This Mexican candy shot recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect blend of spicy and fruity. With just two main ingredients, this strong shooter will kick off your fiesta with a bang!
If you love tequila in Margaritas, you are sure to enjoy these Mexican candy shots. Also known as a Paleta shot, this simple shooter has two simple ingredients and a garnished rim that really sets it apart. This shot is based on a watermelon sucker coated in chili powder–a popular lollipop in Mexico. This is the perfect shot for your Cinco de Mayo party!
Mexico Candy Shot Ingredients
Just two main ingredients are needed for this simple tart-and-spicy shooter, with a special rim and lime garnish. For the ingredient measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Tequila: Since this is a shot, choose a good quality tequila. See more on what makes a good tequila below.
- Watermelon schnapps: A vibrant liqueur with sweet and tart watermelon flavors that taste like a sour watermelon candy. Watermelon Pucker is always a good choice.
- Lime wedge: For garnishing the rim of your shot glasses and an essential for chasing tequila shots.
- Tajín: A chili lime and salt seasoning you can add to the rim of your glass that takes this shooter over the top. It adds the perfect amount of spice to complement the liqueur flavors! If you can’t find Tajin, chili powder would also work.
- Hot Sauce: Tabasco, Cholula or any hot sauce you enjoy. This is an optional ingredient that will give a little kick to the mixture.
Best Tequila for Shots
Since you will be shooting this quickly, you don’t need a top-shelf tequila. Using a mid-range tequila you enjoy the flavor of, just make sure the tequila is 100% agave. We use a Silver Tequila for this. You can also use mezcal for a smokie flavor.
Recipe for Mexican Candy Shot
This recipe is so simple, it comes together with a quick shake and strain. For the full recipe, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare your shot glass. Run a lime wedge or lime juice around the rim of your shot glasses. Roll the wet rim in a shallow plate of Tajín to coat it and set the glasses aside.
- Add ingredients. Add the tequila and watermelon schnapps to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain. Shake well until the shaker is very cold, then strain into your prepared shot glasses.
- Enjoy!
How to Serve
Serve your Mexican candy shots in prepared shot glasses. For the best flavor, enjoy them right after making so they are cold. Serve with a lime wedge for chasing.
Variations
Although we think this shot recipe is perfect as is, here are a few variations to try if you want to mix things up.
- For more sweet and no spice, use sugar on the rim instead of Tajiin seasoning.
- Try another flavor using strawberry schnapps or mango schnapps.
- To make the shots a little bit sweeter, add a splash of simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
- If you want your shot to be weaker, use watermelon juice a different fruit juice instead of schnapps.
Other Tequila Cocktails
If you like tequila, be sure to try these other delicious tequila drinks!
If you try these Mexican candy shots, leave a comment and let us know what you think of them. We love hearing from you!
Mexican Candy Shot
Ingredients
- 1 ounce tequila
- 1/2 ounce watermelon schnapps
- lime wedge optional
- Tajín optional
- dash hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Optional: Prepare your shot glass by rubbing the lime wedge or lime juice around the top and then dipping it into the Tajín seasoning.
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in the tequila and watermelon schnapps.
- Optionally add a dash or two of hot sauce to the shaker.
- Shake well.
- Strain into your shot glass.
- Drink and enjoy!
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