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If you are looking for a cocktail that packs a punch but goes down with a smooth, sophisticated finish, the Mexican Firing Squad is your next must-try drink. First recorded in the 1930s by the legendary Charles H. Baker Jr. in his book The Gentleman’s Companion, this cocktail was discovered at the La Cucaracha Cocktail Club in Mexico City. Despite its aggressive name, the Mexican Firing Squad is an incredibly balanced and refreshing mixture of tequila, lime, and pomegranate (grenadine), accented by the aromatic spice of bitters. It represents a golden era of travel and mixology, standing as a testament to the versatility of tequila beyond the standard Margarita. Today, we are going to dive deep into how you can recreate this historic masterpiece in your own home bar.
Why This Recipe Works
The Mexican Firing Squad works so well because it follows the classic “sour” template but elevates it with botanical complexity. Here is why this specific recipe stands out:
- Perfect Balance: The sharpness of fresh lime juice is perfectly countered by the rich, fruity sweetness of high-quality grenadine.
- Aromatic Depth: Unlike many tequila drinks that rely solely on citrus, the addition of Angostura bitters provides a spicy, earthy backbone that bridges the gap between the agave and the fruit.
- Visual Appeal: The grenadine gives the drink a stunning, vibrant ruby-red hue that looks professional and inviting in any glassware.
- Versatility: It serves equally well as a refreshing summer sipper or a sophisticated evening cocktail. It is basically an elevated tequila sour that anyone can master.
Ingredients
To make an authentic Mexican Firing Squad, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Do not settle for bottled lime juice or bright red “cherry-flavored” corn syrup; the real magic happens with real pomegranate.
- Tequila Blanco: 2 ounces. Use a 100% agave tequila for the best flavor profile.
- Fresh Lime Juice: 3/4 ounce. Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable for the necessary acidity.
- Real Grenadine: 3/4 ounce. Look for a brand that uses actual pomegranate juice and cane sugar, or make your own.
- Angostura Bitters: 2 to 4 dashes. This provides the “spice” in the firing squad.
- Soda Water (Optional): A splash to top it off if you prefer a longer, fizzier drink.
- Garnish: A lime wheel and a cocktail cherry (Luxardo preferred).
Equipment
You don’t need a professional setup to make a world-class Mexican Firing Squad, but having these basics will help:
- Cocktail Shaker: A Boston shaker or Cobbler shaker to chill and aerate the ingredients.
- Jigger: For precise measurements to ensure the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
- Hawthorne Strainer: To keep the ice out of your final glass.
- Glassware: Typically served in a chilled coupe glass or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
Step by Step Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your Mexican Firing Squad is mixed to perfection every time.
Step 1: Prep Your Glass
If you are serving this “up” (without ice), place your coupe glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. If serving on the rocks, fill a double old-fashioned glass with fresh ice.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your cocktail shaker, combine the 2 ounces of tequila, 3/4 ounce of lime juice, 3/4 ounce of grenadine, and at least 2 generous dashes of Angostura bitters.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Fill the shaker with plenty of ice. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to feel very cold and have a layer of frost forming.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. If you are using a rocks glass, you can top it with a small splash of soda water for a lighter finish. For more tips on classic techniques, check out this mixology guide.
Step 5: Garnish
Place a lime wheel on the rim or float it on top. Add a cherry if you like a little extra sweetness at the end of your drink.
To Incorporate With
The Mexican Firing Squad is a bold drink that pairs beautifully with flavorful, spicy, or fatty foods. Because of its acidity and herbal notes, it cuts through richness perfectly.
- Tacos al Pastor: The pineapple and pork flavors are complemented by the pomegranate and lime.
- Ceviche: The citrus in the drink mirrors the lime-cured fish.
- Spicy Guacamole: The bitters in the cocktail stand up well to the heat of jalapeños.
- Grilled Shrimp: The smoky char of grilled seafood loves the earthy agave notes of the tequila.
Varieties / Substitutions
Mixology is an art, and the Mexican Firing Squad can be adapted to suit your specific palate.
The Smoky Squad
Substitute the Tequila Blanco for Mezcal. The smoky, charred flavor of Mezcal adds an incredible layer of complexity that transforms the drink into something moodier and more robust.
The Reposado Twist
Using a Reposado tequila instead of Blanco adds notes of vanilla and oak, which meld beautifully with the pomegranate and bitters, creating a smoother, warmer cocktail.
Spicy Variation
Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding your liquids for a spicy Mexican Firing Squad that truly lives up to its name.
Tips for Success
To take your Mexican Firing Squad from good to great, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Ice Quality: Use large, clear ice cubes if possible. Small, melty ice will dilute the drink too quickly, washing out the vibrant flavors of the grenadine and lime.
- The Grenadine Matters: Most “red syrups” in grocery stores are just sugar and red dye. For a true Mexican Firing Squad, look for brands like Small Hand Foods or Liber & Co, or simmer pomegranate juice with sugar and a touch of orange blossom water at home.
- The Shake: Don’t be afraid to shake hard. This cocktail needs aeration to properly integrate the thick syrup of the grenadine with the thin citrus juice.
- Bitters Quantity: While the recipe calls for 2 dashes, 4 dashes often provide a better “bite” that balances the sugar. Experiment to find your preference.
10 FAQ
1. Is the Mexican Firing Squad very strong?
It contains 2 ounces of tequila, making it roughly equivalent to a standard Margarita. It is a potent but well-balanced cocktail.
2. Why is it called the Mexican Firing Squad?
The name likely comes from the “punch” of the bitters and tequila, combined with the blood-red color from the grenadine. It was named during a colorful era of cocktail history in Mexico City.
3. Can I use Rose’s Lime Juice?
No. Rose’s is a sweetened cordial. This recipe relies on the sharp acidity of fresh lime juice to balance the grenadine.
4. What is the best tequila for this?
A high-quality Blanco like Espolòn, Siete Leguas, or Fortaleza is ideal because they maintain a strong agave presence.
5. Can I make this in a big batch?
Yes! You can pre-mix the tequila, lime, and grenadine in a pitcher. Add the bitters and shake individual servings with ice when ready to serve to avoid over-dilution.
6. Is it the same as a Tequila Sunrise?
No. A Tequila Sunrise uses orange juice and grenadine (unshaken), whereas the Mexican Firing Squad uses lime and bitters (shaken) for a tarter, more complex flavor.
7. Do I have to use soda water?
No, the soda water is optional. Without it, the drink is more concentrated and served in a coupe. With it, it becomes a refreshing highball.
8. Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Lime is traditional and provides a specific flavor profile that pairs best with tequila, but lemon will work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly softer.
9. What if I don’t have Angostura bitters?
You can try Peychaud’s bitters for a more floral note, or orange bitters, though the classic Mexican Firing Squad flavor profile really relies on the spice of Angostura.
10. Is this drink sweet?
It is semi-sweet. The lime and bitters provide a lot of counter-balance to the grenadine, making it much more balanced than a typical fruity cocktail.
Conclusion
The Mexican Firing Squad is a historical gem that deserves a spot in every cocktail lover’s rotation. By combining the earthy soul of tequila with the brightness of lime and the deep sweetness of pomegranate, it offers a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and modern. Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a sophisticated drink to enjoy on a quiet evening, this cocktail never misses the mark. Grab your shaker, find the best grenadine you can, and enjoy a taste of 1930s Mexico City tonight!