Make This Mexican Candy Shot for Your Next Girls’ Night In

If you’ve never had a Mexican candy shot before, let me warn you—this tiny drink packs a fiesta in a glass. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and just a little sassy (kind of like your favorite aunt at the family BBQ), it’s the ultimate party-starter whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just a random Friday with friends.

I first tried this Mexican candy shot recipe at a friend’s backyard get-together, and let’s just say—I immediately cornered the host for the recipe. One sip and it was like my favorite paleta (Mexican popsicle) got a spicy, grown-up makeover. And now? I make it any time I want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Candy Shot

• It’s quick. Like, five minutes quick.
• It’s flavorful. Sweet watermelon schnapps + bold tequila + a hint of hot sauce? Chef’s kiss.
• It’s fun. This shot looks festive with its Tajín rim and bright colors—and tastes even better.
• It’s customizable. Want it fruity? Spicier? Alcohol-free? I’ve got you covered below.

If you’ve ever Googled “how to make Mexican candy shots,” you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down.

What Does a Mexican Candy Shot Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a juicy watermelon lollipop coated in chili-lime seasoning—and then chasing it with a smooth tequila finish. That’s this shot in a nutshell. It’s a little tart, sweet from the schnapps, spicy from the hot sauce, and just salty enough thanks to the Tajín rim.

It’s the grown-up version of those addictive Mexican candies we all (still) love. You’ll taste nostalgia and the tequila.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Mexican Candy Shot

No hard-to-find ingredients here. Everything’s easy to grab at your local store or liquor shop:

• Tequila – Blanco or silver works best, but go with what you love.
• Watermelon schnapps or pucker – Brings the signature sweet-tart candy flavor.
• Hot sauce – A couple dashes for that spicy kick.
• Tajín – For the rim (or swap for sugar if you’re feeling fancy).
• Lime juice or water – Helps the Tajín stick to the glass rim.
• Optional garnish – A wedge of lime or watermelon for that Instagram-worthy touch.

How to Make the Best Mexican Candy Shot

This is one of those recipes where you look wildly impressive—without actually doing much. My kind of drink.

1. Rim the glass.
   Dip your shot glass in lime juice, then into a plate of Tajín. Set aside.
2. Mix it up.
   In a shaker filled with ice, combine:
   • 1 oz tequila
   • ½ oz watermelon schnapps
   • 2 dashes of hot sauce
3. Shake it like you mean it.
   Give it a good 10-second shake to chill everything down.
4. Pour and garnish.
   Strain into your prepared shot glass and top with a lime or watermelon wedge if you’d like.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mexican Candy Shots

• No schnapps? No problem. You can sub in fruit juice—watermelon, strawberry, guava, or even raspberry work beautifully. It’ll be slightly less boozy and more refreshing.
• Dial up the heat. Like it spicy? Use a spicier hot sauce (I’ve used Valentina and Cholula with great results).
• Make it a cocktail. Double (or triple) the ingredients, pour over ice, and you’ve got yourself a full-size Mexican candy drink.
• Sweet swap. Not into Tajín? Rim the glass with sugar for a sweet twist.
• Make ahead. You can pre-mix a batch and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just shake before serving!

FAQs

What’s in a Mexican candy shot?
It’s typically made with tequila, watermelon schnapps (or juice), hot sauce, and a Tajín-coated rim. Optional garnishes give it that extra flair.

Can I make it alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Swap tequila with sparkling water or a citrus soda like Sprite, and use watermelon juice instead of schnapps.

What kind of hot sauce works best?
Whatever you’ve got—seriously. Valentina, Cholula, or Tapatío all work great. Want more kick? Go bolder.

How do I store leftovers?
If you made a larger batch, just pop it in the fridge (airtight, please!) and shake before serving. It should stay fresh for a couple of days.

Conclusion

There’s something about this Mexican candy shot that just brings the party. Maybe it’s the nostalgic flavors, maybe it’s the zing of tequila, or maybe it’s just how fast they disappear when friends are over. Either way, it’s a keeper. Whip up a batch, turn on the music, and let this little shot steal the show.

If you’re building a party spread to go with your shots, don’t miss this helpful guide on the best way to stuff olives. Whether you love them filled with cheese, almonds, or spicy surprises, this quick tutorial will level up your appetizer game in minutes.

Mexican Candy Shot

This Mexican Candy Shot is flavored with watermelon schnapps and tequila. With a chili-lime salted rim and a dash of hot sauce, it’s sweet, spicy, and perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 1 shot

Calories 102 kcal

Ingredients

  

Shot Rim

• lime juice or water for the rim
• tajin for the rim

Shot Ingredients

• 1 ounce tequila
• 1/2 ounce watermelon schnapps
• 2 dashes hot sauce

Instructions

 

• Dip the rim of the shot glass into lime juice or water.
• Coat the rim with Tajin on a small plate. Set aside.
• In a shaker with ice, combine tequila, watermelon schnapps, and hot sauce. Shake well for at least 10 seconds.
• Pour into a shot glass and garnish with a wedge of watermelon or lime if desired.

Notes

Instead of Tajin, try a sugared rim. Swap schnapps for juice like watermelon or strawberry. Try other schnapps flavors like strawberry or mango. For a full drink, double the recipe and serve over ice.

Keyword Mexican Candy Shot, Mexican Candy Shot Drink, Mexican Candy Shot Recipe, tequila