Christmas Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for new ways to bring a little extra cheer to my holiday get-togethers, and this Christmas Tequila Sunrise cocktail is honestly a recent obsession. It’s a super easy riff on the classic Tequila Sunrise—think seasonal flavors and colors that just scream Christmas.

Friends who usually lean toward margaritas or palomas? They see this and suddenly want a glass, too. It’s never failed to get a few “oohs” at the table.

Making one is surprisingly simple, and it’s gorgeous—those layers of red, orange, and gold look like a little holiday sunset in your glass. The ingredients list is short, and odds are, you’ve already got most of it at home.

If you’re after a Christmas cocktail that’s low-effort but high on the wow factor, this one’s worth a shot.

Christmas Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about a festive Tequila Sunrise that perks up the whole holiday vibe. I swap out the usual grenadine for cranberry or pomegranate syrup, which gives it a Christmas-y twist, and fresh orange juice keeps things bright.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker (or honestly, a jar with a lid works fine)
• Jigger (for measuring—don’t eyeball it, trust me)
• Tall glass (highball or Collins glass is perfect)
• Bar spoon (or any long spoon you’ve got)
• Ice cubes
• Small pitcher (optional, if you’re making a batch)

Having the right tools makes a difference, but don’t stress if you’re missing one. I love using a clear tall glass so you can actually see those pretty layers. The jigger helps keep everything balanced—nobody wants a boozy mess.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila blanco (go for a decent one, it matters)
• 4 oz fresh orange juice
• 1 oz cranberry juice (or pomegranate juice)
• 0.5 oz orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau—totally optional)
• 0.5 oz homemade grenadine (or pomegranate syrup, or just simple syrup)
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and fresh cranberries (for garnish)

I’m partial to tequila blanco for that crisp, bright flavor. Sometimes I’ll make my own pomegranate syrup—just juice and sugar, nothing fancy. If you like it on the sweeter side, a splash of simple syrup does the trick.

Instructions

• Fill your tall glass with ice, right up to the top.
• Pour in the tequila blanco, then add the fresh orange juice.
• Add the orange liqueur if you’re using it.
• Slowly pour the cranberry or pomegranate juice so it settles in and creates that sunrise effect.
• Drizzle the grenadine (or pomegranate/simple syrup) down the inside of the glass so it sinks beautifully.
• Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon—just once or twice if you want a bit of a blend, or skip it for more dramatic layers.
• Garnish with an orange slice and a few cranberries.

The trick is to pour the syrup slowly, so you get that classic “sunrise” fade from red to orange.

Notes

I’ll be honest, homemade pomegranate syrup beats store-bought grenadine every time. The flavor’s just richer and feels more natural.

If you’re not into super sweet drinks, leave out the simple syrup and stick with pure pomegranate juice. Fresh orange juice brightens everything up.

It’s easy to make a pitcher for a crowd—just multiply the recipe and pour over ice when you’re ready. Want more orange? Bump up the orange liqueur.

For a mocktail, just ditch the tequila and orange liqueur, and top with a splash of soda water for bubbles. If you’re feeling fancy, try rosemary sprigs or sugared cranberries as a garnish for extra holiday flair.

Tasting Notes

So, the first thing I notice when I try my Christmas Tequila Sunrise is that gentle mix of sweet and tangy. The orange juice really pops—it’s got that bright, sunny vibe.

Then there’s the pomegranate or grenadine, which sneaks in a bit of tartness. Plus, you can’t miss that pretty red swirl—kind of festive, honestly.

The tequila hangs out in the background, adding a touch of warmth but never shouting over the fruit. I like how it blends in; nothing too harsh or boozy here.

Honestly, the drink feels light and refreshing. With those colors and the easy flavor, I keep coming back to it every Christmas.