Pomegranate Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for experimenting with classic cocktails, especially if they’re easy enough to whip up at home. The Pomegranate Tequila Sunrise is honestly one of those drinks I keep coming back to.

This version swaps in pomegranate juice, which adds a tangy punch and a gorgeous color. It’s a small change, but wow, it really makes the drink pop.

If you’re after a new spin on the classic tequila sunrise, this is a solid pick. It looks beautiful in a glass—almost too pretty to drink, but trust me, it tastes even better.

I like making these for friends at get-togethers. They’re a bit of a showstopper and always seem to disappear fast.

Pomegranate Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

This drink mixes smooth tequila, pomegranate juice, and orange juice for a vibrant, layered effect.

The recipe’s straightforward, even if you’re not a cocktail pro. But the end result? It feels a little special, like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Equipment

I don’t need much to make this cocktail—just a few basics from the kitchen or bar cart.

• Highball glass
• Jigger (or anything to measure with)
• Bar spoon or just a long spoon
• Citrus juicer (fresh orange juice is best)
• Ice cube tray

A highball glass really shows off those layers. I use a jigger for better measuring—otherwise, it’s easy to go overboard with the tequila. The bar spoon helps for layering, but honestly, any long spoon will do. Fresh juice is worth the tiny bit of extra effort. And, of course, ice is a must.

Ingredients

I like to keep the ingredients simple, but each one does its part.

• 2 oz tequila (blanco is my go-to)
• 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz pomegranate syrup (or grenadine if you’re out)
• Ice cubes
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 orange slice (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tsp sugar, if you want it sweeter

Fresh juice really does brighten everything up. Pomegranate syrup deepens the color and gives a sweet, tangy kick. The cherry and orange slice? Not necessary, but they make the drink look extra inviting.

Instructions

Here’s how I put it all together:

• Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the tequila and orange juice. Give it a gentle stir.
• Slowly pour the pomegranate juice and then the syrup down the side or over the back of a spoon. Let it settle at the bottom for that gorgeous layered effect.
• Don’t stir after this—just drop in a maraschino cherry and add an orange slice to the rim.
• If you like it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar and gently stir, but only if you really need to.

Pouring slowly is key if you want those layers to show. I always remind myself not to stir once the pomegranate goes in, or the colors just mix together.

Notes

This cocktail looks its best right after you make it. The layers will blur a bit if it sits, so I serve it up right away.

I sometimes use 100% pomegranate juice for a tart kick, or add more syrup if I’m feeling like something sweeter. Blanco tequila keeps the whole thing light and refreshing.

If you want a version for kids (or just no booze), skip the tequila and add more orange juice. I’ve tried different garnishes, but honestly, the cherry and orange slice are hard to beat for that classic look.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip of the Pomegranate Tequila Sunrise Cocktail, the sweet-tart combo hits me right away. The pomegranate juice really pops—there’s just this burst of bright fruit flavor.

The tequila brings a warm, earthy kick to the glass. Honestly, it keeps the drink from getting too sugary and makes each sip go down pretty smooth.

As I keep tasting, there’s a little orange peeking through from the juice. It’s a gentle citrus note, not too sharp, and it just sort of brightens everything up.

Plus, the colors look wild—like an actual sunrise in my glass. That makes the whole thing feel extra refreshing, if I’m being honest.

The layers sort of swirl together as I drink, but I still get that sunrise vibe—fruit, citrus, and tequila all mingling. The flavors seem to shift a bit with every sip, which keeps things interesting.

Texture-wise, it feels light, easy, almost effortless to drink. There’s none of that heavy, syrupy stuff—just a crisp, clean taste that honestly reminds me of summer mornings.