My Mexican Candy Shot is a sweet, spicy, and tangy treat made with tequila, watermelon schnapps, and a dash of hot sauce, often garnished with a Tajín rim. It’s the perfect balance of fruity and spicy flavors, bringing a fun kick to any celebration. Emulating the taste of traditional Mexican candies, if you like a spicy kick this will quickly become your new favorite shot.
This Mexican candy shot is a vibrant, flavorful, and perfect drink for parties or adding a little spice to your night. Whether you love heat or prefer a milder spice level, this shot is easily customizable for everyone’s taste! Make a batch and serve over ice at a Cinco de Mayo party for a fun twist on your holiday beverage menu.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Mexican Candy Shot Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make a Mexican Candy Shot
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve a Mexican Candy Shot
- What to Serve with our Mexican Candy Shot Recipe
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About this Mexican Candy Shot Recipe
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Mexican Candy Shot
We love experimenting with different flavors and seasonal twists. Ready to mix up a few of our other shots? You need to try our Sweet Tart Shot, Key Lime Shot, Vegas Bomb Shot, Snake Bite Shot or our Breakfast Shot.
Why You Will Love This Mexican Candy Shot Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy Balance: A perfect mix of heat and fruity sweetness.
- Quick & Easy: Just shake, strain, and serve!
- Party Favorite: Great for Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, fun gatherings or themed nights.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat level and flavors to your preference.
- Vibrant & Fun: The bright colors and flavors make it a visually appealing shot.
Ingredients
My Mexican candy shot recipe only requires a few ingredients. You will be shaking this up in no time.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Silver Tequila: Use a good quality tequila, that adds a strong flavor that balances both sweet and spicy profiles.
- Watermelon Schnapps: Brings that sweet and fruity element.
- Optional Hot Sauce: Adjust to your preference or omit all together, a little goes a long way depending on the sauce you choose, this enhances the shots flavors.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a cocktail shaker, jigger and shot glasses for serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some ideas to mix up this shot.
- Tequila Alternatives: Swap with vodka for a more neutral base or mezcal for a smoky twist.
- Watermelon Liqueur Swap: Use strawberry liqueur for a berry spin or peach schnapps for extra sweetness.
- Different Hot Sauces: We used Valentina's, but you can try Chamoy for tangy heat or jalapeño-infused tequila for a spicier kick.
- Tajín Seasoning Rim Alternatives: Use a mix of cayenne and chili powder, or swap for salt or sugar for a milder finish and change the spice level.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice to brighten up the shot.
How to Make a Mexican Candy Shot
In just 3 simple steps you can quickly make this Mexican candy shot.
If rimming your shot glass, using a lime wedge, run it around the opening of the shot glass used for serving. Then add Tajin seasoning to a small plate and dip the rim in to fully coat.
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add Blanco tequila, watermelon liqueur and a hint of hot sauce (or more for an extra kick).
Shake until chilled and strain into prepared shot glass.
Hint: For an extra smooth shot, keep your serving glasses in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to mixing it up. This chills the shot without diluting it too much in the cocktail shaker.
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How to Serve a Mexican Candy Shot
To help you with the best shot experience here is how we suggest serving up this cocktail.
- Shaken: Chilling slightly in a cocktail shaker is the best way to keep this shot refreshing and properly blending all the flavors, especially the touch of hot sauce.
- Glass: A shot glass is our preferred method, but you can also serve it up over ice cubes and sip. Add a watermelon wedge to the rim of the glass.
- Garnishes: A slice of lime or wedge to garnish the edge of the shot glass. It is also a great addition of flavor and can be used as a chaser.
What to Serve with our Mexican Candy Shot Recipe
- Spicy Nuts: A crunchy, savory contrast to the sweet heat of the shot.
- Margaritas: Pair with a classic margarita or a watermelon margarita for a full tequila experience. If you want a cold option, try our frozen strawberry margarita.
- Fresh Fruit: Watermelon, mango, or pineapple complement the flavors.
- Street Tacos: A perfect food pairing for a fun night in.
- Guacamole & Chips: A refreshing, creamy side to balance the spice.
- Honey Strawberry Lemonade: A refreshing, sweet beverage that complements the spicy kick of the shot.
- Mexican Dinner Options: Add this cocktail to your dinner menu and round out the Mexican vibes and serve it with carnitas, Mexican pulled chicken or chicken enchiladas.
Top Tips
Here are some helpful tips when shaking up this Mexican candy shot.
- Shake Well: Ensures all the flavors mix evenly.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less hot sauce based on spice preference.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Enhances the flavor and helps the Tajín stick better.
- Experiment with Rims: Try a Chamoy rim for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About this Mexican Candy Shot Recipe
Do you have questions about making a Mexican candy shot?
To kick these shots up a notch, use a spicier hot sauce, rim the glass with chili powder, add some sliced jalapeños to the shaker, or add a jalapeño slice as a garnish.
Shaking is best! Combine the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well to chill and mix the flavors. Then strain into a shot glass.
Tapatío, Valentina, or Cholula are great options for a balanced heat.
Yes! To make a batch, mix larger portions of the ingredients in a pitcher or shaker and pour into shot glasses as needed. Keep it chilled until serving.
Yes! For a mocktail version, use watermelon juice or fruit punch instead of schnapps and club soda instead of tequila.
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Mexican Candy Shot
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glasses
- Shallow Plates
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces silver tequila
- ½ ounce watermelon liqueur
- 1-2 dashes hot sauce
Instructions
- If rimming your shot glass, using a lime wedge, run it around the opening of the shot glass used for serving. Then add Tajin seasoning to a small plate and dip the rim in to fully coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add Blanco tequila, watermelon liqueur and a hint of hot sauce (or more for an extra kick).
- Shake until chilled and strain into prepared shot glass.
Notes
- For an extra smooth shot, keep your serving glasses in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to mixing it up. This chills the shot without diluting it too much in the cocktail shaker.
- Shake well to ensure all the flavors mix evenly, especially the hot sauce.
- Add more or less hot sauce based on spice preference.
- Using a fresh lime wedge or lime juice to rim your glass will enhance the flavor and helps the Tajín stick better.
Nutrition
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Abi says
I love your cococktail collections and this recipe is just amazing!
Eva Filer says
Thanks so much. We sure have some good ones here. Enjoy them.
Eva Filer says
This shot is so delicious! It is refreshing and bold, with a sweet and spicy mix.