10 Tequila Shots That Go Beyond Salt & Lime

Raise a shot glass and toast to tequila with these irresistible tequila shot recipes.

Updated January 31, 2024
Tequila Shots

We remember our first tequila shot. It was... tequila-y. Many people consider tequila shots a right of passage that everyone should take on their alcohol adventure. But taking a straight shot of tequila can be intimidating (*cough* smooth *cough*). So, whether you prefer a classic tequila shot or want something a bit more flavorful, try our 10 tequila shots that won't steer you wrong (but maybe not all in one sitting). 

How to Take a Tequila Shot

Stand back now, we're pros at tequila shots. But it's important for amateur tequila drinkers to know that there's a ritual and order to take a tequila shot involving three distinct steps. So, if it's your first time face to face with a salt shaker, lime wedge, and shot of tequila, don't panic. We'll walk you through it.  

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.

Tequila Shots

Ingredients

  • 1½ ounces tequila
  • Dash salt
  • 1 lime wedge

Instructions

  1. Pour tequila into a shot glass.
  2. Lick a portion of the back of your hand at the junction between your thumb and index finger. Sprinkle a dash of salt onto your hand.
  3. Lick the salt and shoot the tequila shot.
  4. 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

The great thing about alcohol shots is — aside from the tequila shot tradition we just shared — that there are no hard and fast rules (and honestly, feel free to skip the salt or lime in a straight tequila shot if that's your thing). So, if you prefer your tequila shot in a different form, we have several for you to try. 

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 tequila shot.

Canary Margarita Shot

Ingredients

  • ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce Limoncello
  • ½ ounce silver tequila
  • Ice
  • 1 lemon wedge

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  3. Strain into a shot glass and serve with a lemon wedge.

Fizzy Blackberry Shot

For fizzing bubbles and bursts of blackberry, turn to this fizzy, fruity shot that makes tequila shots all the easier to take.

Fizzy Blackberry Shot

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce blackberry-flavored sparkling water
  • ¾ ounce silver tequila
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  3. Strain into a shot glass.

Gold Rings Shot

A refined shot with a rich golden color, this simple recipe only takes two ingredients: Champagne and gold tequila. Now that's a shot we're happy to line up and take!

Gold Rings Shot

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a shot glass, mix the ingredients.
  2. Stir with a stirring stick and serve.

Related: Perfectly Pink Tequila: How to Enjoy It in Cocktails & Beyond

Mexican Coke Shot

Inspired by the distinctive flavors of Mexican cola, this tequila shot recipe combines lime juice, cola, and silver tequila for an easy-to-drink beverage. In other words, it's the perfect tequila shot that won't leave you making a face after. 

Hands Doing Shots

Ingredients

  • ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce cola
  • 1 ounce silver tequila
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  3. 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 of delight. 

Paloma Shot

Ingredients

  • ¼ ounce simple syrup
  • ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce grapefruit juice
  • 1 ounce tequila
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  3. Strain into a two-ounce shot glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Helpful Hack

This Paloma shot is a perfect way to try out a new cocktail as a bite-size version.

Red Hot Shot

A red hot shot isn't for the faint of heart. But for those who are always looking for a little more heat? This is the dream. 

Red Hot Shot

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce Fireball whisky
  • ¾ ounce gold tequila
  • Dash cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
  2. 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 down smoother than any of the waves at high tide do.

Sea Foam Shot

Ingredients

  • ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce coconut cream
  • ¾ ounce silver tequila
  • Sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients.
  2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  3. 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 or patience for an entire cocktail, this tequila sunrise shot is a perfect option for you.

Tequila Sunrise Shot

Ingredients

  • ¼ ounce grenadine (also good in fruity shots)
  • ¼ ounce orange juice
  • 1 ounce tequila
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  3. 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.

Tongue Tied Shot

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce cherry liqueur
  • ¾ ounce silver tequila

Instructions

  1. In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
  2. 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 10 different tequila shots to get you started. And these shot recipes pack the perfect punchy flavor of tequila to wake up your palate. You can even take your tequila shots to the next level with infused tequilas. So, it's time to round up your shot glasses and cocktail shakers and get mixing. 

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10 Tequila Shots That Go Beyond Salt & Lime