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Mexican Candy Shot

April 24, 2022 by Tristin 44 Comments

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This Mexican Candy Shot recipe is a drink flavored with watermelon pucker and tequila. Adding in a dash of hot sauce and a chili lime salt coated rim, will surely delight your tastebuds. Make this watermelon paleta shot for a Cinco De Mayo fiesta or any time of the year.

If you are in need of spicy drinks, we have got you covered with this Mexican candy shot recipe. For more shot recipes, try this Grasshopper shot, a half mint, half chocolate shot. Or make our iconic drink, the Baby Yoda Cocktail.

Two shot glasses of Mexican candy shot with a slice of watermelon.

Mexican Lollipop Candy Shot Recipe

The Mexican candy shot, sometimes also called a Mexican lollipop candy shot or paleta shot, is going to become your new favorite shot! It is loaded with a unique flavor profile that just makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

It’s spicy, but also sweet and salty at the same time thanks to the rim of the glass being dipped into tajin, which is a super tasty chili-lime salt.

It’s fun to switch up some of the components on this shot by different flavors of some of the ingredients. Instead of schnapps, fruit juices can be used instead. You will only need 1/2 an ounce of fruit juice. Try out mango juice, strawberry juice, watermelon juice, raspberry juice, or guava juice.

You can even blend up watermelon fruit really fine in a blender to use in this drink.

Whether it’s a bbq, dinner party, fiesta or just to have a good time, these are going to be popular drinks no matter how you make them.

Where did this Paleta Shot Originate?

This classic cocktail has been around for some time. It originated down in Mexico, where it was probably made with the fruit juices, and around the border towns, like El Paso, Texas.

Above view of two shot glasses of Mexican candy shot with a slice of watermelon and pink towel.

Why is it called a Mexican Candy Shot?

The name of this drink is based off of a Mexican hard candy lollipop (or paleta) that you get down in Mexico called a Vero Rebanaditas paletas con chile. Paleta means lollipop, but can also mean popsicle. This lollipop is a Mexican watermelon candy that is coated in chili powder. It does also come in Vero Elotes, which is strawberry flavored and Vero Mango, which is obviously mango.

If you have never tried them, I recommend them, I’ve eaten them my whole life. The chili powder can be a little overwhelming for someone who has not had it on a lollipop before. If you don’t like it you can always wash some of it off. Some people like to lick just one side of the chili powder off first, so that they get the fruit combined with the chili flavors.

You can get them in Mexican grocery stores or order online.

What does a Mexican Candy Shot Taste Like?

This Mexican candy shot is sure to be a winner, with it’s delicious blend of flavors. It is fruity and sweet with a slight kick of spiciness, kind of a medium heat. The spicy flavors comes from the Tajin and the hot sauce.

What is a Mexican Candy Shot Made of?

This Mexican candy shot with tequila can actually be made a couple different ways. But, the way we make it here is fairly straightforward and has lots of fruity flavors. So, the basic ingredients included are always fruit juices or fruit schnapps, hot sauce, and alcohol (like tequila, rum, or vodka). The total time it takes to make one is only a few minutes.

Up close of a shot glass of Mexican candy shot with a few slices of watermelon.

What kind of Hot Sauce to Use?

I say go with your favorite hot sauce, whatever you normally like to eat on your Mexican food or have in your fridge. My go to is Tapatio, I like the subtle chili flavor it has, it’s has a nice balance of spice. Cholula is another one that we really like, just don’t use the chipotle flavored one.

What kind of Tequila to Use?

Again, like the hot sauce, chose your favorite tequila. Silver Tequila, also known as white, platinum, or blanco tequila is only aged for a few weeks and is the budget friendly option. It’s great to use in mixed cocktails because it doesn’t diminish the other flavors in the drink.

If buying gold tequila make sure it is made with 100% agave, otherwise it may have caramel coloring and sugar added to mimic agave tequila. Gold tequila is great in shots, because it is smoother and a little sweeter than white tequila.

Mexican Candy Shots Recipe Ingredients

Here are the basic ingredients for this Mexican paleta shot recipe. The full amounts will be listed in the recipe card below.

  • Lime: You will need a little juice from a fresh lime or just use water to dip the rim in so that the Tajin will stick.
  • Tajin seasoning: This is used for the rim of the shot glass.
  • Schnapps: I opted for watermelon pucker schnapps to mimic that watermelon candy flavor.
  • Tequila: Use your favorite tequila. You will need 1 oz tequila.
  • Hot sauce: Use your favorite hot sauce. Just a dash of Tabasco, Tapatio or Cholula hot sauces.
All of the ingredients needed to make Mexican candy shot like lime juice, watermelon schnapps, and hot sauce.

How to Make Mexican Candy Shot

  1. First thing is to dip the rim of the shot glass or shot glasses in a little lime juice.
  2. Next, dip the edge of your shot glass into a plate that is covered in some tajin. Set aside.
  3. In a shaker with ice cubes, combine tequila, watermelon schnapps, and hot sauce. Shake well for at least 10 seconds.
  4. Pour the mixture into a small glass or shot glass.
  5. Add a watermelon wedge or lime wedge as a garnish.
Step by step instructions on how to make paleta shot.

Mexican Lollipop Shot Recipe Tips & Variation

  • Sugared rim. Instead of Tajin for the rim of the shot glass, you could use white sugar.
  • Use juice. Leave out the schnapps and use juice instead. Use 1/2 oz watermelon juice, strawberry juice, guava juice, or raspberry juice.
  • Different flavored schnapps. You could use a different flavor of pucker instead of the watermelon. There is strawberry schnapps, mango schnapps,
  • Make it a Mexican candy drink. Double or triple the ingredients and pour this over ice to make it into a drink instead of a shot.
  • Add a little simple syrup. If the drink is not sweet enough you could add a splash of simple syrup to the rest of the ingredients in the shaker.
  • Mexican candy shot with rum. Use 1 oz rum in the place of the tequila.
  • Mexican candy shot with vodka. Use 1 oz vodka instead of tequila.
  • Mexican candy shot with chamoy. Make your own chamoy or buy some at the store. Put the chamoy on the rim and continue with the rest of the recipe.
  • Mango Mexican candy shot. For a mango flavored shot, I would add in 1/2 oz mango juice and 1/2 oz strawberry juice instead of the watermelon schnapps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in a Mexican Lollipop Drink? This Mexican candy shot is made of tequila, watermelon pucker, and hot sauce.

What are paleta shots made of? Paleta shots can be made with fresh fruit juice like watermelon juice or blended watermelon. This paleta shot is made with tequila, pucker, and hot sauce.

Do I need a cocktail shaker to make this drink? While it is not a requirement to have a cocktail shaker, you will need something to shake the ingredients over ice. I have used various items over the years before getting a shaker. You could use a mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Or even a Yeti tumbler with a lid, just use a paper towel to cover the little hole.

Two shot glasses of Mexican Candy Shot with a slice of watermelon.

Try these other recipes!

  • Baby Yoda Cocktail
  • Blood Orange Old Fashioned
  • Grasshopper Shot
  • Hot Spiked Apple Cider

If you’ve tried this Mexican Candy Shot Recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes!

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Two shot glasses of Mexican Candy Shot with a slice of watermelon.
Print Recipe
5 from 22 votes

Mexican Candy Shot Recipe

This Mexican Candy Shot is flavored with watermelon pucker and tequila. Adding in a dash of hot sauce and a chili lime salt coated rim, will surely delight your tastebuds. Make this watermelon paleta shot for a Cinco De Mayo fiesta or any time of the year.
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 1
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Tristin

Ingredients

  • lime juice or water for the rim
  • tajin for the rim
  • 1 ounce tequila
  • 1/2 ounce watermelon schnapps
  • 2 dashes hot sauce

Instructions

  • First thing is to dip the rim of the shot glass or shot glasses in a little lime juice.
  • Next, dip the edge of your shot glass into a plate that is covered in some tajin. Set aside. 
  •  In a shaker with ice cubes, combine tequila, watermelon schnapps, and hot sauce. Shake well for at least 10 seconds.
  • Pour the mixture into a small glass or shot glass. Add a watermelon wedge or lime wedge as a garnish.

Notes

  • Sugared rim. Instead of Tajin for the rim of the shot glass, you could use white sugar.
  • Use juice. Leave out the schnapps and use juice instead. Use 1/2 oz watermelon juice, strawberry juice, guava juice, or raspberry juice.
  • Different flavored schnapps. You could use a different flavor of pucker instead of the watermelon. There is strawberry schnapps, mango schnapps,
  • Make it a Mexican candy drink. Double or triple the ingredients and pour this over ice to make it into a drink instead of a shot.
 
 
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Daniela

    May 12, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    5 stars
    Don’t skip the Tajin around the rim – this gives this Mexican Candy Shot a little kick.

  2. Tristin

    May 12, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    I could not agree more, Daniela! The Tajin is my favorite part.

  3. LaKita

    May 13, 2022 at 7:52 pm

    5 stars
    This Mexican candy shot is so refreshing and delicious! I love the flavor of Tajin and adding it to a cocktail is a perfect match for me.

  4. Tristin

    May 13, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    Mmmm, yes, me too! Tajin is YUM! Thank you LaKita.

  5. Amy Liu Dong

    May 13, 2022 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    I don’t drink but this one looks so delicious.
    I am sure my sister will love to have a shot of this drink.

  6. Tristin

    May 13, 2022 at 10:45 pm

    I hope your sister loves this drink, Amy!

  7. Nikki

    May 14, 2022 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    Love the bit of spice and the combination of watermelon in these fun shots!

  8. Tristin

    May 14, 2022 at 8:10 am

    That hot sauce adds that little bit of extra!

  9. Kathleen

    May 15, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    Made these for a bridal shower yesterday and everyone raved about them! I offered shots and also drinks with some fresh watermelon juice so they weren’t so strong. Everyone loved them!

  10. Tristin

    May 15, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    How fun, Kathleen! I love that idea. Congrats to who ever is getting married and thanks for commenting.

  11. Loreto and Nicoletta

    May 15, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    5 stars
    I am imagining sitting on the deck sipping this lovely drink in the middle of summer! Thanks for sharing this, makes me dive right into summer!????❤????

  12. Tristin

    May 15, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    Ooooh, now that sounds nice! Hope it cools you off.

  13. Erin

    May 15, 2022 at 11:35 pm

    5 stars
    This was my first time using watermelon schnapps. YUM! We loved these shots! Thanks a ton.

  14. Tristin

    May 15, 2022 at 11:45 pm

    Great! I am so glad that you loved them. Thanks Erin.

  15. Debbie

    May 16, 2022 at 12:39 am

    5 stars
    Wow Mexican Candy shot looks amazing. I bet the sweet shot mixed with the tajin is fabulous. I will be trying this soon

  16. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 1:00 am

    It gives you that sweet but salty and spicy combination. Hope you love it Debbie.

  17. Moop Brown

    May 16, 2022 at 1:44 am

    5 stars
    This seems like such a flavorful shot and the hot sauce adds as nice kick as well. Thanks for sharing

  18. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 2:00 am

    Love the kick from the hot sauce! Hope you love it Moop.

  19. Hayley Dhanecha

    May 16, 2022 at 2:14 am

    5 stars
    This Mexican candy shot were so quick and easy to make! We all loved it. Thanks for the easy yet amazing recipe!

  20. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 2:20 am

    Glad you loved this one Hayley! Thanks!

  21. Jamie

    May 16, 2022 at 2:30 am

    5 stars
    This is such a great idea and tasted great too! The hot sauce and chili lime flavors were such a treat!

  22. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 2:45 am

    Isn’t it such a great combo? Love these flavors together!

  23. Heidy

    May 16, 2022 at 6:51 am

    5 stars
    This recipe was fantastic! I love coming here and finding delicious recipes my family and friends always love. Have a great day! I am looking forward to your following recipe in the newsletter.

  24. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 7:00 am

    I am so glad you loved this Heidy!

  25. M

    May 16, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! I know I’ll be making this over and over again this summer!

  26. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    Yay! Hope you love it every time!

  27. Sandra Shaffer

    May 16, 2022 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a fun drink to serve at a party. I made it into a drink (thanks for the suggestion), over ice. It was a hit at our happy hour get-together!

  28. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    It is great as a drink too! Thanks Sandra.

  29. Julie

    May 16, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    This shot was so much fun to serve for our neighborhood Friday night get-together. I loved the contrast of flavors.

  30. Tristin

    May 16, 2022 at 9:00 pm

    That sounds like a blast Julie! Glad you loved this shot recipe.

  31. Debi

    May 17, 2022 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    These were fun. I made them for a weekend with the girls. Don’t have too many though! LOL

  32. Tristin

    May 17, 2022 at 9:00 am

    It is definitely easy to drink a few of these, lol! Glad you had fun drinking them.

  33. Susannah

    May 17, 2022 at 3:14 pm

    5 stars
    These are so fun! I tried this recipe because I had all the ingredients and I’m going to make them for friends this weekend.

  34. Tristin

    May 17, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    I love it when the stars align and things work like that, Susannah!

  35. Michaela Kenkel

    May 18, 2022 at 9:02 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe on Cinco de Mayo and I have made them 3 times since!! Such a fantastic combination of flavors!! Love it!

  36. Tristin

    May 18, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    These shots are perfect for Cinco de Mayo! Thanks Michaela.

  37. Erin

    May 19, 2022 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    The spicy-sweetness of this shot is out of this world! Will definitely be making these again to serve to friends soon.

  38. Tristin

    May 19, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Yes, that combo is mouth watering! Thanks Erin!

  39. Matt

    August 20, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    5 stars
    This shot is amazing! My only complaint is I didn’t find it sooner…

  40. Tristin

    August 20, 2022 at 2:38 pm

    Well, I’m glad you found it. This is one of our favorite shots because it’s delicious!

  41. Stan

    March 18, 2023 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    I hate shots…well shots that aren’t these. These are AMAZING!!!

  42. Teri

    March 19, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    5 stars
    I made these delicious shots for Happy Hour on Taco Tues for my friends last week. Oh what fun!

  43. Tristin

    March 19, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    Sounds like a blast, Teri! I am so glad you liked them.

  44. Tristin

    March 21, 2023 at 9:16 am

    I am glad you at least like these shots, Stan. Thanks!

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Hey there! Welcome, I am so glad you are here. I’m Tristin, the food-lover, recipe-maker, and photo-taker behind Home Cooked Harvest, which features easy recipes made with tasty ingredients. Read More…

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