Mexican Candy Shot

What is in a Mexican Candy shot?

It all starts with a good quality tequila (as most good stories do). Any of the flavours – blanco, reposado or añejo – work well here. Aim for a good ratio of 1 part tequila to 2 parts juice, but you can always top up the fruit juice to your taste if you find it has too much of a kick. 

Next, remember when it comes to cocktails, fresh is always best! Combine your chosen tequila with your favourite fresh tropical juice. Traditionally, pretty pink watermelon is juice of favour, just like the candy that inspires the cocktail. Strain the juice from the pulp for best results. Variations of this Mexican candy drink recipe skip the fresh juice entirely using a 15% alcohol sweet-sour schnapps called watermelon pucker. If trying this version, stick to the same tequila to watermelon ratio and only add a touch of lime juice to taste. 

For authenticity, spice it up with a dash or two of hot sauce, if you’re feeling brave. We love Tabasco but you can pick your favourite chilli sauce. 

For the final touch, you can add the popular Mexican seasoning called Tajín. The real deal is tangy blend of various dried chillies, árbol, guajillo and pasilla, dehydrated lime and salt. Make a similar one up at home with granulated sugar, zingy lime zest and fine chilli powder—it adds a sweet and spicy texture to the rim. Don’t worry if you’re not into spice; using just crunchy sugar is just fine too. 

Tips and tricks to make the best Mexican Candy shots

When making the ultimate Mexican candy drink, there are a few tips that can raise your game. Fill your shaker or jar with enough ice cubes and shake well until your hands get cold – this will make the flavour ping more on your palate. If you have time, freeze your shot glasses for at least 30 minutes for extra chill.  For the ultimate sweet-sour puckering, suck on the lime wedges between sips! 

If you have Tajin seasoning leftover, it can be used to make fantastic easy bites to serve alongside. Sprinkle on some cucumber circles or onto cream cheese stuffed celery sticks or swirl into your guacamole. 

Looking for an alternative to watermelon? Use other typically bright and beautiful ingredients like all classic Mexican cocktails contain., Other juice combinations are also authentic, such as the similarly coloured pink juices like grapefruit and guava, or extra sweet mango and strawberry are just as tasty.