Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can taste flat or overly sour, which throws off the balance of the cocktail.

What kind of tequila works best?

Blanco tequila is the traditional choice, keeping the drink crisp and clean. A lightly aged reposado adds subtle vanilla and oak notes if you prefer a rounder flavor.

Is homemade grenadine worth the effort?

Absolutely! Homemade grenadine made from real pomegranate juice brings vibrant color and authentic tart-sweetness. Many commercial grenadines use artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup, which can make the drink overly sweet and less nuanced.

How spicy is the Mexican Firing Squad?

The 'spice' comes from the Angostura bitters, which add a complex, warming note rather than heat. If you want extra spice, you can add a dash of spicy bitters or a thin slice of jalapeño as an adventurous garnish.

Mexican Firing Squad

Name: Mexican Firing Squad
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila (blanco or reposado); 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice; 0.75 oz Grenadine; 0.25 oz Simple syrup; 4 dashes Angostura bitters

The Mexican Firing Squad is a bold, zesty tequila cocktail with a crimson hue and a spicy-sweet kick. With the lively flavors of fresh lime, grenadine, and aromatic bitters, it's a classic that captures the thrilling spirit of Mexico City nightlife. Refreshing yet punchy, this drink is perfect for those seeking adventure in a glass.

3 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Tequila (blanco or reposado)
60 ml (2 oz)
Use good-quality tequila for best results
Fresh lime juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Freshly squeezed is essential
Grenadine
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Preferably real pomegranate grenadine
Simple syrup
10 ml (0.25 oz)
Adjust to taste, optional if your grenadine is sweet
Angostura bitters
4 dashes
Adds spice and complexity

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Strainer
Bar spoon
Rocks glass

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add tequila, fresh lime juice, grenadine, simple syrup (if using), and bitters.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 15 seconds).
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel and, optionally, a cherry.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Bold, balanced flavors with a touch of spice.
Stunning ruby-red color makes it an eye-catcher.
Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
Perfect for tequila lovers looking for something different.
Refreshing and versatile—works year-round.

History & Origin

The Mexican Firing Squad was reportedly created at the legendary Mexico City bar, La Cucaracha, in the late 1930s. It first appeared in Charles H. Baker Jr.'s 1939 cocktail compendium, 'The Gentleman’s Companion.' Baker, a roving bon vivant and drinks chronicler, praised this ruby-hued concoction for its lively flavors and accessible ingredients. The cocktail’s vivid name and vibrant taste quickly earned it a loyal following among travelers and tequila enthusiasts, cementing its place as one of Mexico’s most celebrated classic cocktails.

Garnish

A fresh lime wheel (and optionally, a maraschino cherry) adds visual appeal and a hint of citrus aroma, inviting you into each sip.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 180 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, sugars from grenadine and simple syrup, and vitamin C from lime juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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