Mexican Firing Squad Special Cocktail recipe
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Mexican Firing Squad Special is a tequila sour that leans bright, pink, and bitters-kissed, balancing citrus with a touch of pomegranate-like sweetness. You’ll often see it grouped with mid-century tequila classics that helped move the spirit beyond straight shots and into more nuanced mixed drinks, using the same sweet–sour framework that made sours so enduring. In that sense, it sits comfortably alongside other tequila-forward refreshers: simple on paper, but surprisingly expressive in the glass.
With reposado tequila as the base, you get a rounded agave core that stands up to the snap of fresh lime juice. Grenadine brings a smooth, red-fruit sweetness that softens the lime’s edge and gives the drink its rosy hue without turning it cloying. A dash of aromatic bitters tightens everything up, adding a dry, spiced accent that keeps the sweet-and-sour interplay crisp and focused.
Serve it when you want something lively but not overly sharp—ideal for warm afternoons, casual get-togethers, or as a crowd-pleasing tequila option at a party. If you like Margaritas but want a slightly softer, more fruit-tinged profile with a hint of complexity, this one lands right in your wheelhouse.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Tequila reposado leads with warm agave and soft oak, sharpened by lime juice, while grenadine adds a pink, pomegranate-like sweetness that rounds the edges; a dash of aromatic bitters threads through with clove-cinnamon depth. It works because the lime’s snap keeps the grenadine from turning candy-sweet and the bitters pull the tequila forward, ideal for sour lovers who want a slightly richer, spiced finish.
Method
How to make a Mexican Firing Squad Special
- Tequila reposado 60ml, Lime juice 20ml, Grenadine 12.5ml, Aromatic bitters Dash
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- In a shaker, combine all ingredients
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- Shake well with ice and strain into an ice-filled lowball glass
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- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, an orange slice and a cherry, and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Opt for homemade grenadine, made with pomegranate juice and sugar, for a more natural and vibrant flavor.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Mexican Firing Squad Special?
The Mexican Firing Squad Special is a classic cocktail that originates from Mexico City. It was first documented in the late 1930s by writer Charles H. Baker in his book 'The Gentleman's Companion,' where he notes discovering the drink at the La Cucaracha Bar in Mexico City. The cocktail has since become a beloved choice for tequila enthusiasts, celebrated for its balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors.
What type of tequila is best for the Mexican Firing Squad Special?
The original recipe for the Mexican Firing Squad Special calls for Tequila Reposado. Reposado tequilas are aged in wood barrels for between two months and a year, which gives them a smooth taste with a hint of oak, making them perfect for this cocktail's balance of flavors.
Can the Grenadine in the Mexican Firing Squad Special be substituted?
While grenadine gives the Mexican Firing Squad Special its characteristic sweetness and color, if you're in a pinch, you can substitute it with pomegranate syrup or even make a simple homemade grenadine using pomegranate juice and sugar. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the cocktail will still be delicious.
How does the addition of Angostura Bitters affect the cocktail?
The dash of Angostura Bitters in the Mexican Firing Squad Special adds a layer of complexity, enhancing the cocktail with its herbal, bitter, and slightly sweet flavors. Bitters act as a flavor enhancer, tying together the sweet grenadine and sour lime juice with the tequila's richness.
What is the significance of using a highball glass for the Mexican Firing Squad Special?
A highball glass is chosen for the Mexican Firing Squad Special due to its tall and narrow shape, which is ideal for cocktails served with a large volume of ice. The highball glass ensures the drink remains cold while also providing enough room for the mix and any carbonated additions, allowing for a visually appealing presentation and a well-balanced sip.
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