Mexican Candy Shots – Festive Tequila Shots

These Mexican candy shots are perfect for the stressful fast-approaching festive season. They are very easy to make, pack a big punch, and can even be converted into kid-friendly drinks!

If you are looking for more drink ideas, then you have to take a look at the Drinks Section on my site. Personally, I love the refreshing taste of a classic Mexican Margarita. But you can also try some drinks that are a little less conventional, like this Dominican Summer Drink or this Canteloupe Melon Juice.

And, if you are entertaining large groups of people, you can make this easy Watermelon Fruit Punch Bowl.

What Are Mexican Candy Shots Made Of?

Mexican candy shots are very unique and becoming more and more popular across the globe. They are made with three must-add ingredients: tequila, watermelon schnapps, and a dash of hot sauce.

Now, seeing as the festive season is on our doorstep, I thought it was the perfect time to make these delicious and fiery shots to help… well, cope with the excessive amounts of stress you’ll be facing!

Now, traditionally these hot sauce shots are made with a Tajin-covered rim. This is a popular spice rub used for various meat dishes.

The shots we are making today can be made with Tajin rims. But, for a more festive feel, I’ve opted for some Christmas-themed hundreds and thousands.

These are incredibly easy to find and can be bought at your local bakery supply store, some chain grocers, and online. I usually use the one from Wilton.

The shots themselves are versatile. Again, you need three ingredients, but you don’t have to add the hot sauce. Many people don’t like the flavor it adds or the burn.

And, the ratio of tequila to watermelon schnapps is adjustable. But personally, I like the one I have developed for this recipe. It’s easy to remember and easy to measure.

Variations Of This Festive Shots Recipe

There are quite a few variations you can try for this Mexican candy shots recipe. The best way to figure out what you like is to try a couple of different things.

Non-Alcoholic

The biggest variation for this recipe you can try is making it non-alcoholic. It’s, to some extent, easy. But obviously, the flavors will differ significantly.

First, you can use watermelon juice instead of schnapps. This goes for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions of this recipe.

If you cannot find watermelon juice, you can even use strawberry juice, raspberry juice, guava juice, and cranberry juice.

If you want to keep making alcoholic Mexican candy shots without the watermelon flavor, use strawberry schnapps or mango schnapps. You can even use peppermint schnapps, but it may be too intense with the hot sauce you use.

Then, to replace the tequila, you can easily buy non-alcoholic tequilas. Here is a fantastic list of easy-to-find options.

Hot Sauce

The next big variation you can make revolves around the type of hot sauce you use. Personally, I just add Tabasco. It isn’t extremely hot but will give you a kick.

You can experiment with different brands and spicy levels.

Just keep in mind, while it is funny to see someone sweat from an uber-spicy sauce, it defeats the purpose of these shots. If you want to see them burn, just give them the hot sauce as-is. But for these shots, definitely consider flavor over spice.

Rim

As I’ve mentioned before, the traditional Mexican candy shots are made with a rim covered in Tajin, a popular Mexican spice rub. However, today I will also make the shots with festive hundreds and thousands.

Now, even though these are theme-appropriate, you can really make any rim you want. If you want to keep it classic, just make a salt rim. You can even make a sugar rim!

It’s up to you. Whatever fits your theme best is what will work best. At the end of the day, the rim and garnishes are just that: decorations.

Tips For Making Authentic Mexican Candy Shots

• If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can simply combine all of the shot ingredients in a jug or small mixing bowl. Then, add the ice and give the ingredients a couple of stirs. The ice helps chill the mixture, and the stirring (or shaking) helps emulsify the ingredients, especially the hot sauce.
• If your cocktail shaker doesn’t come with a strainer, you can use a tea strainer or mini sieve instead. Just make sure they are completely clean so they don’t impart their own flavor.

FAQs On Mexican Candy Shots

Why is my rim garnish not sticking?

The most common reason is that the rim wasn’t covered properly with water or lime juice. When the ingredients are slightly moistened on one edge, they will automatically stick. But, if there is nothing to wet them with, they obviously won’t.

How do you make a sticky shot glass rim?

This is done with syrup. you can use a premade simple syrup or make your own at home. You can also use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, and glucose. Which you use depends on what you have and the flavor of your shots.

More Delicious Drinks

• Mexican Margarita
• Watermelon Margarita
• Fruit Punch