Mexican Candy Shot: A Sweet & Spicy Delight

The Mexican Candy Shot recipe is a sweet and spicy delight—an easy cocktail perfect for a party or get-together. It is made with tequila, lime juice, and Watermelon Pucker. 

The shot is then topped with Tajín, a chili-lime seasoning that’s easy to find at most grocery stores. The result is a sweet, spicy, and refreshing cocktail that is sure to please.

The Mexican Candy Shot is a relatively new cocktail, but it has quickly become a popular choice at parties and bars across the country. The cocktail is said to have originated in Mexico, where it is often served as a refreshing treat after a meal.

How to Make a Mexican Candy Shot

Here are the tools, ingredients, and steps for making this zesty little sweet-and-sour alcoholic beverage.

Tools:

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Small Plate
• Small Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Spoon
• 1.5 oz Shot Glass

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Tequila
• 0.5 oz (half-shot) or 1 oz Watermelon Pucker
• 1 Lime

Shots:

• 1 oz Tequila
• 0.5 oz or 1 oz Watermelon Pucker

Rim:

• 1 t Lime juice, water, or additional Pucker
• 2 T Tajin

Garnish: 

• 1 Lime Wedge

Instructions:

1. Cut lime into wedges and set aside. (1 lime = 4 wedges)
2. Measure out the tajin and pour it out onto the small plate. 
3. Rub the rim/edge of the shot glass with one of your lime wedges and then dip into your tajin on your small plate. 
4. Pour tequila and Watermelon Pucker into the shot glass, then stir/mix together with your bar spoon.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge. For that extra kick of spice, add a pinch of tajin at the bottom of your glass before you pour in your liquids.

Tips for Making the Best Mexican Candy Shot Recipe

• Prep a saucer with a layer of Tajin before you wet the rims of the shot glasses since they will dry quickly.
• Wet the rims of the shot glass liberally with Pucker or water, then turn each shot glass over into the tajin and gently turn so the rim is fully coated.
• For a more intense flavor, use a reposado or añejo tequila.
• If you don’t have Tajin, you can substitute a mixture of sour mix and chili powder.
• You can also add a splash of grenadine to the shot for a fruity twist.
• Chamoy is a Mexican condiment that adds a tasty kick. Find it at Hispanic markets or make your own.
• What to do with the lime: You can serve each shot with its own lime wedge to enjoy as a finisher or squeeze the lime juice over the top of each finished Mexican Candy Shot and save guests the trouble of getting their hands sticky.

What to Serve With a Mexican Candy Shot

Since this is a classic Mexican flavor, there are a lot of great ideas for snacks that go great with this Mexican Candy Shot recipe. This shot is a nice balance of sweet and sour, and Tajin adds a salty, zesty finish that makes for a fun experience.

Let’s look at some snacks you’ll love:

• The classic chips and salsa. Try a spicy red salsa and blue corn tortilla chips.
• Guacamole, which usually contains lime and tajin already, is super tasty on the side. 
• Homemade queso is always a winner. Add warm flour tortillas or crisp chips.
• Whip up this fast and yummy Mexican Sour Cream Dip. Serve cold with Fritos—a perfect side or snack with this shot.

Variations on the Mexican Candy Shot Recipe

• The Mango Candy Shot: This variation adds a splash of mango juice to the cocktail, giving it a tropical flavor.
• The Spicy Candy Shot: This variation adds a few dashes of hot sauce to the cocktail, giving it a kick.
• Some recipes use Chamoy instead of (or in addition to) Watermelon Pucker. 

The bottom line

No matter what variation you choose, the Mexican Candy Shot is sure to be a hit at your next party or get-together. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this sweet and spicy delight!