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    Home » FOOD » Beverages

    Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

    Published: Oct 18, 2023 by Rhonda · Leave a Comment

    Post contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to our disclosure policy for more information.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail, which consists of grenadine syrup, tequila, and orange juice, is a stunningly beautiful drink due to the distinct separation of orange juice and syrup, making it a refreshing and uniquely fruity beverage. 

    2 collins glasses full of orange juice, vodka, ice, grenadine syrup, and cherries

    If you are looking for some unique beverages for your parties or for simply sipping on while relaxing in the comfort of your home, this old-fashioned cocktail will become a favorite. You can also use grenadine syrup in our Roy Rogers Drink and our Shirley Temple Mocktail.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🧾Substitutions
    • 📖Variations
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 🥫Storage
    • 💭Top tip
    • 🔎The History Behind This Beverage
    • ⭐FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🥘Ingredients

    • Orange Juice
    • Tequila
    • Grenadine
    • Ice

    See recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Instructions

    You will find the complete instructions in our recipe guide at the bottom of the page.

    Ice in two collins glasses

    Add the ice.

    Pouring the orange juice into a glass.

    Add the Tequila and orange juice.

    Adding the grenadine

    Slowly add the grenadine.

    Garnish with an orange slice and/or maraschino cherries

    Top with the garnish.

    🧾Substitutions

    • Juice - in lieu of orange juice, feel free to use pineapple juice or tropical juice. 

    📖Variations

    • Mocktail - In lieu of the tequila, add sparkling water, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, or sparking white grape juice. 
    • Sweeter - you can use SunnyD instead of regular orange juice.

    🍽 Equipment

    You can use any type of glass, but a tall collins glass works the best as it creates a really lovely cocktail. Also, you will need a jigger so you can accurately measure out the ingredients.

    🥫Storage

    You can make this in advance, except don't add the grenadine. Due to how easy it is to make this cocktail, it's best to wait and make it right before you serve it. 

    💭Top tip

    • After you add the grenadine, do not stir or shake the drink or you'll lose the gradient effect that makes this vintage cocktail so beautiful. 

    🔎The History Behind This Beverage

    The original version of the Tequila Sunrise is believed to date back to the 1930s. It appears that Gene Sulit, who was a bartender at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, created the original.The original version contains crème de cassis, tequila, and lime juice in a Collins glass topped with club soda and garnished with a maraschino cherry and lime wheel. 

    Then when The Rolling Stones came to the states for their 1972 tour kickoff party, Mick Jagger tried the cocktail for the first time and became a fan. Then once his crew started ordering it all over the states while they toured, it became a hit. And if you are familiar with the band The Eagles, they recorded a song called, "Tequila Sunrise" the following year and as they say, the rest is history. 

    ⭐FAQ

    What is the difference between a Tequila Sunrise and Tequila Sunset? 

    The sunset uses grapefruit juice, and the sunrise uses orange juice. 

    Why does the grenadine go to the bottom of the drink?

    Due to there being more sugar in the grenadine, it will slowly flow to the bottom of the glass, which create s beautiful drink and causes it to look like a sunrise. 

    How do you garnish the Tequila Sunrise?

    All you do is add a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. 

    Can I make a Tequila Sunrise Mocktail?

    Yes! You can totally make this drink non-alcoholic! In lieu of the tequila, add sparkling water, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, or sparking white grape juice. 

    📖 Recipe

    2 collins glasses full of orange juice, vodka, ice, grenadine syrup, and cherries

    Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

    The classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail, which consists of grenadine syrup, tequila, and orange juice, is a stunningly beautiful drink due to the distinct separation of orange juice and syrup, making it a refreshing and uniquely fruity beverage. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Beverage, Beverages, Cocktail, Vintage Recipes
    Cuisine American

    Equipment

    • jigger
    • Collins glass
    • straw

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 - 6 ounces orange juice
    • 2 ounces Tequila
    • ½ ounce grenadine syrup
    • orange slices or maraschino cherry

    Instructions
     

    • Add ice to your glass. Make sure to not fill it more than ¾th of the way full.
    • Add the orange juice.
    • Next add the Tequila.
    • Slowly add the grenadine by pouring it by the side of the glass.
    • Top with an orange slice or maraschino cherry.
    • Add a straw. Enjoy!
    • Let your guests stir their own drink so the colors and layers aren't disturbed.

    Notes

    If you want to make it sweeter, add SunnyD instead of regular orange juice. 
     
    Make sure to buy the pulp-free orange juice if you don't like the taste/texture of the pulp.
     
    Depending on the size of your glass, you may need to add a bit more of orange juice.
    Keyword Cocktails, Tequila Sunrise, Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Rhonda

    About Rhonda

    Rhonda is a wanna be foodie, coffee and chocolate lover, and a genealogy nerd. If shopping was a sport, she would actually set records for it. Creating recipes in her kitchen is how she relaxes. She also loves spending time with her family and getting away when she can to the lake.

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