Mexican Candy Shot (Paleta Shot)

Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with the Mexican Candy Shot! Inspired by traditional Mexican candies, this shot is a delightful mix of watermelon pucker, tequila, and a hint of hot sauce and spices that will tantalize your taste buds.

 

You’re going to love the Mexican candy shot, also known as the Mexican lollipop candy shot or paleta shot. It’s a delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors made with watermelon, tequila, a touch of hot sauce, and a chili lime rim.

what is a Mexican Candy Shot?

This drink is named after a popular Mexican candy called Rebanaditas paletas con chile, which is a watermelon lollipop coated in a mild chili powder. In Mexico, “paleta” can mean both lollipop and popsicle. The candy also comes in other flavors such as strawberry and mango.

Ingredients In a Paleta Shot

• Tequila: use a blanco tequila for a smooth finish.
• Watermelon Liqueur: Watermelon flavored liqueur with a sweet, fruity flavoring. Some options include Schnapps or Pucker. You can swap this with watermelon juice, like Simply brand, but the drink will not have as much flavor or sweetness to it.
• Hot Sauce: use your favorite hot sauce, one of our favorites is Valentina.
• Chili Lime Seasoning: you can use Tajin, which is a popular store bought spice blend, or make your own using our recipe for Chili Lime Seasoning, which is a blend of spicy Chile peppers, salt, sugar and tangy lime.

How to Make

1. Using a cocktail shaker or a cup with a lid, add tequila, watermelon schnapps, ice, and hot sauce together. Secure the cover and shake it well to mix all the ingredients.
2. Rim the Shot Glass. To prepare the shot glass, you can add a spicy Tajin rim. Spread some Tajin on a clean plate and run a lime wedge along the edge of the shot glass. Then, dip the glass upside-down into the Tajin to coat the rim with the seasoning.
3. Pour and Serve: After pouring the shot into the glass, serve immediately.

when to Serve these Shots

These shots are a great summertime drink thanks to the sweet watermelon flavoring! These drinks are perfect to serve for:

• Cinco de Mayo
• Parties (birthdays, wedding parties)
• BBQs
• Ladies Night

What to serve Mexican Candy Shots with

• Chips & Salsa: a classic serving of homemade tortilla chips and a restaurant style salsa is a great snack to serve alongside these drinks.
• Guacamole: this easy to make, creamy homemade Guacamole would fit right in with the chips and salsa.
• Queso: homemade Queso made with real cheese! Or take things up a notch and make this Queso Fundido.
• Tostilocos: the ultimate in Mexican street food, these Tostilocos are loaded up with spicy chips, fresh fruits, cucumber, chamoy and tajin.
• Esquites: street corn served in cups topped with extra crumbled cheese and spicy Hot Cheetos.

Recipe Tips & variations

• Mango Paleta Shot: make a mango version of this recipe by using a mango liqueur in place of the watermelon. You can also use this method to make a strawberry flavor or a guava flavor if you want!
• Cocktail Drink Version (Mexican Lollipop Drink): make this a cocktail drink to sip on by doubling the ingredients and serving over some ice. Or try this Watermelon Margarita drink for a refreshing watermelon drink made with fresh watermelon.
• Paleta shot with Chamoy: make your own chamoy rim dip and use it on the side of the glass with a sprinkle of tajin for even more flavor.

Mexican Candy Shot FAQs