The Best Mexican Paleta Candy Shot: by Two Real Mexicans

I’ve been on the hunt for the best Mexican Candy Shot recipe, and my search took me back to my childhood in Mexico. Growing up, one of my favorite treats was the watermelon lollipop covered in chili powder, the famous paletas de Sandia.

Imagine my excitement when I first tried Mexican lollipop shots at a bar in Pilsen, Chicago, that reminded me of that beloved Mexican hard candy lollipop! The sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors took me back, but I knew something was missing. So, I made it my mission to find the perfect Mexican lollipop shot every time I went out.

That’s how I met Liz Padilla, one of the talented owners of La Malquerida, Latin Fusion in Berwyn, Illinois. Her bar is as vibrant as her drinks, with Mexican pink neon lights and fun Mexican phrases decorating the walls. I told her about my obsession with Mexican shots and how I wanted to create a version that truly captured the essence of the watermelon lollipop we know and love.

Liz invited me to come back to the bar before opening so we could experiment and develop our own Mexican candy shot recipe. After several tries, we found the perfect balance. The key was to add some watermelon syrup for a more authentic flavor.

We used Real Watermalon Syrup, Watermelon Pucker and Don Julio tequila blanco, added a dash of Tabasco for that spicy kick, and rimmed the glass with chamoy and Tajín seasoning. It was the best Mexican lollipop candy shot I’ve ever had!

No doubt, Liz’s 11 years of experience in the Chicago bar scene gave her the skills to craft this spicy Mexican candy shot that perfectly combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. And now, you can make this delicious shot at home!

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Watermelon Flavor:
  Many recipes use watermelon schnapps or watermelon pucker, and we tried several brands during our testing. However, we found that something was missing. Adding simple watermelon syrup gave the shot a more concentrated and authentic watermelon taste. Alternatively, you can also use watermelon juice for a fresher flavor.
• Tequila:
  We opted for Don Julio Tequila Blanco, but any good-quality silver tequila will work just as well. Choose your favorite tequila for the best results!
• Hot Sauce:
  We experimented with different hot sauces like Valentina, Tapatío, and Tabasco. After several trials, we settled on Tabasco, which provided the best flavor balance while still delivering a nice spicy kick to the shot.
• Rimming the Glass:
  For the perfect rim, we used chamoy to add a sweet, tangy flavor. To complement the sweetness of this paleta shot, we mixed Tajín (a popular Mexican seasoning available in most U.S. grocery stores) with sugar. If you don’t have chamoy, you can substitute it with fresh lime juice for a similar tangy effect.

Other Mexican Drinks you must try!

While you’re at it, check out other fun shots and Mexican drinks Liz ad I created at La Malquerida:

• Churro Espresso Martini
• Cielito Lindo Lime Margarita made with agave and blanco tequila
• Mezcal Rose Drink

La Malquerida, Latin Fusion, isn’t just about the drinks—the food is absolutely to die for, too! You need to go! It is worth the drive to Berwyn, IL. It is located at 6906 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402.

So whether you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo party, looking for spicy drinks with a nice spicy kick, or just want to enjoy a nostalgic Mexican mule or mango Mexican candy shot, this watermelon lollipop-inspired drink is the perfect blend of sweet flavors and spicy goodness. With simple ingredients, a tajín rim, and a splash of hot sauce, this will become your new favorite shot!

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me! —let’s keep the fruity shots and Mexican lollipop candy shots alive! ¡Salud!