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.
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.