The Best Tequila for a Mexican Firing Squad (Recipe & Guide)

The Bold and the Beautiful: The Best Tequila for a Mexican Firing Squad

The Mexican Firing Squad is a cocktail with a name as striking as its flavor. First recorded at the legendary La Cucaracha Cocktail Club in Mexico City in the 1930s, this drink is a sophisticated blend of tequila, fresh lime juice, grenadine, and bitters. While it shares some DNA with the Margarita, the addition of pomegranate sweetness and aromatic bitters creates a deeper, more complex tequila cocktail.

Because the Mexican Firing Squad relies on the interplay between tart citrus and rich, fruity grenadine, your choice of spirit is vital. The right tequila for a Mexican Firing Squad acts as the anchor, providing an earthy, spicy backbone that keeps the drink from becoming too sweet.

Are you looking for a budget-friendly bottle or the best premium tequila to elevate this classic? In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for and our top recommendations for every palate.

Do not hesitate to vote or give your opinion on our dedicated Mexican Firing Squad cocktail rater.

Mexican Firing Squad A sophisticated vintage classic, balancing tart lime, sweet pomegranate, and the bold soul of agave.

What to Look For in a Tequila for a Mexican Firing Squad

Unlike the Paloma, which demands the high-vibrancy of a Blanco, the Mexican Firing Squad is versatile. It can handle both the crispness of an unaged spirit and the oaky depth of a rested one.

• Type: Blanco or Reposado. A Blanco Tequila (Silver/Plata) keeps the drink bright and highlights the fruitiness of the grenadine. However, many bartenders prefer a Reposado Tequila; its notes of vanilla and oak pair exceptionally well with the spice of Angostura bitters.

• Quality: 100% Blue Agave. As always, this is non-negotiable. To ensure a good quality drinking experience and avoid a harsh finish, ensure your label says 100% Blue Agave.

• Flavor Profile: You want a tequila that can punch through the grenadine. Look for spirits with a strong agave plant presence, black pepper, and perhaps a hint of cinnamon or spice.

The 5 Best Tequilas for a Perfect Mexican Firing Squad

Here are our top picks for this historic cocktail.

1. Tequila Ocho Plata: The Bright & Peppery Pick

• Why it's great for a Mexican Firing Squad: If you want your cocktail to be zesty and vibrant, Ocho Plata is the winner. Its clean, mineral-forward profile allows the lime and grenadine to shine while providing a distinct peppery bite that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

• Price Point: $$ (Mid-Range)

• Best for: Lovers of bright, citrusy, and agave-forward cocktails.

2. Espolòn Reposado: The Best Value Workhorse

• Why it's great for a Mexican Firing Squad: This is a best cheap tequila contender that punches way above its weight. The light aging adds hints of caramel and spice that bridge the gap between the bitters and the pomegranate, making for a very balanced drink.

• Price Point: $ (Budget-Friendly)

• Best for: Making high-quality cocktails at home without a high price tag.

3. Fortaleza Reposado: The Ultimate Craft Experience

• Why it's great for a Mexican Firing Squad: Fortaleza is often called the best sipping tequila, and it brings that same magic to a cocktail. Its rich, buttery texture and notes of cooked agave and baking spices turn the Mexican Firing Squad into a luxurious, savory experience.

• Price Point: $$$ (Premium)

• Best for: A special occasion or when you want to see how complex this cocktail can truly become.

4. Siete Leguas Blanco: The Bold & Authentic Soul

• Why it's great for a Mexican Firing Squad: Siete Leguas is a legendary classic tequila. Their Blanco is incredibly robust and earthy. It provides a powerful "funk" and spice that ensures the tequila remains the star of the show, even when mixed with bold ingredients like grenadine.

• Price Point: $$ (Mid-Range)

• Best for: Those who want a "boozy" and authentic tequila-forward flavor.

5. Herradura Reposado: The Smooth & Balanced Standard

• Why it's great for a Mexican Firing Squad: Herradura is credited with creating the first Reposado. It’s aged longer than most in its category (11 months), giving it a deep amber color and a flavor profile rich in toasted oak and vanilla. It creates an exceptionally smooth Mexican Firing Squad.

• Price Point: $$ (Mid-Range)

• Best for: Fans of smooth, mellow cocktails with a hint of wood and spice.

The Classic Mexican Firing Squad Recipe

Ready to execute the perfect drink? This classic recipe is easy to master and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) Fresh lime juice

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) Real Grenadine (Pomegranate syrup)

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Garnish: Lime wheel or Brandied Cherry

Instructions:

1. Combine: Add the tequila, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters into a cocktail shaker.

2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.

3. Strain: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel or a cherry. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: Avoid the bright red "cherry flavored" syrups in grocery stores. Look for a grenadine made with real pomegranate juice to get the authentic, tart flavor this drink is known for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What tequila is best for a Mexican Firing Squad? A: A high-quality 100% Blue Agave Reposado is often considered the best choice for its ability to pair with the bitters and grenadine, though a Blanco works beautifully for a lighter version.

Q: Is a Mexican Firing Squad just a Pomegranate Margarita? A: Not quite! While the base is similar, the inclusion of Angostura bitters and the absence of orange liqueur (Triple Sec) give the Mexican Firing Squad a much more aromatic and "spice-driven" profile.

Conclusion

The Mexican Firing Squad is a testament to the versatility of tequila. Whether you prefer the crispness of Siete Leguas Blanco or the smooth oak of Espolòn Reposado, this cocktail is a fantastic way to explore the depths of your favorite bottle. Load up your shaker and find your perfect version. Cheers!