Mexican Firing Squad

The Mexican Firing Squad has a smoky, citrusy, complex, spicy, earthy flavor profile. A bold and spirited tequila cocktail that combines the smokiness of mezcal with bright citrus and spicy grenadine. This complex drink delivers layers of flavor with a kick that lives up to its intimidating name.

A Mexican Firing Squad requires 6 ingredients: Blanco Tequila, Mezcal joven, Fresh Lime Juice, Grenadine, Angostura Bitters, Lime wheel.

A Mexican Firing Squad takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

A Mexican Firing Squad is traditionally served in a coupe, garnished with lime wheel and expressed lime peel.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Mexican Firing Squad by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Mexican Firing Squad emerged in the early 2000s as part of the craft cocktail renaissance that sought to elevate tequila and mezcal beyond simple shots and basic mixed drinks. Created by innovative bartenders who wanted to showcase the complexity of premium agave spirits, this cocktail draws inspiration from classic sours while incorporating distinctly Mexican flavors and ingredients. The name reflects both the drink's potent kick and pays homage to Mexico's revolutionary spirit. Unlike many cocktails with murky origins, the Mexican Firing Squad represents the modern era of mixology where bartenders deliberately craft drinks to tell a story. The combination of tequila and mezcal was revolutionary at the time, as most cocktails featured only one base spirit. This dual-agave approach creates a layered drinking experience that has since influenced countless other modern cocktails. The drink gained popularity in craft cocktail bars across Mexico City and eventually made its way to mezcalerias and agave-focused bars worldwide, becoming a symbol of contemporary Mexican cocktail culture.