The Tequila Sunrise cocktail brings a splash of color and flavor to any occasion. This classic drink combines tequila, orange juice, and grenadine to create a beautiful gradient that mimics a sunrise.
Making a perfect Tequila Sunrise requires just three ingredients and takes less than five minutes to prepare.
The drink gained popularity in the 1970s after the Eagles released their hit song “Tequila Sunrise.” Its eye-catching appearance makes it a favorite for brunches, pool parties, and summer gatherings.
The sweetness of the orange juice and grenadine balances the tequila. It creates a refreshing taste that appeals to many people.
This cocktail works for both newcomers to mixed drinks and more seasoned cocktail enthusiasts. You can adjust the recipe by changing the amount of each ingredient or by trying different types of tequila.
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass (or any tall glass)
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Ice scoop
- Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh orange juice)
Ingredients
For a traditional Tequila Sunrise, grab these:
- 2 oz 60ml tequila (blanco or silver preferred)
- 4 oz 120ml orange juice (freshly squeezed tastes best)
- ¾ oz 22ml grenadine syrup
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: orange slice and/or maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the tequila over the ice.
- Add the orange juice and stir gently.
- Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a bar spoon so it sinks to the bottom.
- Do not stir after adding grenadine – this preserves the sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and/or cherry.
The trick is to add the grenadine last and let it settle. That’s what gives you the classic red-to-orange gradient. Serve right away before the colors start to blend together.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Tequila Sunrise offers a blend of sweet, tart, and fruity flavors with a gentle warmth from the tequila. The first thing you’ll taste is the bright citrus from the orange juice.
Grenadine brings in a sweet pomegranate note that plays off the orange juice. It also gives you that signature red-orange effect.
The tequila adds just a bit of earthiness and subtle agave notes. If you use a good tequila, there might be a hint of vanilla or pepper, but nothing too strong.
Flavor Profile:
- Sweetness: Medium to high (from orange juice and grenadine)
- Acidity: Medium (from orange juice)
- Alcohol presence: Mild to moderate
- Fruit notes: Strong orange with pomegranate undertones
The texture is smooth and refreshing, a little thick from the juice. As the ice melts, it gets even cooler and more drinkable—honestly, it’s perfect for a warm day.
Sips change as you go. At first, it’s all about the orange, but as the grenadine mixes in, things get sweeter and a bit richer.
The aftertaste is fruity with a gentle tequila warmth. It pairs well with Mexican food, or you can just enjoy it on its own as a bright, refreshing drink.
Substitute
If you don’t have tequila or grenadine, don’t worry. You can still whip up something pretty close.
There are a handful of alternatives that work in place of the original ingredients. For tequila, vodka is a solid stand-in.
It makes the cocktail a bit milder, but honestly, it’s still nice and refreshing. Rum can work too, though it gives things a slightly sweeter twist.
No grenadine handy? Try one of these:
- Cranberry juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Cherry juice
- Raspberry syrup
Orange juice isn’t set in stone either. Pineapple juice or a little grapefruit and lemon mix can keep that tropical vibe going, just with a different spin.
You won’t get quite the same layered look without the alcohol, but if you pour the juice or syrup in last, you can fake it pretty well.
And hey, a splash of soda water on top? It adds a bit of fizz—perfect for those scorching days when you need something extra refreshing.
