Kick up your shot game with these vibrant and delicious Mexican Candy Shots! Inspired by watermelon candy with chili, this shot recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that make for the perfect combination.

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Mexican Candy Shot (Watermelon Paleta Shot)

If you love shots with tequila and want to get the party started, look no further than these Mexican Candy Shots! Also known as Watermelon Paleta Shots or Mexican Lollipop Shots, these shots are fruity with spicy flavors that taste best with a lime wedge chase. Combining the sweetness of watermelon schnapps, the smoothness of blanco tequila, and a hint of hot sauce, these shots are a fiesta in a glass. They’re easy to make and a delicious combination of flavors! Keep reading for how to make a Mexican Candy Shot!

Blanco or Silver tequila, known for its smooth and crisp profile, pairs perfectly with the fruity watermelon schnapps. If you don’t have watermelon schnapps on hand, you can sub with melon liqueur, though the flavor will be slightly different. These shots are not only incredibly easy to make, they use simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The tajín rim adds a zesty kick, while the lime wedges provide a refreshing citrus note. A dash of hot sauce adds a spicy kick to every sip!

Ingredients for the Mexican Candy Shot

• Tajin: This chili lime salt seasoning is perfect for rimming shot glasses, adding a zesty kick.
• Watermelon Schnapps: A watermelon liqueur that adds a tart and sweet, fruity flavor. I used DeKuyper Watermelon Pucker Schnapps.
• Tequila: Opt for a smooth blanco tequila. Cazadores Blanco is a great choice. 
• Hot Sauce: Just a dash of hot sauce for the perfect addition of heat. Adjust to your level of spice preference.
• Lime Wedges: Used for moistening the rims of the shot glasses and as a garnish, for a refreshing citrus note!

How to Make Mexican Candy Shots

This Mexican Candy Shot recipe is quick and easy!

Start by preparing your shot glasses. Add Tajin to a shallow dish, then moisten the rims of two shot glasses with lime juice. Dip the rims into the Tajin until they’re fully coated.

Next, grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in blanco tequila, watermelon schnapps, and a touch of hot sauce. Shake the mixture vigorously until it’s well-chilled. Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glasses, dividing it evenly. Serve the shots immediately, garnished with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy these vibrant and flavorful shots that are a perfect blend of sweetness, heat, and tanginess!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Watermelon Paleta Shot?

A Watermelon Paleta Shot, also known as a Watermelon Candy Shot, is a vibrant and flavorful shot inspired by watermelon popsicles and Mexican watermelon candy coated in chili powder. It combines watermelon schnapps, blanco tequila, a hint of hot sauce, and is often served with a Tajin-rimmed glass and a lime wedge.

Can I use a different type of tequila?

While I recommend blanco tequila for its smooth and crisp profile, you can use other types of tequila if needed. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly.

What can I use instead of watermelon schnapps?

If you don’t have watermelon schnapps, you can substitute it with watermelon juice or melon liqueur. The flavor will be slightly different, but these alternatives will still provide a fruity and sweet taste. Another type of schnapps could also be a fun twist on this recipe.

Is hot sauce necessary in this recipe?

The hot sauce adds a spicy kick to the shots, enhancing the overall flavor. If you prefer a milder shot, you can omit the hot sauce.

What if I don’t have Tajin?

You can make a similar chili-lime spice blend by mixing equal parts chili powder and salt with a bit of lime zest. 

More Fruity Cocktail Recipes

• Spicy Watermelon Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe
• Refreshing Strawberry White Wine Spritzer Recipe
• The Best Cherry Pie Cocktail Recipe

If you make this recipe, make sure to tag me on Instagram! And let me know what you think in a comment below!

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