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Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail made with orange juice, tequila, grenadine, and a splash of lime juice. It’s the perfect combination of citrus and sweet flavors, and is so good! It’s an ideal summer drink for brunch or any occasion.
The first time I made a tequila sunrise, I was shocked at how beautiful it was. Who knew that making such a beautiful drink that resembled a sunrise (or really a sunset) was so easy to make?!
Whether you’re making this for a fun brunch date or just to sip on poolside, this cocktail will not disappoint. Here’s why I love it so much:
- Hello, gorgeous. This drink is absolutely stunning! Its signature gradient colors are a total showstopper, and is almost too good to drink! Almost.
- Made with minimal ingredients. This no-fuss cocktail uses only four ingredients. No need to buy an ingredient you’ll only use once.
- Great for any occasion. This drink uses orange juice making it great for brunch, but the combination of citrus and sweet grenadine makes it great for dinner or sipping on a hot day by the pool.
Ingredients in Tequila Sunrise
- Orange juice: I used no pulp orange juice for this recipe, but you can use your favorite variation of orange juice.
- Tequila: I used a blanco tequila for a crisp and clean flavor, but you can also use gold, añejo, or extra añejo if you want it a little smoky.
- Lime juice: I added a splash of fresh lime juice for extra flavor, but you can leave this out if you prefer.
- Grenadine: A staple ingredient in a tequila sunrise. I recommend only using about ½ an ounce per drink so it doesn’t overpower the flavor profile.
- Garnish: I used an orange slice and cocktail cherry for garnish.
How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
Prepare glass. Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with ice.
Mix. In a cocktail shaker, place the orange juice, lime juice, and tequila. Cover and shake well to combine.
Pour. Strain the orange juice mixture into the prepared glass. Gently pour the grenadine down the side of the glass so it settles at the bottom and creates an ombre of color, giving it the signature “sunrise” effect.
Garnish with an orange slice and cocktail cherry, and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t stir the grenadine. To get the signature gradient/ombre “sunrise” color, gently pour the grenadine down the side so it settles at the bottom. If you pour it directly over the glass, the ingredients will mix into one color.
- Like a little fizz? While traditional garnishes are an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, you can also add a splash of club soda for a fizzy twist.
- Make it spicy. Add 1 to 2 slices of jalapeño to the orange/tequila mixture and shake to combine. You can also garnish with a jalapeño.
What to Serve with Tequila Sunrise
Tequila Sunrise is especially delicious with brunch and appetizers! Serve it alongside some ceviche, guacamole, chile relleno casserole, or Mexican breakfast pizza.
More Cocktail Recipes
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- 6 ounces orange juice
- 1 ½ ounces tequila
- ½ ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce grenadine syrup
- 1-2 maraschino cherries, for garnish
- 1 orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with ice.
- Pour the orange juice, tequila, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake to combine.
- Strain the orange juice mixture into the prepared glass. Pour the grenadine down the side of the glass and let it settle to the bottom to get the “sunrise” effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
- Tequila: I used a blanco tequila for a crisp and clean flavor, but you can also use gold or añejo if you prefer.
- Don’t stir the grenadine. To get the signature gradient/ombre “sunrise” color, gently pour the grenadine down the side so it settles at the bottom. If you pour it directly over the glass, the ingredients will mix into one color.
- Like a little fizz? While traditional garnishes are an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, you can also add a splash of club soda for a fizzy twist.
- Make it spicy. Add 1 to 2 slices of jalapeño to the orange/tequila mixture and shake to combine. You can also garnish with a jalapeño.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in February 2018, and has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips.
Photography by Erin of The Wooden Skillet.
