Tequila Shots – A Beautiful Mess

In this post, we will teach you to make a classic tequila shot. We’ll also share 10 fun tequila shot recipes!

How to make a Tequila Shot

Let’s make a perfect shot of tequila (also called tequila cruda). You will need salt, lime wedges and a tequila shot in a shot glass. To take the shot, you will first lick salt from your hand, then drink the shot and last suck a wedge of lime. This ritual makes a fun party activity!

Step 1. Moisten the back of your hand (often by licking) and sprinkle on a pinch of salt. You can use table salt or sea salt.

Step 2. Lick the salt off your hand. This will help to lessen the burn of the tequila.

Step 3. Drink your tequila shot.

Step 4. Suck on the lime wedge as a chaser. The sour lime will help balance the flavors.

Many tequila enthusiasts prefer to sip and savor the shot instead. This is also a great option and creates a very different vibe for your gathering. Choose the method that best fits your occasion. Whether you prefer to shoot or sip, next we will teach you to choose the right tequila.

Best Tequila for Shots

There are many types of tequila to choose from. We’ll help you choose a great tequila for your shot, or even a few to serve as a flight.

• Blanco Tequila – Made from blue agave plants, this is the most common and widely used type of tequila. If you are looking for one that works well for shots and cocktails, we recommend a blanco tequila. Some top rated brands are Patron Silver, Don Julio Blanco and 1800 Silver.
• Reposado Tequila (or aged tequila) – Reposado means “rested” and any tequila in this category has been aged in the barrel for at least two months. Some top rated brands include Villa One Reposado, G4 Tequila Reposado and Herradura Reposado Tequila.
• Anejo Tequila (aged in oak barrels for at least one year) – Similar to Reposado, the tequilas in this category have simply been aged for longer. These will typically be pricier than Reposado as well. Some top rated brands include ArteNOM Seleccion 1146 Añejo, Herradura Tequila Legend and Casa Noble Añejo.
• Gold Tequila – Gold tequila is also known as joven. It gets its golden color in three ways: by being blended with aged tequila, by being aged for a few weeks in barrels or by being colored with caramel coloring. Some top brands for gold tequila are Patron Anejo Tequila, 1800 Reposado Tequila and Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila.
• Mezcal – Mezcal is not necessarily tequila, but technically all tequilas are mezcal. I am including it here since it is typically shelved with tequila and makes a nice substitute in almost any tequila cocktail. Mezcal is made from agave plants, while tequila is only made from blue agave plants. Mezcal is made from a wide variety of agave plants. Mezcal has a stronger ABV than tequila and a smokier flavor. Some top rated mezcals include Mezcal Rey Campero Tepextate, Montelobos Mezcal Espadin and Mezcal Vago Elote.

Tequila Shot Recipes

• Mexican Candy Shot – You will love a Mexican Candy Shot made of tequila and watermelon pucker. The tajin rim makes it extra special.
• Tequila Sunrise Shot – In a shot glass, pour half an ounce tequila and half an ounce orange juice. Then pour a splash of grenadine into the shot. It will naturally settle in the bottom of the glass, creating a sunset effect.
• Paloma Shot – In a shot glass, pour in half an ounce tequila and half an ounce grapefruit soda. Serve with a wedge of grapefruit as a chaser.
• Margarita Shot – Create a shot version of the classic cocktail. In a shot glass, mix half an ounce tequila and half an ounce margarita mix. For a fancy presentation, you can serve it with a salted rim and lime wedges.
• Mexican Coke Shot – In a shot glass, mix half an ounce tequila with half an ounce Mexican coke. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice.
• Wake The Dead Tequila Shooter – In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine half an ounce tequila blanco, half an ounce coffee liqueur and half an ounce espresso. Shake and pour into a shot glass to enjoy! 
• Red Hot Shot – In a shot glass, combine half an ounce cinnamon schnapps with half an ounce silver tequila. Rim the shot glass with ground up cinnamon candy.
• Cantarito Shot – In a shot glass, mix half an ounce reposado tequila, one fourth an ounce grapefruit juice and a splash of grapefruit soda to top. Rim with Tajin seasoning. Serve with a slice of lemon.
• Sangrita Shot – A Sangarita is a mixed juice made of tomato juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, Tabasco, black pepper, salt and jalapeño pepper. It is commonly served with a shot of tequila on the side. Garnish with a lemon wedge. 
• Jello Shots – Try our Strawberry Margarita Jello Shot.

Popular Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Recipes to Serve with Tequila Shots