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.
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. 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
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Champagne
- 1 ounce gold tequila
Instructions
- In a shot glass, mix the ingredients.
- 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.
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 of delight.
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.
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.
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 down 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 or patience 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 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.
