Grapefruit Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

I love finding new ways to make classic drinks more interesting. One of my favorite twists is the Grapefruit Tequila Sunrise Cocktail.

This recipe swaps the usual orange juice for grapefruit juice, giving the cocktail a fresher, slightly tart flavor.

The colors in this drink look gorgeous in the glass. It’s a great pick for get-togethers or just unwinding at home.

If you want a cocktail that feels special but isn’t complicated, you’ll like how easy this is to put together. The ingredient list is short, so you won’t have to hunt down anything weird.

Grapefruit Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

Grapefruit Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe
I mix this refreshing cocktail using fresh grapefruit juice, tequila, and grenadine. That’s how you get that layered sunrise effect.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or large glass
  • Jigger (for measuring)
  • Bar spoon or regular spoon
  • Tall glass (highball or Collins glass)
  • Small knife (for slicing garnish)
  • Citrus juicer or reamer (recommended if using fresh grapefruit)
  • Ice cubes
  • Small plate (for salt, if desired)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz tequila silver or blanco
  • 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice ruby red or white
  • 1 oz orange juice optional, for extra sweetness
  • 1/2 oz grenadine
  • Ice cubes
  • Grapefruit wedge or slice for garnish
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish, optional
  • Salt for rim, optional

Instructions

  • Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour in the tequila, then grapefruit juice, and orange juice (if you’re using it).
  • Stir the mixture gently.
  • Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. It’ll settle at the bottom and give you that “sunrise” look.
  • Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a cherry, if you’re in the mood.
  • If you want a salted rim, run a grapefruit slice around the top of the glass and dip it in salt before adding ice.
  • The trick is to pour the grenadine slowly, so you get that separate layer. If I want the flavors blended, I’ll stir it a little more and skip the gradient.

Notes

I sometimes tweak the grenadine amount for sweetness. Too much and it gets sugary fast.
Clear ice looks better and melts slower, in my opinion. If I can’t get fresh grapefruit, I’ll use a decent bottled juice (no added sugar).
I stick with a highball glass for the best look—plenty of room for ice and those layers. Ruby red grapefruit juice gives it more tang. Sometimes I add a splash of club soda to lighten things up.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

First thing I notice with this cocktail is the bright citrus aroma. The smell of fresh grapefruit stands out, mixed with just a little sweet orange.

The taste starts with a blend of sweet and sour. My tongue picks up that crisp tartness from the grapefruit right away.

Then the tequila comes through—smooth and with a gentle warmth as I swallow.

What I notice in each sip:

  • Crisp citrus hits first
  • Subtle sweetness from grenadine
  • Smooth tequila warmth in the finish

I like how every ingredient is easy to taste but doesn’t overpower the others. The aftertaste is citrusy and clean—makes me want another sip, honestly.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have all the ingredients for a Grapefruit Tequila Sunrise. So, here are a few simple substitute options I reach for instead.

Equipment:

  • Shaker or a spoon—whichever’s handy
  • Glass
  • Citrus juicer (but honestly, that’s optional)

Ingredients:

  • If I’m out of fresh grapefruit juice, I grab bottled grapefruit juice. Orange juice works too, though it’s a bit different.
  • No tequila? I’ll use vodka or white rum. It’s not the same, but it does the trick.
  • Out of grenadine, I’ll reach for pomegranate syrup or even raspberry syrup if that’s what’s in the fridge.

Instructions:

  • I pour whatever juice and spirit combo I’ve got into the glass and give it a mix.
  • Syrup goes in last, slow and careful, to get that sunrise look. Sometimes it works, sometimes it just swirls.
  • If it needs it, I’ll stir gently—though not always.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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