Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic10.1% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Taco Night
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerBittersGarnish
- 2.0 ozBlanco TequilaBase
- 1.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- 4.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozPomegranate Molasses (Available At Middle Eastern Grocers)Sweetener
- 2 dashesAngostura BittersBitters
- 1 garnishLime WheelGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Shake and strain into ice-filled highball glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Garnish with lime.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral — it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Mexican Firing Squad?
- The Mexican Firing Squad is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 10.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 339 calories.
- What does a Mexican Firing Squad taste like?
- Mexican Firing Squad has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lime, Tart, Bitter. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Mexican Firing Squad?
- Mexican Firing Squad pairs well with Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Mexican Firing Squad?
- The Mexican Firing Squad has an ABV of approximately 10.1%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 339 calories, 41.2g sugar, 52.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Mexican Firing Squad typically served?
- Mexican Firing Squad is a popular choice for Taco Night, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Mexican Firing Squad?
- If you enjoy Mexican Firing Squad, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Mexican Firing Squad at home?
- Yes. The Mexican Firing Squad uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Mexican Firing Squad with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.