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This Green Tea Vodka Cocktail is a light and refreshing summer cocktail that’s a little more interesting than the usual spritz. Bright lemon, fresh mint, and herbal green tea come together in this easy-to-make drink with just the right touch of sweetness.
about this green tea cocktail
I’ve always loved green tea’s subtle, herbaceous notes, especially when paired with fresh lemon and mint. This cocktail started as a way to make something more elevated than your standard summer spritz or vodka lemonade. Instead of relying on bottled mixers or ready-made syrups, I make a green tea simple syrup from scratch, steeping quality loose leaf green tea for a delicate depth of flavor.
Cold brewed green tea keeps the drink light and refreshing, because I’m not one to drink hot tea on a summer night, thank you very much. The homemade syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Muddling fresh mint and adding freshly squeezed lemon juice brings bright, garden-fresh notes that balance well with the herbal green tea and crisp vodka. It’s ideal for summer, especially when fresh mint is abundant.
This cocktail feels like a thoughtful twist on summertime classics but it comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. It’s the kind of drink you’ll want to have on hand for weekend get-togethers or a quiet evening at home when you want something simple but special. Both green tea and mint are known for their cooling properties, making this not only delish for summer, but also a healthier cocktail option to lean into.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This green tea cocktail recipe is light, fresh, and anything but boring. It’s the ultimate way to sip your way through summer with a crisp, herbal twist.
- Light, crisp, and refreshing
- Balanced herbal, citrus, and sweet flavors
- Easy to make in under 5 minutes
- Naturally lower in sugar than most cocktails
- Customizable for batch drinks or non-alcoholic versions
ingredients
Water. You can use tap water or filtered water for the simple syrup. You’ll need just enough to dissolve the sugar and steep the tea.
Granulated Sugar. This type of sugar keeps the syrup light and neutral so the tea flavor shines. You could also use light brown sugar for a touch of molasses flavor.
Green Tea (looseleaf or sachets). Use 1 tablespoon of looseleaf or 2 green tea sachets. A mild, grassy Japanese green tea works best – do not use anything that is too bitter or smoky.
Fresh Lemon Juice. Brightens up the drink and pairs beautifully with green tea. Be sure to use fresh, if you can. Don’t have lemon juice? You can use lime juice!
Mint Leaves. Fresh mint gives a cooling herbal note to the drink, plus it gives the drink a pop of color as a garnish.
Cold Green Tea. Brewed and chilled before using in this recipe, this tea keeps the drink light and refreshing. Go unsweetened here so the drink doesn’t taste too sweet.
Vodka. A clean, neutral vodka works best. We recommend using Tito’s, Ketel One, or even a botanical vodka like Ketel One Cucumber Mint if you want to mix up the flavor.
Club Soda. Gives the drink a fizzy, refreshing finish. You’ll only need a couple of ounces of cold club soda per drink.
tools to make this vodka green tea cocktail
For the simple syrup, a small saucepan is all you need, along with a heatproof jar or bottle for storing the syrup in the fridge.
To make this cocktail, you don’t need fancy bar tools, but a few essentials will make the process effortless. Start with a cocktail shaker to assemble the drink in. A muddler (or even the back of a wooden spoon) works well to gently crush the mint leaves.
You’ll also want a fine mesh strainer to catch any stray mint leaves or ice shards as you pour the cocktail into your glass. And finally, have your favorite double old fashioned glasses or rocks glasses ready for serving. You could also use a highball glass if preferred – this will leave more room for soda water and will turn the cocktail into a green tea vodka spritzer.
how to make a mint green tea cocktail
make the green tea simple syrup
In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat, add loose leaf green tea or sachets, cover, and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain to remove tea leaves and cool syrup completely before using.
mix the cocktail
Add fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and green tea simple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint to release its oils without tearing it into bits.
Fill the shaker with ice, then pour in the cold brewed green tea and vodka. Shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds.
serve
Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon slices.
Tips for Success
Use good quality loose leaf green tea for the best flavor in your syrup.
Don’t over-muddle the mint, otherwise it will make the cocktail taste bitter. All you need is a gentle press to release aroma.
Let the simple syrup cool completely before mixing to avoid melting ice and diluting your cocktail.
Cold brew your green tea ahead of time or use well-chilled tea to keep the drink cold.
Adjust sweetness by varying the syrup amount or swapping for honey syrup for a twist.
💬 behind the recipe
This cocktail came out of one of those summer nights where I wanted something light and refreshing but didn’t feel like pouring another spritz or vodka lemonade. As someone who develops cocktails regularly for my site and for clients, I’m always experimenting with new ways to bring bold flavors into approachable drinks you can actually make at home.
I tested a few different versions of this one, playing with green tea simple syrup strengths, adjusting the amount of mint and lemon, and even trying it with gin and whiskey (both delicious, but vodka kept it the most crisp and clean). The end result is a drink that’s equal parts refreshing and nuanced, with just the right herbal notes from the tea and mint.
This recipe reflects my approach to cocktail-making: using fresh, high-quality ingredients and keeping the steps simple, so you can focus on enjoying the process (and the drink). It’s now one of my go-to summer recipes for everything from backyard barbecues to quiet evenings on the patio.
variations
Add cucumber slices for an extra refreshing touch. You could also add a berry like strawberry or raspberry.
Swap vodka for gin to bring in botanical notes for the gin lovers out there. You can also swap out bourbon for vodka and skip the club soda to make this a Green Tea Whiskey Smash.
Make it a Matcha Green Tea Cocktail by using matcha green tea powder instead of loose leaf tea for a more concentrated green tea flavor.
Try honey or agave syrup in place of simple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Make it non-alcoholic by skipping vodka and adding extra club soda or sparkling water.
More summer cocktail recipes: Watermelon Gin Cocktail | Strawberry Gin Smash | Lemon Basil Cooler | Bees Knees Cocktail
faqs
What are some variations of the green tea cocktail I can try?
Try swapping vodka for gin, adding cucumber slices for extra freshness, or using matcha powder in your simple syrup for a deeper tea flavor. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by skipping the alcohol and topping with sparkling water.
Can I prepare the simple syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The green tea simple syrup keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so you can make it in advance to save time.
What kind of vodka works best?
A smooth, clean vodka like Tito’s or Ketel One works well. If you want to experiment, a citrus-flavored vodka can add a nice layer of complexity.
Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
what to serve with this cocktail
This green tea cocktail pairs beautifully with light, fresh bites. Think summery Mediterranean appetizers like olives, caprese empanadas, marinated artichokes, an Italian charcuterie board, or a bright citrus salad. It also works well alongside grilled seafood or grilled chicken dishes, balancing richness with herbal brightness. For something fun and casual, serve with crunchy veggie chips or fresh pita and hummus.
how to store
Store any leftover green tea simple syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The cocktail itself is best enjoyed fresh but can be pre-mixed (without club soda) and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving. Add club soda right before pouring to keep the fizz.
more of our favorite tea cocktails
This Sweet Tea Mint Julep Punch is a refreshing mix of bourbon, sweet tea, and fresh mint, perfect for summer parties.
The Earl Grey Old-Fashioned puts a sophisticated spin on a classic with tea-infused simple syrup and a bright citrus twist.
Warm up your bourbon game with Homemade Chai-Infused Bourbon, a bold and aromatic infusion that’s cozy and versatile for cocktails.
Finally, if you make this green tea cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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green tea cocktail
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
- Mint leaves garnish
- Lemon wheel garnish
instructions
- To make the simple syrup, bring water and sugar to boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add green tea and remove from heat. Cover and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before using.
- To make the cocktail, add mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup to an empty shaker. Gently muddle.
- Fill the shaker with ice, then add green tea and vodka. Shake well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish as desired and serve.
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about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
