white tea, it’s time for the fun stuff. White tea shots are becoming a popular alternative to the tried and true green tea shot. If you’ve been to a bar recently, you’ve surely heard of a green tea shot. The problem is that they don’t actually contain any real tea. If you’re looking for something that contains actual tea but still packs a boozy punch, try a white tea shot.
White tea shots are made with white tea leaves, and there are several versions containing different liquor. When making white tea shots, it’s recommended to use strongly brewed White Peony, Tribute Eyebrow, or LongLife Eyebrow white teas. These teas are heavier and darker than the others.
Standard White Tea Shot
- 1 oz Peach Schnapps
- 1 Ounce Irish Whiskey
- 1 Oz Sour Mix
- 1 ounce of brewed white tea
White Tea Shot With Rum
- ½ cup honey
- Peel of 1 lime
- 2 oz of brewed white tea cooled
- 1 oz of white rum
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 1 slice of lime for garnish
To make a white tea shot, you simply mix the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker, strain them into shot glasses and add garnish. Like the green tea shot, a white tea shot is usually best sipped like a cocktail instead of chugged. You want to appreciate and enjoy the tea!
If you find yourself in a pinch and don’t have freshly brewed tea on hand, you can try canned tea. It’s fast, already comes chilled and you don’t have to mess with steeping the leaves. We recommend HalfDay Tea Tonics. Not only will they be a great addition to your shot, but they’re also packed with prebiotics and fiber to help you avoid bloating.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that white tea is very good for you, so trying it in a shot couldn’t hurt. You will likely still have a hangover the next day, but ensuring you are drinking actual tea along with water during a night out can help you lower your sugar intake and keep you hydrated.
Taking care of your gut is still important when you’re out on the town! Try out a healthier white tea shot today.
