Mexican firing squad

Mexican Firing Squad

(1 ratings)

Reposado tequila meets lime, grenadine, and bitters in this bold, balanced, and refreshing classic.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (140ml)
  • Tequila Agave 100% Reposado 
    60 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Grenadine 
    22.5 ml
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters 
    4 dash
  • Lime 
    1 wedge

Instructions

Step

Add the reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.

Step

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Step

Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Hawthorne Strainer
Citrus juicer

Description

The Mexican Firing Squad is a classic tequila cocktail that dates back to 1939, first documented by Charles H. Baker in “The Gentleman’s Companion” after discovering it at La Cucaracha bar in Mexico City. This timeless cocktail perfectly balances the vegetal complexity of reposado tequila with the bright acidity of fresh lime juice, the fruity sweetness of grenadine, and the aromatic depth of Angostura bitters. The drink embodies the lively spirit of Mexico’s capital with its bold flavors and vibrant character, making it both historically significant and irresistibly delicious.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (140ml)
Calories
185
ABV
19 %
Alcohol
15 g
Carbs
14 g
Carbs from Sugar
13 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0 g
Sodium
5 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use reposado tequila for its mellow, complex agave character, but blanco tequila can be substituted for a brighter, cleaner taste profile.

  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled for the best flavor and aroma.

  • Choose high-quality grenadine made from real pomegranate juice, or make your own by combining pomegranate juice with sugar for superior flavor.

  • For a lighter variation, strain into a tall glass with ice and top with soda water for a refreshing highball-style drink.

  • Chill your rocks glass beforehand to keep the cocktail properly cold and enhance the drinking experience.

Yes, blanco tequila can be substituted for reposado. It will provide a brighter, cleaner agave flavor rather than the mellow complexity of aged tequila, but both work well in this cocktail.

Use high-quality grenadine made from real pomegranate juice rather than artificial versions. Brands like Liber & Co. or homemade grenadine will provide the authentic pomegranate flavor and proper sweetness balance this cocktail needs.

While best served fresh, you can pre-batch the ingredients without ice and store refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add ice and shake just before serving to maintain proper dilution and temperature.

This cocktail pairs beautifully with Mexican cuisine, especially spicy dishes like tacos, nachos, or guacamole. The lime and tequila complement the bold flavors while the grenadine provides a nice contrast to heat.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Tequila Agave 100% Reposado
    60 ml
  • Lime Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Grenadine
    22.5 ml
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters
    4 dash
  • Lime
    1 wedge

Method

  1. Add the reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.