If you love sweet, spicy Mexican candy, you will love this Mexican Candy Shot! This fruity, watermelon-flavored tequila shot is rimmed with chili lime salt to really kick it up a notch!
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A Sweet and Spicy Shot That’ll Impress Your Guests
Normally, I’m more of a cocktail girl than a “doing shots” girl, but this recipe for a Mexican candy shot is just irresistible. Smooth, silver tequila, watermelon, and a little bit of spicy Tajin? Yeah, count me in on that! Once you try it, you’ll love it, too.
This summery shot is just right for your next barbecue party or beach party. Tequila is great for unwinding and getting social, especially when combined with the flavors of a classic Mexican watermelon lollipop. Cute, fun, and delicious!
If you love this recipe, make sure to check out my Watermelon Margaritas!
What Makes Mexican Candy Different?
Mexican candy is noted for its combination of flavors, especially spicy and sweet mixed together. Sour is a big thing for Mexican candy as well! You’ll often find combinations like mango and chili, chocolate and chili, or lime and chili. Additionally, Mexican candy is sometimes flavored with ingredients that are less common in American candies: tamarind, chamoy, camote, and more. This drink combines watermelon and chili for a taste that’ll wake up your mouth!
How Much Alcohol Is in a Tequila Shot?
So you’re thinking about taking a shot of tequila, but maybe you’re wondering, how much alcohol are we talking, here? A shot of tequila is roughly the same amount of alcohol you would get from a full glass of wine or a 12-ounce beer, but taken all at once instead of being sipped slowly. Even with just one shot (depending on your age, weight, and other factors), you could end up feeling pretty tipsy, so use caution!
What Is A Mexican Candy Shot Made Of?
Okay, so let’s get down to business. You want to make these killer little tequila shots, but what will you need? Here’s the skinny:
- Tequila: For a smooth shot, use a silver or blanco tequila.
- Watermelon Schnapps: Also known as watermelon pucker, this liqueur is sweet, sour, and gives the drink its refreshing watermelon flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Whatever hot sauce you like. I prefer a more straightforward, tabasco-like sauce – nothing with heavy garlic or chipotle flavors, please!
- Lime Wedge: For rimming the shot glass.
- Tajin: This chili lime seasoning is available at most grocery stores, often in the international foods section.
How to Make a Mexican Candy Shot
You don’t have to be a bartender to make this easy little drink! It’s so easy to do. (Hint: this is one of the reasons I love serving them at parties!)
- Rim the Shot Glass. First, we’ll prepare the shot glass or glasses with a rim of spicy Tajin. Spread a little bit of Tajin on a small, clean plate. Take a lime wedge and rub the cut side along the rim of the shot glass, to moisten it. Then dip the glass upside-down into the Tajin, to coat the rim with the seasoning.
- Shake Up the Tequila, Schnapps, and Hot Sauce. Take a cocktail shaker or a cup with a lid, and combine the tequila, watermelon schnapps, ice, and hot sauce inside. Put on the lid, and shake it up!
- Pour and Enjoy. Pour the shot into the glass, and serve right away. Yum!
Tips for Success
So that’s the basic method for making this popular, fun tequila drink. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s got a huge, bold, summery taste. Want to know more? Read on!
- Tequila Options: I like to use white (also known as blanco or silver) tequila, but you can use any tequila you prefer.
- Lime Alternatives: With the watermelon pucker and the Tajin, you might feel that there’s enough tangy flavor here – or maybe you’re just out of limes! Either way, you can also use water, honey, or agave nectar to rim the glass before dipping it in the Tajin.
- Rum or Vodka Shots: This drink would also be super yummy with a good rum, which will add a sort of brown sugar undertone to the drink. or with vodka for a more neutral flavor that lets the watermelon shine.
Paleta Shot Variations
Did you know that “paleta” is the Spanish word for lollipop? That’s why you’ll also find this shot recipe called a “paleta shot.” There are also lots of ways to customize this drink, including these easy tweaks:
- Mexican Candy Cocktail: You could add fresh watermelon juice to this shot and pour it over ice to make a fresh, slightly less potent drink with the same gorgeous flavor profile.
- Sweet Shot: If there’s not quite enough sweetness here for you, feel free to drizzle in some agave nectar or simple syrup.
- Garnishes: Thinly sliced watermelon triangles, watermelon-flavored Mexican candies, and of course, fresh lime wedges are all lovely to serve along with your shots.
Making In Advance
Once assembled, these shots are best served immediately. However, if you are having a large party, you can get ahead by making a large batch and rimming the glasses ahead of time!
- Shots: Premix a large batch of the shots mixture (tequila, watermelon schnapps, and hot sauce) and store in a large jar with a lid until you are ready to serve. I recommend chilling the mixture so it’s extra cold when you go to serve it, but it is also good at room temperature.
- Glasses: Prep Ahead: Rim the glasses as directed, and then store them in a large airtight container until you’re ready to serve. This also helps the seasoning stick to the glass more firmly.
Mexican Candy Shot (Paleta Shot)
Ingredients
- 1 oz tequila
- ½ oz watermelon schnapps
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- Lime wedge
- Tajin
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Instructions
- Rim your shot glass: Place some tajin on a small plate. Use the lime wedge to rim the edge of the shot glass and then press the rim of the glass into the tajin. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker (or a cup with a lid), add ice cubes, tequila, watermelon schnapps and hot sauce. Shake well.
- Pour into rimmed shot glass and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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- Frozen Mango Margarita
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