Tequila and Orange Juice (Screwdriver or Sunrise!)

Tequila and orange juice are the best pairing! Use it to take the classic screwdriver up a notch, or add grenadine to concoct a tequila sunrise.

When it comes to tequila mixers, we’re always looking. So why not… YO? This breakfast drink might not immediately come to mind. But here’s the thing. Tequila and Orange Juice Prepare two classic drinks: the Tequila Screwdriver or the Tequila Sunrise! The screwdriver is an upgraded version of the classic, or add some grenadine for a colorful 1970’s California cocktail.

Why mix tequila and orange juice?

Why mix tequila with orange juice? It turns out that the flavors complement each other perfectly. Orange juice is an excellent cocktail mixer because of its smooth, sweet taste. Pair it with tequila and it’s a lovely citrus combo reminiscent of orange in a margarita.

Combine these two ingredients and you have a tequila screwdriver! The Screwdriver is a highball cocktail made with orange juice and vodka. The exact origin of this drink is unknown, but the first printed mention dates back to 1944 in a Newsweek article. Tequila is even better than vodka in a screwdriver as it adds a delicious kick to the finish (whereas vodka is almost imperceptible). How to Make a Tequila Screwdriver:

• Mix 2 parts orange juice with 1 part tequila.
• Mix in a glass with ice.
• Garnish with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry.

Step it up: Add toppings

Want to turn tequila and orange juice into a fancy cocktail? Of course, this one is so little fuss that you can just pull the OJ out of the fridge and mix it up. But classify it and people will adore this very low effort, 2-ingredient tequila cocktail. Here’s what to do:

• Add clear ice! It’s crystalline ice that you can slice into organic shapes, making it far more impressive than the murky ice of a Trial. How to make transparent ice cream!
• Add toppings. A sprig of fresh mint is delicious, or add lime wedges. (Press them before adding them.
• Shake the bitter in a few puffs. Cocktail bitters add exceptional complexity to a drink.

Or turn it into a tequila sunrise!

Would you like to go further? Make it a Tequila Sunrise! All you need is ¾ ounce of grenadine, a popular pomegranate-flavored cocktail syrup. If you like cocktails, you probably have it on hand, and it’s easy to make at home, too. Try our DIY Grenadine Syrup! Here’s the basic idea (or continue with the recipe below):

• Add tequila and orange juice.
• Pour the grenadine into the center. It will sink to the bottom.
• Stir gently to get the sunrise gradient effect!

Note that the taste of sunrise is much sweeter thanks to the grenadine. We prefer the taste of pure tequila and orange juice: but the brilliant colors of a sunrise are perfect for impressing!

Best tequila to use

What’s the best type of tequila to use here? Of course this drink very casual: so you can use whatever you have on hand. Here are some pointers as to which types work best:

• Tequila Reposado (aged) adds refined notes of oak and vanilla. It’s another way to make a tequila screwdriver more interesting! This is our best tequila for margaritas.
• Tequila blanco (unaged) also works; Look for a mid-range bottle. Patrón Silver is a good mid-range tequila blanco, and it pairs well with this Patron Margarita.

More orange juice cocktails

Orange juice isn’t just for breakfast: it makes an excellent cocktail! Here are our top ways to use orange juice in cocktails: