Home » Mexican Candy Shot (Paleta Shot)
Two Mexican Candy Shots on a white background with a lime garnish.

Mexican Candy Shot (Paleta Shot)

A Mexican Candy Shot is a sweet and spicy alcoholic shooter made with watermelon, lime and chili flavors. It’s fun and tasty and sure to help liven up the party!

This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure Statement for more information.

A Mexican Candy Shot, also known as a paleta shot, is a tasty recipe you and your guests are sure to love.

It’s fruity and sweet with a little kick from the chili pepper infused tequila.

These shots are the perfect addition to help celebrate special occasions and holidays.

Why This Recipe Works

This is a quick and easy shot to make. It takes just a handful of ingredinets and a few minutes to mix up.

It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

The recipe is easy to increase to serve a crowd and is a great choice for parties or celebrations like cinco de mayo.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

  • Tajin or chili salt for rimming
  • 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
  • 1 ounce chili-infused tequila: homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
  • Ice cubes
  • Watermelon slice or chili candy (optional garnish)

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Prepare the chili infused tequila at least 24 hours in advance if you are making it yourself. Place a few sliced or whole chili peppers into a bottle of tequila and let sit for 24 hours.

Create!

A small plate with Tajin on it with a shot glass being pushed into it.

Spread Tajin or chili salt onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of a shot glass with a lime wedge. Dip the moistened rim into the Tajin or chili salt, coating it evenly.

Alcohol being poured into a shaker with shot glasses and other ingredients around it.

In a cocktail shaker, combine watermelon schnapps, chili-infused tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Add ice cubes to the shaker.

Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture.

A pink liquor being poured into a Tajin rimmed shot glass with a second shot glass and other ingredients around it.

Strain the shot mixture into the prepared shot glass.

Present!

A close up of a Mexican Candy Shot with a lime twist garnish on a white surface.

Garnish the shot with a small watermelon slice, slice of lime, or a piece of chili candy on the rim for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

  • Chili-Infused Tequila: To infuse tequila with chili, place a few chili slices or whole chili peppers in a bottle of tequila and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Adjust the infusion time based on your desired level of spiciness.
  • Tajin Variation: Experiment with Tajin for a citrusy and spicy twist on the rim.
  • Chili Candy Choices: If you prefer, use a piece of your favorite chili-flavored candy as a garnish.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before straining and adjust the simple syrup if needed, based on your preferred level of sweetness.

More Cocktail Recipes

Apple Cider Margarita

An apple cider margarita is a celebration of the best season of all – fall! This drink has the perfect blend of spices with a fresh citrus splash. Who knew that apple cider and tequila mixed so well together? After one sip, you'll agree that this is the perfect fall cocktail. 

Get The Recipe

An apple cider margarita with a second glass and apples in the background.

Blackberry Mojito

This easy-to-make Blackberry Mojito is the most perfect, refreshing cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day. It’s made with a just a handful of ingredients and can easily be modified to serve a crowd during gatherings and celebrations, as well.

Get The Recipe

Blackberry mojito in a glass with blackberries and mint leaves around it.

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Welcome fall and celebrate the holidays with this simply delicious Blood Orange Aperol Spritz! This easy to make, refreshing cocktail tastes like fresh oranges and is sweet with a slight hint of bitterness.

Get The Recipe

Love this Mexican Candy Shot recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

Two Mexican Candy Shots on a white background with a lime garnish.

Print

Mexican Candy Shot

A Mexican Candy Shot is a sweet and spicy shooter made with watermelon, lime and chili flavors. It's fun and tasty and sure to help liven up the party!

Course BeveragesCuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 serving
Calories 181kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • Tajin or chili salt (for rimming)
  • 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
  • 1 ounce chili-infused tequila (homemade or store-bought, see notes)
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
  • Ice cubes
  • Watermelon slice or chili candy (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Spread Tajin or chili salt onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of a shot glass with a lime wedge. Dip the moistened rim into the Tajin or chili salt, coating it evenly.Tajin or chili salt
  • In a cocktail shaker, combine watermelon schnapps, chili-infused tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.1 ounce watermelon schnapps, 1 ounce chili-infused tequila, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • Add ice cubes, place the lid on the shaker, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture.Ice cubes
  • Strain the shot mixture into the prepared shot glass.
  • Garnish the shot with a small watermelon slice, slice of lime, or a piece of chili candy on the rim for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, if desired.Watermelon slice or chili candy

Notes

  • Chili-Infused Tequila: To infuse tequila with chili, place a few chili slices or whole chili peppers in a bottle of tequila and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Adjust the infusion time based on your desired level of spiciness.
  • Tajin Variation: Experiment with Tajin for a citrusy and spicy twist on the rim.
  • Chili Candy Choices: If you prefer, use a piece of your favorite chili-flavored candy as a garnish.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before straining and adjust the simple syrup if needed, based on your preferred level of sweetness.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Mexican Candy Shot (Paleta Shot) appeared first on Delicious Little Bites.

More Reading

Post navigation