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Red Tea Shots

The burn of cinnamon whiskey hitting your throat, chased by the sweet tartness of cranberry juice and a splash of lime, creates a moment of pure party magic that tastes nothing like actual tea but everything like a good time. Red Tea Shots have earned their reputation as a bartender favorite and party staple because they're bold, balanced, and dangerously easy to make in batches.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 shots
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 ounces cinnamon whiskey about 1 ounce per shot
  • 4 ounces cranberry juice about 1 ounce per shot
  • 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice about 2 teaspoons per shot
  • Ice cubes for chilling

Equipment

  • Shot glasses (4 count)
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon or long mixing spoon
  • Pitcher or mixing glass
  • Cocktail shaker with strainer (optional)
  • Cutting board and knife for lime

Method
 

  1. Place your shot glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before you start mixing. Cold glassware keeps the shot properly chilled and prevents the flavors from warming up too quickly once poured.
  2. Pour 4 ounces of cinnamon whiskey into a mixing glass or pitcher. Using a jigger ensures you get the proportions right rather than eyeballing it.
  3. Pour 4 ounces of cranberry juice into the same mixing glass with the whiskey. The equal ratio creates balance between the spice and tartness.
  4. Cut a fresh lime in half and squeeze out the juice, then measure 0.5 ounce into your mixture. This acts as the critical bridge between the warming whiskey and the bright cranberry.
  5. Stir the combined mixture for about 10 seconds with a bar spoon or regular spoon until all three ingredients blend evenly.
  6. Add a handful of ice cubes to the mixing pitcher and stir for another 30 seconds to chill the entire batch. The ice rapidly brings the temperature down.
  7. Remove your shot glasses from the freezer and carefully pour or strain the mixture into each glass until they're about three-quarters full. Straining removes any ice chips that might dilute the shot.
  8. Hand the shots to your guests right away and take them together for maximum impact and enjoyment. The flavors are brightest in the first few moments.

Notes

Keep your cinnamon whiskey and cranberry juice in the freezer before mixing so you're starting with cold ingredients, which means you need less ice and the drink stays perfectly chilled without diluting. Always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for best results. Store pre-mixed batches in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.