Ingredients
- .25 oz Silver Tequila
- .75 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 0.25 oz of silver tequila and 0.75 oz of cinnamon schnapps.
Stir:
- Stir the mixture well to chill and blend the flavors.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy Mexican Red Hot Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many popular shots, the exact origin of the Mexican Red Hot Shot is murky. It likely emerged from a bartender’s playful experimentation in a lively bar, combining readily available spirits for a quick, potent serve. It is a modern creation, designed for speed and a memorable flavor punch, rather than a storied history or a specific inventor.
This drink sits firmly in the ‘party shot’ family. It is a direct relative to other two-ingredient shots like the Kamikaze or the Lemon Drop, focusing on a strong, distinct flavor profile. What sets the Mexican Red Hot Shot apart is its specific combination of agave spirit and spice, leaning into a more fiery character than its citrusy cousins.
You would typically find or serve a Mexican Red Hot Shot at high-energy bars, house parties, or as a pre-game ritual. It is a social drink, meant for quick consumption and setting a lively mood. Do not expect to find this on a classic cocktail menu; it is for when the aim is fun and a little fire, not contemplation.
What it tastes like
The initial hit is a sweet, fiery burst of cinnamon, quickly followed by the clean, sharp bite of silver tequila. The finish lingers with a pleasant warmth, a balance of the schnapps’ sugary spice and the tequila’s characteristic agave notes. It is a shot designed for immediate impact, delivering a distinct sweet heat that wakes up the palate.
At roughly 32.5% ABV, this 1 ounce shot packs a solid punch. It is significantly stronger than a standard 5% beer and holds its own against a typical 2 to 3 ounce cocktail which might average 25-30% ABV. This is a fast track to a good time, not a session drink, so pace yourself if you plan on having more than one.
The technique
Building this shot is as simple as it gets. Combine your silver tequila and cinnamon schnapps in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Give it a good, brisk stir for about 15-20 seconds to ensure it is thoroughly chilled and the flavors are integrated. Then, strain the mixture directly into a shot glass and serve it immediately. The goal is cold and quick.
The most important technique here is proper chilling. Stirring with ice in a mixing glass, rather than just pouring over ice in the shot glass, ensures the drink is genuinely cold. A well-chilled shot softens the alcohol’s edge and makes the spicy kick more palatable, preventing it from tasting harsh or syrupy warm.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Silver Tequila
- Use
- Any decent unaged tequila. Brands like Espolon Blanco, Altos Plata, or even a solid Patron Silver work well. Aim for 100% agave for a cleaner taste that cuts through the cinnamon.
- Skip
- Gold tequila. Its added coloring and often inferior quality will muddy the flavors and make the shot less crisp. Also avoid flavored tequilas, as they will clash.
- Why
- Silver tequila provides the clean, slightly vegetal agave backbone that balances the sweetness and spice of the schnapps. Its unaged character allows the cinnamon to shine without interference from barrel notes.
Cinnamon Schnapps
- Use
- Look for brands like Goldschlager, Fireball, or any quality cinnamon liqueur. The key is a strong, clear cinnamon flavor with a noticeable sweetness and warmth.
- Skip
- Cinnamon whiskey that is too dry or lacks the characteristic sweetness. While it contains cinnamon, the flavor profile is often different enough to throw off the shot’s balance.
- Why
- This ingredient is the ‘Red Hot’ in the name. It delivers the signature spicy, sweet, and warming kick that defines the drink, making it distinct from a simple tequila shot.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Spicy Red Hot
- Add a dash of actual hot sauce for extra fire.
- For those who genuinely crave more heat, a drop or two of a neutral-flavored hot sauce like Tabasco can amplify the burn without altering the core flavor too much. Exercise caution.
Mexican Candy Shot
- Rim the glass with a sweet and spicy coating.
- To mimic a popular Mexican candy, rim the shot glass with a mixture of chili powder and sugar or a pre-made tamarind candy paste. This adds a sweet, sour, and spicy element to each sip.
Reposado Red Hot
- Swap silver for a lightly aged tequila.
- Using a reposado tequila instead of silver can add a subtle layer of vanilla and oak notes. This gives the shot a slightly smoother, more complex character without losing its spicy edge.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a good quality blanco mezcal for a smoky twist. The flavor profile will change significantly, but it maintains the agave spirit base.
A cinnamon whiskey like Fireball will work in a pinch, though it might be slightly less sweet and have a stronger whiskey character. Adjust proportions to taste.
Combine ingredients directly in the shot glass. Stir with a bar spoon or even a chopstick, then place the shot glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill if time allows.
A small cordial glass or even a small espresso cup will serve the purpose. The goal is a single, quick serving vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Mexican Red Hot Shot?
This shot contains 0.25 oz of silver tequila and 0.75 oz of cinnamon schnapps.
Is the Mexican Red Hot Shot actually spicy?
Yes, the cinnamon schnapps provides a distinct sweet and spicy heat. It is a warming shot with a noticeable kick.
What kind of tequila is best for this shot?
Silver or blanco tequila is recommended. Its clean, unaged flavor allows the cinnamon to be the star, providing a crisp contrast.
Can I make a batch of Mexican Red Hot Shots?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of shots you need, combine in a pitcher with ice, stir well, then strain into individual shot glasses for serving.
What’s the best way to serve a Mexican Red Hot Shot?
Serve it immediately after chilling, in a standard shot glass. It is meant to be consumed quickly to get the full effect of its spicy kick.
How does this shot compare to a Fireball shot?
While both feature cinnamon, the Mexican Red Hot Shot incorporates tequila, giving it a distinct agave flavor profile alongside the cinnamon, making it a bit more complex than a straight Fireball shot.
What food pairs well with this shot?
Given its spicy and sweet nature, it pairs well with savory, salty snacks like chips and salsa, or even rich, fatty foods that can stand up to the heat.
Can I make it less strong?
You could slightly reduce the amount of cinnamon schnapps or dilute it with a tiny splash of water, but this will change the intended flavor balance and potency of the shot.
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