Cocktails

Mexican Firing Squad

Mexican Firing Squad is a cocktail made with Blanco Tequila, Simple Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, and Pomegranate Molasses (Available At Middle Eastern Grocers). The listed recipe is shaken and served in a Highball Glass.

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic10.5% ABV6 ingredients

At a Glance

339 kcalCalories

10.5%ABV

41.2gSugar

52.1gCarbs

1.42Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2.0 ozBlanco tequilaBase Spirit
1.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
4.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceJuice
1.0 ozpomegranate molasses (available at Middle Eastern grocers)Other
2 dashesAngostura BittersBitters
1 garnishLime wheelGarnish

How to Make It

Shake and strain into ice-filled Highball glass.Shaken
Garnish with lime.Garnish

How to Serve

Glass: Highball Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice
Method: Shaken

Served Chilled

Serving tips

Serve Mexican Firing Squad cold and taste the citrus balance before adding extra sugar. Fresh citrus usually makes the biggest difference. It is commonly matched with tacos, mexican food, spicy food style pairings.

Taste

What does Mexican Firing Squad taste like?

Mexican Firing Squad is bright and tart, with citrus carrying much of the first impression. Sweetness and dilution need to balance the sharpness.

Primary flavours

Citrus Tart

Supporting notes

Sweet Molasses Bitter Agave Earthy

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

BoldnessDelicate – Bold

Noticeably sweet
Bright and citrusy

What do these dimensions mean?

Practical notes

When to choose it

How to decide if Mexican Firing Squad is right for you

Mexican Firing Squad is best when you want brightness and a clean tart edge. Choose it if citrus balance matters more than richness, creaminess or heavy sweetness. The listed serve is about 10.1% ABV, so strength is part of the decision.

Skip if

Skip Mexican Firing Squad if...

Skip Mexican Firing Squad if tart citrus is not what you want. Sour-style drinks rely on acidity, so they can feel sharp when you are looking for richness or sweetness.

When to serve

SummerSuggested from its citrus notes.
Taco NightSuggested from its agave and peppery notes, pairing with mexican food and tacos.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, strict multi-signal supplemental rules, and cached for public page performance.

Food pairings

Seafood Ceviche Salads

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Not enough information

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Blanco Tequila2.0 oz

Reposado TequilaWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use the same amount; taste before changing sweetener or citrus.
What changes: Reposado tequila can replace blanco tequila when a rounder, lightly oaked variation is acceptable.

MezcalWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount; reduce other smoky or bitter ingredients if the drink becomes too intense.
What changes: Mezcal can replace blanco tequila when a smokier, earthier agave profile is welcome.

Simple Syrup1.0 oz

SugarWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Dissolve well before serving or muddle/shake hard; start with about 1 teaspoon sugar per 1/4 oz syrup.
What changes: Sugar can replace simple syrup if it fully dissolves, but it adds less water.

Agave SyrupWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use slightly less at first, then adjust to taste.
What changes: Agave syrup can replace simple syrup, especially in tequila or mezcal drinks, but it adds an earthy agave note.

Demerara SyrupWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount, but avoid in very delicate drinks unless you want the darker flavor.
What changes: Demerara syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, darker sugar note is welcome.

Honey SyrupWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use slightly less at first; honey syrup can dominate delicate drinks.
What changes: Honey syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, floral sweetness is acceptable.

Maple SyrupNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Use less at first and avoid in delicate citrus or clear drinks unless you want maple flavor.
What changes: Maple syrup can replace simple syrup in darker or whiskey-style drinks, but it is not a neutral swap.

Fresh Lime Juice4.0 oz

Lemon JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if needed.
What changes: Lemon juice can usually replace lime juice, but the drink becomes less tropical and more lemon-forward.

Angostura Bitters2 dashes

Aromatic BittersWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Start with the recipe’s dash count and taste before adding more.
What changes: Another aromatic bitters can replace Angostura when some change in spice and fruit character is acceptable.

Orange BittersNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Start with the recipe’s dash count and taste; the result will lose some baking-spice character.
What changes: Orange bitters can replace Angostura only when a brighter, more citrus-led result is acceptable.

Lime Wheel1 garnish

Lime WedgeGood swap

How much to use: Use one wedge for one wheel.
What changes: A lime wedge can replace a lime wheel, especially if the drink benefits from a squeeze of lime.

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

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Last updated July 12, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Frequently asked questions

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.