Many people consider tequila shots to be a right of passage that everyone must take when they visit their first bar or club. Whether you prefer a classic tequila shot or want something a bit more flavorful, these are ten shot recipes you can't go wrong with.
How to Take a Tequila Shot
It's important for amateur tequila drinkers to know that there is a specific order in which tequila shots are taken, and this process involves three distinct steps. In order to prevent yourself from looking green when ordering a tequila shot, follow this recipe to a tee.
Tequila Shot
Traditional tequila shots use salt, tequila, and lime wedges, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can adapt the recipe to include unique salts or different citrus wedges for a customized shot experience.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces tequila
- Dash salt
- 1 lime wedge
Instructions
- Pour tequila into a shot glass.
- Lick a portion of the back of your hand at the junction between your thumb and index finger and sprinkle a dash of salt onto your hand.
- Lick the salt and shoot the tequila shot.
- Immediately after taking the shot, pop a lime wedge in your mouth and suck. This should help ease the alcohol burn and will mark the finish line of your traditional tequila shot.
Mixed Tequila Shots to Try
If you don't think you're quite experienced enough to handle taking straight tequila shots, then these nine mixed tequila shot recipes are a perfect option for you.
Canary Margarita Shot
Named for the bright yellow bird, this lemon-based margarita shot incorporates the favored Italian ingredient, Limoncello, with silver tequila and lime juice for a tart tasting shot.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce Limoncello
- ½ ounce silver tequila
- Ice
- 1 lemon wedge
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into the salted shot glass and serve with a lemon wedge.
Fizzy Blackberry Shot
For fizzing bubbles and bursts of blackberry, turn to this fizzy blackberry shot that mixes blackberry sparkling water with silver tequila.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce blackberry-flavored sparkling water
- ¾ ounce silver tequila
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass and serve.
Gold Rings Shot
A refined shot with a rich golden color, this simple recipe only takes two ingredients: Champagne and gold tequila.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Champagne
- 1 ounce gold tequila
Instructions
- In a shot glass, mix the ingredients.
- Stir with a stirring stick and serve.
Mexican Coke Shot
Inspired by the distinctive flavors of Mexican cola, this alcohol shot combines lime juice, cola, and silver tequila for an easy-to-drink beverage.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce cola
- 1 ounce silver tequila
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass and serve.
Paloma Shot
With grapefruit at its center, this Paloma shot condenses the classic cocktail into just 1½ ounces. This is a perfect way to try out a new cocktail without having to order an entire drink.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce tequila
- Ice
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a two ounce shot glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Red Hot Shot
A Red Hot shot isn't for the faint of heart due to its fiery mixture of Fireball whisky, gold tequila, and a dash of cinnamon on top.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce Fireball whisky
- ¾ ounce gold tequila
- Dash cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
- Mix together using a stirring stick and garnish with a dash of cinnamon.
Sea Foam Shot
This shot looks like sea foam in a glass with its coconut cream, lime juice, and silver tequila mixture. Thankfully, this shot will go do smoother than any of the waves at high tide do.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce coconut cream
- ¾ ounce silver tequila
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass and garnish with sliced almonds.
Tequila Sunrise Shot
If you're addicted to tequila sunrises but don't have the time for an entire cocktail, this tequila sunrise shot is a perfect option for you.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce grenadine (Also good in fruity shots)
- ¼ ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce tequila
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass and serve.
Tongue Tied Shot
While this shot won't make you tongue tied, it'll definitely tickle your taste buds with its pairing of cherry liqueur and silver tequila.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce cherry liqueur
- ¾ ounce silver tequila
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
- Mix together using a stirring stick and serve.
Tequila Today and Tequila Tomorrow
Now, if this list has you feeling inspired to get hands-on in the kitchen, then you have ten different tequila shots to get you started. Whether you pair your tequila with food or take a shot by itself, the punchy flavor of tequila will wake up your palate. And if you can't get enough of tequila shooters, try a Mexican candy shot. You can even experiment with infused tequilas to kick your shots up another notch. So, its time to round up your shot glasses and cocktail shakers and get mixing. Next, treat yourself to a few tequila rose drinks.
