Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
A vibrant pink Mexican Candy Shot in a glass with a chili-lime seasoning rim.

Mexican Candy Shot

5 from 1 vote
The Mexican Candy Shot is a sweet and slightly spicy drink with lots of fruity flavors. Although it has been included in one of Foodbeast's “Worst Shots Ever” YouTube videos, this shot is beloved by those who enjoy a bit of spice in their drinks. This shot gets its name from a watermelon-flavored Mexican hard candy that is dusted with chili powder. Traditionally, watermelon juice is used to make Mexican Candy, but you can use any fruit juice like strawberry, raspberry, or guava juice for an authentic look.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 0.5 oz Silver Tequila
  • 1 oz Watermelon Schnapps
  • 2 dashes Hot Sauce
  • Ice

Instructions
 

Combine Ingredients:
  1. Add 0.5 oz of silver tequila, 1 oz of watermelon schnapps, and 2 dashes of hot sauce to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake Well:
  1. Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
Strain and Serve:
  1. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
Enjoy:
  1. Serve immediately and enjoy your sweet and spicy Mexican Candy Shot.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcalCarbohydrates: 7gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 7gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 0.02mgIron: 0.01mg

Notes

The Story Behind the Shot The Mexican Candy Shot, also known as the "Paleta Shot" (Spanish for "lollipop"), is a modern bar classic. Its origin is a delicious tale of two cultures, as it's believed to have been born in border towns where Mexican candy and American cocktails collided. The shot perfectly captures the flavor profile of a watermelon lollipop dusted with chili powder, making it a nostalgic treat with a boozy twist.
Tips for a Perfect Shot
  • The Rim is a Must: Don't skip the spicy rim! The Tajín or chili-lime seasoning is what truly sells the "Mexican candy" flavor, adding a zesty, savory, and spicy element to the sweet shot.
  • Adjust the Heat: You can easily customize the spice level. Use fewer dashes of hot sauce for a milder shot or a hotter variety for a fiery kick.
  • Make It a Cocktail: For a full-sized drink, simply double the recipe and serve it over ice in a rocks or highball glass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Is this a very strong shot? Yes, this shot is potent. It contains two ounces of liquor, with the sweet and spicy flavors masking its strength. It should be consumed responsibly.
  • What does a Mexican Candy Shot taste like? It's a surprising and delicious mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. You get the prominent watermelon taste, a zesty kick of lime from the Tajín, and a warm, spicy finish from the hot sauce.
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks
Calories: 106

Loved This Recipe?

You'll love my Recipe Books!
Cheers Mate! Cocktail Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring a shaker and glass
Grab it here

Cheers Mate!
Your ultimate cocktail playbook. Over 100 drinks that’ll make you the life of the party (or at least your own kitchen).

weets & Treats Dessert Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring cupcakes and ice cream
Snag it now

Sweets & Treats
Boozy desserts + classic indulgence = pure chaos in the best way. No-bake cheats, rich bakes, and grown-up sweets you won’t want to share.

You Might also like these Recipes

Vodka jello shots served in fresh orange halves on a party platter
Jello Shots – Vodka Jello Shots in Oranges

Turn fresh orange halves into vibrant, edible cups for vodka jello shots. This easy recipe blends citrus flavor with a boozy kick, making it a colorful hit at parties, BBQs, and summer gatherings.

A vibrant green Liquid Marijuana Shot in a glass with a maraschino cherry garnish.
Liquid Marijuana Shot

Get the recipe for the Squashed Frog Shot, a unique and fun layered shooter that’s perfect for Halloween. This guide shows you how to make this ghoulishly delicious party drink.

: A beautiful Wet Pussy Cocktail in a coupe glass, with a single fresh raspberry garnish.
Wet Pussy Cocktail

Master the art of the creamy Wet Pussy Cocktail. This guide provides the official recipe, expert tips, and all you need to know to make this delicious and sophisticated raspberry-flavored dessert drink at home.

A clear Silver Bullet Shot in a glass, with a lemon twist garnish on the rim.
Silver Bullet Shot

Master the art of the Silver Bullet Shot. This guide provides the official recipe for this sharp and sophisticated drink, a potent blend of gin and Scotch whiskey with a zesty citrus finish.

A Midori Splice cocktail in a tall glass, with a green bottom and a creamy white layer on top.
The Midori Splice Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Midori Splice, a creamy and tropical cocktail that tastes just like the classic ice cream. This guide shows you how to make this delicious, retro party drink.

A three-part Pancake Shot setup with a shot of whiskey and butterscotch, a shot of orange juice, and a strip of crispy bacon.
Pancake Shot Recipe

Get the legendary Pancake Shot recipe! This guide shows you how to make the three-part Irish Breakfast Shot that perfectly recreates the flavor of a pancake breakfast, complete with a savory bacon chaser.

A layered Jam Donut Shot in a glass, with a red base and a creamy white top layer, and a sugar-coated rim.
Jam Donut Shot

Get the recipe for the Jam Donut Shot, a layered and delicious shooter that tastes exactly like a raspberry jam donut. This guide shows you how to make this popular dessert shot.

A Lemon Drop Shot in a glass with a sugar rim, and a sugared lemon wedge on the side.
Lemon Drop Shot Recipe

Get the recipe for the Lemon Drop Shot, a sweet and sour vodka shooter that tastes just like the classic candy. This guide shows you how to make this fun and delicious party favorite.

A layered Squashed Frog Shot with green, yellow, and creamy white layers, with red drops of grenadine sinking through.
Squashed Frog Shot

Get the recipe for the Squashed Frog Shot, a unique and fun layered shooter that’s perfect for Halloween. This guide shows you how to make this ghoulishly delicious party drink.