Thank you for being here, sunshine! Whether you’re hosting brunch, mixing up drinks for golden hour, or just craving something citrusy and colorful, the Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail that never goes out of style.
It’s as beautiful to look at as it is easy to sip—with bright orange juice, smooth tequila, and a red ribbon of grenadine that sinks like the sun at dusk. Served over ice and topped with fruity garnishes, this drink is a crowd-pleaser from the first pour to the last drop.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Beautiful layered effect that looks like a real sunrise
- Sweet & citrusy flavor with a touch of pomegranate from the grenadine
- Easy to make—no shaker or bar tools required
- Garnish-friendly with orange slices and cherries
- Perfect for brunch, poolside sips, summer nights, or a retro cocktail party
What It Tastes Like
The Tequila Sunrise is fruity, smooth, and slightly sweet. The orange juice provides brightness, while the grenadine adds a syrupy richness and just a whisper of tartness. The tequila offers a clean, bold backbone that ties it all together.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) Tequila
- 4 oz (120ml) Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Grenadine
- Ice (as needed)
- 1 Orange Slice (for garnish)
- 1 Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Glass
Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add Tequila
Pour 2 oz of tequila over the ice.
3. Add Orange Juice
Add 4 oz of orange juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Create the Sunrise Effect
Slowly pour 0.5 oz of grenadine down the inside of the glass. It will sink and gradually rise, creating a gorgeous layered “sunrise” effect.
5. Garnish
Top with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for that extra splash of tropical flair.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately and watch your guests swoon over the look and the taste!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Want a sweeter drink? Add a splash more grenadine or use orange juice with pulp.
- Avoid stirring after adding grenadine if you want to keep the layered look.
Helpful Tips
- For a pink sunrise, use blood orange juice or a splash of cranberry.
- Serve in a hurricane glass for even more visual impact.
- Use clear ice for a more refined presentation.
Conservation and Storage
- This cocktail is best made fresh to preserve the layered look.
- If you’re batching, combine tequila and orange juice ahead of time. Add grenadine and garnishes just before serving.
- Do not freeze or store with ice, as it will dilute.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
- Tequila: Use silver or reposado, depending on your flavor preference
- Grenadine: Substitute with pomegranate syrup or raspberry liqueur
- Orange Juice: Try with tangerine or mango juice for a tropical twist
Variations
- Add a splash of soda water for a fizzy finish
- Turn it into a mocktail with non-alcoholic tequila and grenadine
- Make it a frozen sunrise by blending the ingredients with ice
Storage Instructions
- Best Served Immediately
- For batches, store the base mix (tequila + orange juice) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Add grenadine and garnishes just before serving to preserve the visual effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a shaker for this?
You could—but it’s not necessary. The beauty of this drink is its built-in-glass simplicity.
Can I stir after adding the grenadine?
You can, but the iconic layered “sunrise” look will be lost. Stir only if you prefer a uniform taste and don’t mind sacrificing the visuals.
What’s the best tequila for this cocktail?
A silver/blanco tequila works best for a light and clean citrus flavor. Reposado adds depth if you want a richer version.
Conclusion
The Tequila Sunrise is more than just a pretty drink—it’s a feel-good, flavor-packed classic that brings sunshine to any glass. Whether you’re celebrating, brunching, or just enjoying a quiet night at home, this cocktail delivers tropical flavor and iconic presentation every time.
Let’s See Your Sunrise!
Tag your pics with #TequilaSunriseCocktail
Save it to your brunch board or cocktail collection
Leave a review and tell me how your sunrise turned out!
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Built in glass
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
- Keywords: tequila sunrise, orange tequila cocktail, layered drink, summer cocktail, grenadine drink
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Spoon (optional, for layering)
- Citrus knife (for slicing the orange)
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Alcohol: ~2 oz
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Description
Thank you for being here, sunshine! Whether you’re hosting brunch, mixing up drinks for golden hour, or just craving something citrusy and colorful, the Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
-
2 oz (60ml) Tequila
-
4 oz (120ml) Orange Juice
-
0.5 oz (15ml) Grenadine
-
Ice (as needed)
-
1 Orange Slice (for garnish)
-
1 Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour 2 oz of tequila over the ice.
Add 4 oz of orange juice and stir gently to combine.
Slowly pour 0.5 oz of grenadine down the inside of the glass. It will sink and gradually rise, creating a gorgeous layered “sunrise” effect.
Top with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for that extra splash of tropical flair.
Serve immediately and watch your guests swoon over the look and the taste!
Notes
Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural flavor
Want a sweeter drink? Add a splash more grenadine or use orange juice with pulp.
Avoid stirring after adding grenadine if you want to keep the layered look.