I first tasted this Mexican candy shot recipe at a friend’s Cinco de Mayo party, and I still remember the rush of sweet and spicy flavors dancing on my tongue. This quick party shot blends silver tequila with fresh watermelon juice, simple syrup, a splash of chamoy, and a dash of hot sauce. You rim the glass in tajín and garnish with a mini lollipop for a candy-garnished drink that wows every crowd. This recipe brings fun and flavor to any gathering. It’s easy to make, and it feels like a celebration in a shot glass.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
- Fast party shot: You prep in under five minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids of all ages love the candy rim, and adults enjoy the heat.
- Customizable heat: You choose your favorite hot sauce—Tapatío, Cholula, or Tabasco—to match your spice level.
- Fresh taste: Real watermelon juice and fresh lime juice give a bright, fruity kick unlike any bottled mixer.
- Eye-catching garnish: A jade-green tajín rim and a colorful paleta candy or Mexican lollipop make each shot pop on your party table.
Ingredients in Mexican candy shot recipe
- 1 oz silver (blanco) tequila (Patrón, Don Julio, or Olmeca Altos)
- 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
- ½ oz watermelon schnapps (optional for extra fruit flavor)
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp chamoy sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (Tapatío, Cholula, or Tabasco)
- Tajín seasoning (for rim)
- Chili powder (optional, for extra kick)
- Ice cubes
- Mini paleta candy or lollipop (for garnish)
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
Best Tequila to Use
Silver tequila shines in this Mexican candy shot recipe because it mixes cleanly with fruit flavors and doesn’t leave a heavy burn. Consider these options:
- Patrón Silver: Smooth, citrus notes. It lets the watermelon flavor stand out without adding extra sharpness.
- Don Julio Blanco: Crisp, slightly peppery. It adds a subtle spice that works well with chili powder.
- Olmeca Altos Plata: Affordable and balanced. It has a mild pepper kick that complements the tajín rim.
Choose a quality blanco tequila to avoid harsh alcohol taste. A top-shelf spirit guarantees a smooth candy shot that feels special.
Best Hot Sauce to Use
Hot sauce lets you dial in the heat for this sweet and spicy tequila shot. Each brand brings a unique flavor:
- Tapatío: Bright chili heat with garlic notes. It blends smoothly into the shot without overpowering the fruit.
- Cholula Original: Milder chili flavor and a hint of vinegar. It adds warmth without masking sweetness.
- Tabasco: Vinegary heat and quick burn. Use sparingly if you want a sharp, tangy kick.
If you crave extra spice, mix in a pinch of chili powder or choose a hotter variety like Cholula Chile Lime. Adjust to taste, but remember a little goes a long way in a small glass.
Directions
- Prep the glass
- Pour a thin layer of chamoy on a small plate.
- Spread tajín seasoning on another plate.
- Dip the shot glass rim into chamoy, then into tajín to coat evenly.
- Mix the shot
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz silver tequila, 1 oz fresh watermelon juice, ½ oz watermelon schnapps (if using), ½ oz simple syrup, and ½ oz fresh lime juice.
- Add ½ oz hot sauce of your choice (start with 1 tsp).
- Fill the shaker with ice until it’s three-quarters full.
- Shake and strain
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. The shaker should frost on the outside.
- Remove the lid and strain into the prepared shot glass using a fine mesh strainer or the shaker’s built-in strainer.
- Garnish and serve
- Place a mini paleta candy or lollipop on the rim or drop it gently into the shot.
- Add a lime wedge on the side or rest it on the rim.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Fruit-infused twist: Swap watermelon juice for mango puree and use chili powder on the rim for a fruity cayenne shot.
- Extra spicy kick: Use two dashes of Tabasco and a sprinkle of cayenne or ghost pepper powder on the tajín rim.
- Candy-rim variation: Melt a bit of white chocolate, dip the rim, and coat with crushed Mexican lollipop candy for a sweet candy-coated rim.
- Sugar‐free option: Replace simple syrup with sugar-free agave nectar and skip watermelon schnapps.
- Frozen version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy version. Rim the glass with chamoy and tajín before pouring.
- Batch preparation: Multiply ingredients by the number of guests, mix in a pitcher, and store in the fridge. Rim glasses just before serving to keep tajín fresh.
Mexican candy shot recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz silver blanco tequila (Patrón, Don Julio, or Olmeca Altos)
- 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
- ½ oz watermelon schnapps optional for extra fruit flavor
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp chamoy sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce Tapatío, Cholula, or Tabasco
- Tajín seasoning for rim
- Chili powder optional, for extra kick
- Ice cubes
- Mini paleta candy or lollipop for garnish
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
Prep the glass
- Pour a thin layer of chamoy on a small plate.
- Spread tajín seasoning on another plate.
- Dip the shot glass rim into chamoy, then into tajín to coat evenly.
Mix the shot
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz silver tequila, 1 oz fresh watermelon juice, ½ oz watermelon schnapps (if using), ½ oz simple syrup, and ½ oz fresh lime juice.
- Add ½ oz hot sauce of your choice (start with 1 tsp).
- Fill the shaker with ice until it’s three-quarters full.
Shake and strain
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. The shaker should frost on the outside.
- Remove the lid and strain into the prepared shot glass using a fine mesh strainer or the shaker’s built-in strainer.
Garnish and serve
- Place a mini paleta candy or lollipop on the rim or drop it gently into the shot.
- Add a lime wedge on the side or rest it on the rim.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| • Sugars | 22 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Party table display: Arrange shot glasses on a colorful tray lined with tropical leaves. Scatter extra Tajín and paleta candies around for a festive look.
- Snack pairing: Serve alongside tortilla chips and mango salsa or shrimp ceviche. The sweet and spicy contrast highlights both dishes.
- Themed events: Offer at Cinco de Mayo, summer cookouts, or taco night. Provide a small bowl of extra tajín for guests to adjust their rim.
- Take-home favor: Gift small bottles of chamoy, tajín, and mini tequila in a clear bag with a recipe card.
FAQs
What is a Mexican Candy Shot made of?
A Mexican candy shot is made by blending white tequila with fresh watermelon juice or watermelon pucker, a touch of simple syrup, and a squeeze of lime. You prepare the shot in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake well. Before pouring, dip the rim of the shot glass into chamoy or lime juice, then coat with tajín or chili lime for a spicy mexican candy kick. Finish with a paleta shot or mini lollipop garnish.
What is the Mexican candy made of?
To make a mexican candy, start with dried or fresh fruit (mango, watermelon, or tamarind), coat it in a mix of chili lime seasoning and tajín, then drizzle with chamoy and roll in sugar. Many street-style confections also include crushed paleta shot candy or chili powder for extra heat.
What is put on Mexican candy?
Authentic Mexican candy is often coated in tajín, chili lime seasoning, or cayenne chili powder. Some versions drizzle on chamoy or hot sauce, then finish with a sprinkle of coarse sugar or crushed spicy mexican candy pieces to balance sweet, sour, and heat.
What to make with watermelon pucker?
Use watermelon pucker to make a mexican candy shot by combining it with white tequila and a splash of simple syrup. Add tequila and watermelon into a shaker with ice, shake well, then strain into a tajín-rimmed glass. Garnish with a paleta shot or fruit wedge, and you’ve got a fun, easy cocktail that brings sweet heat to any gathering.
