Mexican Firing Squad

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Cocktail History

The Mexican Firing Squad is a classic cocktail that was first published in Charles H. Baker Jr.’s second volume of The Gentleman’s Companion, which centered around exotic drinks he experienced while traveling the world. According to the book, it was created during Prohibition at La Cucaracha Bar in Mexico City, Mexico and was a favorite of many thirsty Americans visiting the country at the time. The recipe is traditionally made with tequila, lime, grenadine, and aromatic bitters, but this variation adds some heat by splitting the base with a pineapple jalapeño-flavored tequila.

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Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pineapple Jalapeño Tequila: This is a type of tequila made with pineapple, jalapeño pepper, unaged agave, and water. I used Dulce Vida Spirits Pineapple Jalapeño Tequila.

Tequila Blanco: This is a spirit made with unaged agave and water. I used El Jimador Tequila Silver.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. I used freshly squeezed lime juice.

Grenadine: This is a sweetener made with pomegranate juice and white sugar. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.

Aromatic Bitters: This is a food product made with botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Angostura Aromatic Bitters.

Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

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Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

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Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Bright red-pink color

• Aroma: Inviting pomegranate and pepper

• Taste: Sweet pineapple flavor laced with tart citrus, agave, and pomegranate notes

• Finish: Slight spices and pepper

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: "I absolutely loved this recipe and even promptly declared my tasting wrapped after a few sips so I didn’t have to focus on anything but drinking one or two more of them the rest of the night. I'd never heard of the Mexican Firing Squad before and thought it could be a great alternative to the Margarita I usually enjoy at Cinco de Mayo celebrations."

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Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.