Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

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A Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. These ingredients create bright red and orange layers that look like a sunrise in a glass.

The drink became famous in the 1970s when The Rolling Stones ordered them during their tours. This helped the cocktail earn its place in rock and roll history.

The simple mix of ingredients makes this cocktail perfect for both new and experienced home bartenders. The sweet and fruity taste appeals to people who want a less strong-tasting drink.

This recipe takes less than five minutes to make. You only need three main ingredients plus ice.

When you add grenadine, it sinks to the bottom of the glass. This creates the signature sunrise effect that makes this drink so eye-catching.

Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe
The Tequila Sunrise is a bright orange and red layered cocktail. It mixes tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The drink gets its name from the way the ingredients create a sunrise effect in the glass.
John

Equipment

  • Tall glass (12-14 oz)
  • Cocktail spoon
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Ice scoop
  • Citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • 4 oz fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill the tall glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour the tequila into the glass.
  • Add the orange juice and stir gently with a cocktail spoon.
  • Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass. The syrup sinks to the bottom and creates the sunrise effect.
  • Do not stir after adding the grenadine.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Notes

Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes the best Tequila Sunrise. The drink looks better when you layer the ingredients carefully.
Store-bought orange juice works too. Choose one without pulp for the best look.
The drink should show clear color layers. You want dark red at the bottom that fades to orange at the top.
Serve right away. The layers will mix if the drink sits too long.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

The Tequila Sunrise offers sweet orange notes mixed with tart grenadine syrup. Each sip starts with bright citrus flavors from the orange juice.

Smooth tequila adds a warm feeling and earthy agave tones. You notice the tequila more as you drink through the layers.

The grenadine forms a red layer at the bottom and adds sweet pomegranate notes. As it blends with the orange juice, it creates a pleasant fruit flavor.

Key Flavor Elements:

  • Fresh orange juice: Sweet and bright
  • Silver tequila: Warm and earthy
  • Grenadine: Sweet pomegranate

The drink starts mild and fruity at the top. The middle brings out more tequila flavor.

The bottom layer has the strongest sweetness from the grenadine. The orange juice and grenadine mask most of the tequila’s bite, making the cocktail smooth and easy to drink.

Serve it cold with plenty of ice for the best flavor. As the ice melts, it softens the drink’s sweetness.

Substitute

You can make a Tequila Sunrise with different ingredients if you don’t have everything on hand. Orange juice is essential, but you can swap other parts.

Grenadine substitutes:

  • Pomegranate juice
  • Cherry juice
  • Raspberry syrup
  • Cranberry juice

You can use vodka instead of tequila to make a “Vodka Sunrise.” Some people use mezcal for a smoky taste.

For a non-alcoholic version, use one of these instead of tequila:

  • Orange-pineapple juice
  • Ginger ale
  • Sparkling water

Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but store-bought juice works. Some bartenders add a splash of lime juice for extra tang.

Garnish alternatives:

  • Lime wedge
  • Orange slice
  • Maraschino cherry
  • Mint sprig

Serve the drink in any tall glass if you don’t have a highball glass. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice.

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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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