The Mexican Candy Shot (sometimes called Paleta Shot) is made with tequila and watermelon pucker. If your favorite cocktail is a margarita, you will love this recipe! In this post, I will teach you to make this delicious shot for your next celebration.
This shot is strong and a little bit fruity. You can use Tajín or Chamoy to create a spicy rim for your shot. The pink color comes from the watermelon pucker. This shot is named after Mexican lollipop candy that is watermelon flavored and coated in chili powder. I think you will love it.
Related: Chocolate Cake Shot, Basic Jello Shots, Oatmeal Cookie Shot.
Ingredients in Mexican Candy Shot
- Tequila – The main ingredient.
- Watermelon Pucker – Or Watermelon Schnapps.
- Hot Sauce – Optionally, you can add a dash or two of hot sauce to your shot for a spicier edge.
- Lime Juice – For rim.
- Tajín – Perfect for rimming your shot glass with.
You will also need shot glasses. I enjoy collecting fancy shot glasses. I also love this beautiful set and this basic set is what I used in this post. If you need a cocktail shaker, my favorite is this one.
Best Tequila to Use
You will want to use a silver tequila. For a shot recipe, it’s not important to use a fancy or expensive brand, so use what you have on hand. You can also swap tequila out for Mezcal if you prefer a smokier flavor.
Best Hot Sauce to Use
I chose Cholula hot sauce because it’s a classic and easy to find. Another great choice is Tapatio. Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces in this recipe if you want to turn up the spice factor. I highly recommend starting a hot sauce collection if you haven’t already.
Directions
This recipe is for one shot, so double or triple for the number of shots you are making.
Prepare your shot glasses by rimming the outside of each glass with lime juice and Tajín.
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila and watermelon pucker with hot sauce and ice. Shake for 15 seconds.
Pour into shot glasses. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making
- This shot is strong and not sweet at all. If you want to create a sweeter version, I recommend adding half an ounce of simple syrup to this recipe. This will remind you more of a watermelon margarita.
- If you don’t have Tajín available, you can use chili powder for the rim or a mixture of salt and chili pepper. You could also do a sugared rim if you want to lean into a sweeter version.
- Garnish ideas: Lime, watermelon, edible flower or a paleta lollipop.
Serving Suggestions/Goes Great With
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mexican Candy Shot?
A delicious shot recipe made with tequila, watermelon pucker, lime juice and Tajín.
What is the difference between a Paleta Shot and Mexican Candy Shot?
They are the same recipe with two different names. It’s also sometimes called a Mexican lollipop shot.
What can you use in place of watermelon pucker?
If you don’t have watermelon pucker, you can substitute a different Schnapps flavor or you can sub for watermelon or another sweet fruit juice.
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Instructions
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Prepare your shot glasses by rimming the outside of each glass with lime juice and Tajín.
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila and watermelon pucker with hot sauce and ice. Shake for 15 seconds.
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Pour into shot glasses. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This shot is strong and not sweet at all. If you want to create a sweeter version, I recommend adding half an ounce of simple syrup to this recipe. This will remind you more of a watermelon margarita.
- If you don’t have Tajín available, you can use chili powder for the rim or a mixture of salt and chili pepper. You could also do a sugared rim if you want to lean into a sweeter version.
- Garnish ideas: Lime, watermelon, edible flower or a paleta lollipop.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Mexican Candy Shot
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
