Name: Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (coarse, such as turbinado or demerara); 2 teaspoons chile-lime seasoning (such as Tajín Clásico Seasoning); 1 wedge lime (or lime juice); mango wedges (sweetened and dried); 4 ounces mango (frozen chunks, about 1 cup); 2 ounces mango-flavored orange juice (such as Simply Orange Juice with Mango); 2 ounces tequila (silver, such as Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila); ½-ounce agave nectar (such as Tres Agaves Organic Agave Nectar); 3 tablespoons chamoy (such as Tajín Chamoy Mild Sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

If you are looking for a fun and flavorful way to impress your friends at your next gathering, the Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with tropical mango sweetness, a zesty chile-lime kick, and a splash of smooth tequila, these shots deliver an exciting, vibrant explosion of taste in every sip. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that combine to create a festive and colorful treat reminiscent of street vendors’ delicious Mexican snacks, perfect for sparking joy and celebration anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with a blue decorative rim placed on a white marbled surface. On the plate are several pieces of pale yellow dried mango, which look soft and slightly frosted, arranged in a small pile. Around the dried mango pieces, there are four lime wedges with a bright green rind and light yellow-green flesh. Small white flowers with yellow centers are delicately scattered on top of the dried mango. On the white marbled surface near the plate, more pieces of dried mango are spread out, and a whole ripe mango with a smooth yellow skin sits close by, completing the fresh and natural arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on the Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe is delightfully easy, and each ingredient plays a key role in balancing the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. From the refreshing mango and citrus juices to the bold chile-lime seasoning and chamoy sauce, every component contributes unique tastes and textures that make this recipe sing.

Granulated sugar (coarse, such as turbinado or demerara): Adds a sweet crunch, perfect to balance the tangy and spicy rim of the shots.
Chile-lime seasoning (such as Tajín Clásico Seasoning): Brings that iconic Mexican piquancy and citrusy brightness that makes the flavors pop.
Lime wedge (or lime juice): Used to moisten the glass rims, helping the seasoned sugar adhere perfectly and add fresh acidity.
Mango (frozen chunks, about 1 cup / 4 ounces): The tropical base of the shot, lending natural sweetness and a creamy texture when blended.
Mango-flavored orange juice (2 ounces): Boosts fruity depth and juiciness, enhancing the mango flavor.
Tequila (silver, such as Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, 2 ounces): Provides a smooth, slightly peppery spirit that’s essential for these Mexican-style candy shots.
Agave nectar (½ ounce): A natural sweetener that mellows the sharper notes and adds a silky finish.
Chamoy sauce (3 tablespoons): This sweet, tart, and spicy sauce beautifully lines the shot glasses, lending a distinctive traditional Mexican flair and an additional kick.
Mango wedges (sweetened and dried): Perfect as a garnish, offering chewiness and bursts of concentrated mango flavor.

How to Make Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe

Step 1: Create the Tajín-Sugar Rim

Start by mixing the coarse granulated sugar with the chile-lime seasoning on a shallow plate. This combo is essential because it gives the rim its delightful sweetness and tangy spice. Then, moisten the rim of each shot glass by either dipping it into lime juice or running a lime wedge around the edge. Immediately dip the damp rim into the seasoning mixture to coat evenly, setting the stage for a mouthwatering contrast that will greet every sip.

Step 2: Blend the Mango Mixture

Into your blender or a container suitable for an immersion blender, toss the frozen mango chunks, mango-flavored orange juice, silver tequila, and agave nectar. Blend everything until silky smooth and completely combined. This luscious blend forms the heart of your candy shots, marrying tropical fruitiness with the smooth warmth of tequila.

Step 3: Prepare the Glasses with Chamoy

Before pouring your mango mix, drizzle about two teaspoons of chamoy inside each shot glass, swirling it around to coat the interior. This will create beautiful streaks of tinted sweetness and spice that visually and flavor-wise complement the drink, giving it that authentic Mexican candy vibe.

Step 4: Fill and Garnish

Immediately fill each chamoy-lined glass with the blended mango mixture. For an extra festive touch, take a lime wedge and run it along the edge of a piece of sweetened dried mango, then dip this treat into the chile-lime seasoning. Place this as a creative garnish on top of your shot glass to add texture and make your presentation truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe

Three tall clear glasses hold an orange drink with red streaks swirling inside, each glass rimmed with a reddish spice and topped with a small white flower and a piece of dried orange peel. The glasses sit side by side on a light wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. Around the glasses, there are some yellow dried orange slices and a white towel with blue stripes partially covering some of them. In the background, a clear bottle with a blue label is blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnish isn’t just for looks; it elevates the entire shot experience. The seasoned dried mango wedge adds chew and an extra burst of concentrated fruity sweetness with a hint of spice that pairs amazingly well with the smooth liquid inside. Lime wedges can also be served on the side for those who want an extra tangy squeeze.

Side Dishes

These candy shots pair beautifully with light, fresh Mexican snacks such as elote-style corn cups topped with cotija cheese and chili powder, or crunchy cucumber slices sprinkled with chile powder and lime. These sides act as refreshing palate cleansers that complement the rich, sweet, and spicy notes of the shots perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For added flair, serve these shots in colorful Mexican glassware or use mini chalkboards to label each flavor variation if you want to experiment with different fruit juices. You could also rim some glasses with crushed candied mango for added texture or create a shot flight with small batches seasoned differently to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover mango mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Since the ingredients are fresh and natural, the vibrant flavor will remain intact if kept chilled properly.

Freezing

You can freeze the mango mixture in ice cube trays to enjoy mini frozen candies later or to add to other drinks as flavorful ice cubes. Avoid freezing the prepared shots in their glasses, as the texture of the rim seasoning and chamoy won’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

These candy shots are best served cold, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you need to bring the mixture back to a drinkable consistency after freezing, simply thaw in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these shots without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply omit the tequila and replace it with additional mango-flavored orange juice or a splash of sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as refreshing and fun.

What type of tequila works best?

A silver (plata) tequila is ideal because of its clean, crisp flavor that blends beautifully with the fruity and spicy notes, but you can also use reposado for a slightly richer taste.

Is there a substitute for chamoy sauce?

If you can’t find chamoy, try using a combination of sweetened tamarind paste with a little chili powder and lime juice for a somewhat similar sweet and tangy kick.

Can I use fresh mango instead of frozen?

Fresh mango works too, but frozen mango chunks help chill the drink without diluting it with extra ice, creating a thicker and more vibrant shot.

How spicy are these candy shots?

The spice level depends on how much chile-lime seasoning and chamoy you use, so feel free to adjust according to your preference—from mild and sweet to a lively fiery bite.

Final Thoughts

The Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe is pure joy in a glass, combining bright, playful flavors that celebrate the richness of Mexican street food culture in a super fun, easy-to-make format. Bring a splash of sunshine and spirited flavor to your next party by making these shots — your friends will thank you and keep coming back for more!

Chile Mango Mexican Candy Shots Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need