Start your morning with a bright and citrusy cocktail that brings together sweet cinnamon and fresh orange flavors.

This easy-to-make drink needs just four ingredients: orange juice, cinnamon simple syrup, vodka, and a splash of club soda.

The orange-tinted drink looks like a sunrise in the glass, making it perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of warmth and spice to each sip.

Mix this drink in less than five minutes using basic bar tools. The recipe makes one serving but can be doubled or tripled to serve a group.

Keep reading for the full recipe and mixing instructions.

Cinnamon Orange Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

This bright and refreshing cocktail mixes sweet orange juice with warm cinnamon and smooth tequila. The layered drink creates a beautiful sunrise effect with a spicy kick.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Tall cocktail glass (12 oz)

Ingredients

2 oz silver tequila
4 oz fresh orange juice
1 oz grenadine
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Orange slice for garnish
Cinnamon stick for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add tequila, orange juice, and ground cinnamon to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.

Fill the tall glass with fresh ice cubes.
Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink to create the sunrise effect.

Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

Notes

The drink works best with fresh-squeezed orange juice rather than store-bought.

Store the cocktail mixture without ice for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with ginger ale or orange-flavored sparkling water.

Add more or less cinnamon based on taste preferences. Start with less – you can always add more.

Warm the grenadine slightly before pouring for better layering results.

Tasting Notes

The Cinnamon Orange Sunrise cocktail greets the palate with bright citrus notes and warm spice aromas. Fresh orange juice brings natural sweetness while cinnamon adds depth and complexity.

A gentle hint of vanilla from the bourbon creates a smooth, creamy texture. The spices linger pleasantly on the tongue without overpowering the drink’s refreshing qualities.

This cocktail balances sweet and spicy elements perfectly. The orange’s natural acidity cuts through the richness of the bourbon, while cinnamon provides a cozy warmth that makes each sip memorable.

Key Flavor Components:

Sweet orange juice
Warm cinnamon spice
Smooth bourbon notes
Light vanilla undertones

The drink’s orange-amber color matches its flavor profile beautifully. As the ice melts, the flavors blend together but maintain their distinct characteristics.

Temperature affects the taste experience. When served extra cold, the cocktail feels crisp and invigorating. As it warms slightly, the cinnamon and bourbon notes become more pronounced.

Must Have Ingredients

Image	Title	Buy
	Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
	Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt	Buy On Amazon
	WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint	Buy On Amazon
	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit	Buy On Amazon
	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Substitute

Several ingredients can replace items in the Cinnamon Orange Sunrise cocktail while keeping its basic flavor profile intact.

For orange juice, try using mandarin juice, tangerine juice, or blood orange juice. Each option adds a unique citrus twist to the drink.

Non-alcoholic substitutes can replace the vodka:

The grenadine syrup can be swapped with:

Pomegranate juice
Cherry juice
Raspberry syrup

Fresh cinnamon sticks work best, but ground cinnamon makes a good backup. Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for each stick called for in the recipe.

When sugar syrup isn’t available, mix equal parts hot water and sugar until dissolved. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Crushed ice can replace regular ice cubes. The drink will become cold faster, though it may dilute more quickly.

Cinnamon Orange Sunrise Cocktail Recipe