This Mexican Candy Shot is one of the best watermelon pucker shots that I've tried. It's sweet, sour, and a little bit spicy-everything a good drink needs! I love serving them at parties and barbecues. Sometimes, I feel like I can't keep up with the demand because they're just that good.
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I like to call this a "watermelon candy shot" because it tastes like a spicy Jolly Rancher. Finish with lime juice and Tajin on the rim and it's like you're in paradise! If you make this sour Mexican candy shot recipe, be prepared to make a lot of them!
If you like tasty Mexican recipes, you will love to make tacos with this slow cooker pork carnitas and try my Mexican breakfast casserole for a weekend brunch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's only 3 ingredients: With only three ingredients, you can create this sweet and sour candy shot. It's uncomplicated and tasty!
- It's made in minutes: There's minimal effort and steps to make shots, including this one. Just combine the ingredients, shake, pour, and serve.
- It's a party favorite: I serve this at every summer get-together that I attend or host. Everyone adores it!
Ingredients
- White tequila: This is the best variety of tequila for these candy shots because it has a clean taste that doesn't compete with the other ingredients. Use any brand that you like.
- Watermelon pucker: You may use watermelon pucker, Schnapps, or liqueur. It all comes down to your preference.
- Hot sauce: I like a basic hot sauce like Cholula or Texas Pete. It adds a subtle heat and pepper flavor that balances the tequila and watermelon.
- Lime juice and Tajin: This is optional but makes the result pretty! Dip the rim of each shot glass in lime juice and then Tajin to enhance the flavor of the drink.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
This strawberry horchata is a great non-alcoholic drink you can give the kids on Cinco de Mayo.
How to Make a Mexican Candy Shot
In about 2 minutes you can make a sweet, sour, and spicy Mexican candy shooter or hot! Below are some quick steps to help you prepare it.
Step 1: Make the cocoktail. Fill the cocktail halfway with ice and then, pour in the tequila.
Step 2: Add ingredients. Add the watermelon pucker and hot sauce. Give the mixture a good shake.
Step 3: Rim the shot glass. Dip the rim of the shot glass in lime juice and Tajin. Then, pour the shot!
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Add a fresh lime slice and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Storage directions: If you're planning to make several Mexican-style candy shots at once, scale the ingredients to make a pitcher for easy pouring and serving. Otherwise, make it fresh!
- Add agave syrup: For a sweeter version of this shot, use some agave syrup. It will help balance the spiciness.
- Use chilled ingredients: Pop the alcohol into the refrigerator before preparing the drink. It tastes even better when it's super cold.
- Mexican candy cocktail: Add some club soda or Sprite to turn this shot into a sippable Mexican candy drink.
If you love recipes like this tropical drink, you may also enjoy my mango mai tai or this spicy jalapeno margarita recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Keep with the theme and make some tasty Mexican-inspired recipes like Mexican street corn casserole and tequila lime chicken wings.
- Try a creative twist on tacos and prepare these smash burger tacos.
- A tasty dessert like peanut butter chocolate Rice Krispie balls is a quick and easy treat to enjoy with your shots.
- Amp up the watermelon flavor and use some fresh watermelon syrup.
Recipe FAQs
A mason jar and a fine mesh strainer are great substitutes if you don't have a cocktail shaker. Add some ice to the jar, close the lid, and then pour through the strainer before the shot glass.
I love a middle-of-the-road hot sauce so it's not too spicy but not so mild that I can't taste it. Louisiana hot sauce or Cholula are fabulous options.
White and silver tequila are the same, so the terms may be used interchangeably. It's a light and crisp tequila that's perfect for this recipe.
More Delicious Sweet Shot Recipes
Do you like shot recipes? Here are some recipes you may also want to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Sweet & Tangy Mexican Candy Shots
Equipment
- Shallow Plates
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces white tequila
- ½ ounce watermelon pucker
- 2 dashes hot sauce
Optional Rimming:
- Lime juice
- Tajin
Instructions
- If rimming your shot glass, using a lime wedge, run it around the opening of the show glass used for serving. Then add Tajin to a shallow plate and dip the rim in to fully coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add ingredients in.
- Shake until chilled and strain into prepared shot glass.
Notes
- Prepare a Mexican candy shot with a mason jar and a fine mesh strainer if you don't have a cocktail shaker.
- Only save it if you make a large batch in a pitcher. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Silver tequila is another name used for white tequila so you may use either in this recipe.
Billie says
Best shots ever! They have everything going on. Its a flavor party now! Thanks for these! We will definitely be making them again. ❤️
Karin and Ken says
So happy to hear you’re enjoying these shots! They’re definitely delicious! All the best. Karin
Eva says
This was SO good. We will be making them again for Cinco de Mayo! Thank you.
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. You just made my day. All the best. Karin