Experience one of tequila’s earliest documented cocktails with a sophisticated twist. The Mexican Firing Squad transforms from a historical curiosity into a complex libation when you swap the traditional blanco for aged añejo tequila.
This remarkable cocktail balances tart pomegranate sweetness with bold agave character and warm spicing notes.
Mexican Firing Squad Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 ounces añejo tequila
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- 3-4 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lime wheel for garnish
- Ice
Step-by-Step Mexican Firing Squad Mixing Guide
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
- Express lime oils over the drink by squeezing the wheel
- Drop the lime wheel into the glass as garnish
- Serve immediately while cold
Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes for Your Mexican Firing Squad
Your Mexican Firing Squad recipe offers flexibility for different flavor profiles. Replace añejo tequila with reposado for lighter oak influence or blanco for brighter agave notes. Substitute lime juice with lemon for a softer citrus profile.
Use Small Hand Foods grenadine for authentic pomegranate flavor instead of artificial syrups. Orange bitters create a different spice profile than Angostura. Simple syrup mixed with pomegranate juice works when grenadine is unavailable.
Add club soda for a highball version served in a Collins glass. Some bartenders incorporate mezcal splits for smoky complexity.
What I Really Like About the Mexican Firing Squad
This cocktail delivers unexpected sophistication through its aged tequila base. The añejo brings vanilla and caramel notes that complement the tart pomegranate beautifully. You taste four distinct flavor phases: initial agave warmth, bright pomegranate fruitiness, sharp lime acidity, and finishing spice from the bitters.
The balance feels perfect without overwhelming sweetness. Unlike many tequila cocktails that rely on triple sec or other liqueurs, this recipe lets the agave spirit shine through complex layers.
The drink’s history adds intrigue to every sip. You’re enjoying something that adventurous drinkers discovered nearly a century ago in Mexico City’s underground bar scene.
Mexican Firing Squad History and Creator
The Mexican Firing Squad was first documented by Charles H. Baker in his 1939 book “Gentleman’s Companion.” Baker discovered this cocktail at La Cucaracha Bar in Mexico City in 1937. Baker was not a professional bartender but rather a wealthy world traveler who documented exotic drinks during his global adventures.
Baker and his companion ditched their government-connected chaperones to find authentic Mexican drinking culture, leading them to La Cucaracha where they “almost became wrecked upon” this creation. The bar was famous among Americans seeking refuge from Prohibition.
This represents one of the earliest tequila cocktails published in English, appearing the same year as other pioneering tequila drinks in William J. Tarling’s Cafe Royal Cocktail Book. The exact origin of the dramatic name remains unclear, though it likely reflects the cocktail’s punchy character.
Mexican Firing Squad Taste Profile
Your first sip introduces aged agave with vanilla and oak undertones from the añejo tequila. The Herradura Añejo brings depth that blanco versions cannot match.
Grenadine provides tart pomegranate sweetness that balances the spirit’s intensity. Fresh lime juice adds bright acidity that cleanses your palate between sips. Angostura bitters contribute warm spicing notes with hints of cinnamon and clove.
The finish offers lingering agave character enhanced by oak aging. Each ingredient plays a distinct role without overpowering the others. The overall profile feels refreshing yet complex, tart yet balanced.
Serving Suggestions for the Mexican Firing Squad
Serve your Mexican Firing Squad in a rocks glass over fresh ice for the traditional presentation. The drink works excellently as a pre-dinner cocktail or evening sipper.
For special occasions, use the original garnish of orange slice, pineapple wedge, and maraschino cherry as described in Baker’s original recipe. This creates a more festive appearance perfect for celebrations.
Consider serving alongside other classic tequila cocktails for tastings. The drink pairs beautifully with Mexican cuisine or spicy foods that complement its citrus and spice profile.
Temperature matters significantly. Always use fresh ice and serve immediately after shaking to maintain optimal chill and dilution levels.
Great Appetizers to Pair with the Mexican Firing Squad
Mexican street corn with lime and chili powder echoes the cocktail’s citrus and spice elements. Guacamole with tortilla chips provides creamy richness that balances the drink’s acidity.
Ceviche works beautifully with the lime component while adding seafood complexity. Cheese quesadillas offer mild flavors that won’t compete with the cocktail’s nuanced profile.
Spicy shrimp skewers complement both the citrus and heat elements. Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers provide smoky heat that pairs with the aged tequila’s oak character.
Fresh fruit like watermelon or mango chunks enhance the drink’s refreshing qualities. These lighter options work especially well during warm weather entertaining.
Mexican Firing Squad Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Your finished cocktail contains approximately 20-22% ABV when made with standard 40% añejo tequila. The exact percentage depends on dilution from shaking and ice melting.
The 2-ounce tequila base provides most of the alcohol content. Grenadine and lime juice contain minimal alcohol. Angostura bitters add trace amounts due to their small quantity.
This ABV level places the drink in the medium-strength category, stronger than wine but gentler than straight spirits. The citrus and sweetness help mask the alcohol heat, making it very drinkable.
Nutritional Values of the Mexican Firing Squad
Each serving contains approximately 180-200 calories, primarily from the tequila and grenadine. The drink provides minimal nutritional value beyond calories.
Grenadine contributes about 30-40 calories from sugar content. Fresh lime juice adds vitamin C plus natural citric acid. The cocktail contains no fat, protein, or significant vitamins or minerals.
For lower-calorie versions, reduce grenadine slightly or use sugar-free alternatives. The lime juice provides the only meaningful micronutrients in this cocktail.
Final Thoughts on the Mexican Firing Squad
The Mexican Firing Squad deserves recognition as a sophisticated tequila cocktail that predates the Margarita by decades. Using quality añejo tequila elevates this historical recipe into something truly special for modern palates.
This drink proves that classic cocktails can surprise you with their complexity and balance. The combination of aged agave, tart pomegranate, bright citrus, and warming spices creates a memorable drinking experience.
Whether you’re exploring tequila’s cocktail history or seeking alternatives to ubiquitous Margaritas, this recipe delivers authenticity and flavor. The Olmeca Altos Añejo provides excellent value for mixing while maintaining the drink’s sophisticated character.
Make this cocktail part of your regular rotation and discover why Charles Baker almost became “wrecked upon” this creation during his Mexican adventure.
