Inspired by a hard Mexican candy that’s watermelon flavoured and dusted in chilli, this cocktail is a sweet and spicy shot guaranteed to explode on the tastebuds. Made with tequila and vibrant fruity flavours, be sure to try all the Mexican candy shots on offer – they’re all undoubtedly delicious!
Mexican Candy Shot
PREP TIME 10 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
For the Tajín, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl
02
Run a slice of lime around the rim of the glass
03
Dip the shot glass into the sweet Tajín mixture and twist to coat the rim
04
Fill a shaker (or mason jar) with ice and add all the remaining drink ingredients. Shake well until chilled
05
Strain the mixture into the shot glass
06
Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Typically, Mexican candy is a hard watermelon flavoured sweet, which is dusted in chilli powder.
When it comes to cocktails, fresh is always best! Traditionally pretty pink watermelon was always favoured, but in true Mexican style, other colorful tropical juices like grapefruit, guava have been used including extra sweet mango and strawberry and are just as tasty. Strain the juice from the pulp for best results.
Looking for cocktail that hits a bit different? This sweet-yet-spicy shot takes inspiration from traditional Mexican hard candies, which are watermelon at their core and dusted in a kick of chilli. The shot version is packed with the vibrant and hot flavours we all love about Mexican cuisine – juicy watermelon, zingy lime and fiery hot sauce. Made with tequila and finished with a spicy paprika rim, this shot will definitely have your guests breathing fire!
