A Little History

The Mexican Firing Squad first appeared in print in 1937, in Charles H. Baker Jr.’s legendary cocktail travelogue The Gentleman’s Companion. Baker claimed to have discovered it at La Cucaracha Bar in Mexico City, where locals mixed tequila with lime, grenadine, and bitters for a bold, ruby-colored refresher.

Despite its dramatic name, the drink is more fiesta than firing line—bright, tangy, and just the right amount of punchy. Over time it’s become a cult favorite among tequila lovers, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes leave the biggest mark.

Ingredients 

2 Ounces Blanco Tequila

0.75 Ounce Lime Juice

0.75 Ounce Grenadine (preferably house-made)

4 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Top: Soda Water (optional, light splash)

Garnish: Lime Wheel or Mint Sprig

Method

Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker tin, add the tequila, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.

Fill with ice and shake well until chilled.

Strain: Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.

Top: Add a light splash of soda water for length and effervescence (optional but traditional).

Garnish: Skewer a lime wheel and a luxardo cherry.

Serve and enjoy.