Tequila Sunrise (Easy Cocktail!)

How to make a Tequila Sunrise! This vibrant cocktail layers the colors of a summer sunrise with tequila, orange and grenadine.

Wow, does this drink have the visual component? nail down. If you want to impress, try it Tequila Sunrise! It’s beautiful and vibrant, with layered colors of a summer sunset. Here’s the best part: it’s so easy to do! All you need are 3 ingredients: and no special techniques or equipment! The taste is smooth and refreshing, with just a hint of tequila. From the moment Alex and I made it, we knew it would make a great signature drink for entertainment. It’s a great summer cocktail, but it always works when you’re looking to conjure up the summer heat. That’s how it’s done!

What’s in a Tequila Sunrise?

The original version of a Tequila Sunrise was invented in the 1930s, but this version featured crème de cassis, lime and sparkling water: nothing like what it has become today! The modern version of the drink was invented in a California hotel in the 1970s. Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail included in the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails. This means that there is an “official” definition, which is:

• tequila
• orange juice
• grenadine

Tequila Sunrise variations

This drink is sweet and simple. Personally, I’m a fan of sparkling cocktails, so I like to add a pinch lime in mine to add more of a tart flavor. A dash of orange liqueur pleases Cointreau can make it a bit more complex.

You can also have one Sunset over Tequila Replace the grenadine with blackberry brandy. Prepare the drink with vodka for a Sunset over vodkaor try it Malibu Sunset with Malibu Coconut Rum.

How to make a tequila sunrise

The great thing is, it’s so easy to make this multi-layered drink! Unlike some layered drinks like protein cocktails or even our Bay Breeze cocktail, there’s no mystery here. Literally pour in the grenadine and it will settle to the bottom. Here are the basic steps (or scroll down for the recipe below)

• To mix together: Mix tequila and orange juice with ice in a highball glass.
• Pay: Pour in the grenadine and it will settle to the bottom.

Few more orange juice cocktails? The Amaretto Stone Sour, the Screwdriver, the Fuzzy Navel, the Harvey Wallbanger, the Tequila Screwdriver and of course the ever popular Mimosa.

What is pomegranate?

Grenadine is a sweet, tangy syrup used in bright red cocktails. It’s made with pomegranate juice! (The name comes from the French word for pomegranate, grenade.) Grenadine is easy to find at the grocery or liquor store and is used in many drinks: famous at a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple! Other grenadine cocktails include pink drinks like the Clover Club and the Singapore Sling.

You can also make grenadine at home: How to make grenadine syrup. It’s very simple: you make juice from pomegranate seeds and then boil the pomegranate juice with sugar until it thickens into a syrup. It doesn’t contain any of the artificial additives or coloring of the store-bought version.

Best tequila for a tequila sunrise

Here’s the key to a great tequila sunrise: Buy a good tequila! A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol used. Look for a mid-range tequila, as price is usually an indicator of quality.

You can use either tequila blanco (“new or unaged”) or reposado (aged) tequila in this cocktail recipe. Since it’s a pretty basic beach drink, we chose Tequila Blanco. But it would be even more interesting with Tequila Reposado: it adds subtle notes of vanilla and oak.

Try clear ice for a stunning look!

If you want to take your tequila sunrise to the top, think ahead and whip up a batch of our clear ice. You have to think 24 hours ahead, but you can make a batch that will make several drinks and keep it in the freezer. All you need is 24 hours and a small cool box! It makes perfectly clear, craft-style ice cream like you would see in a fancy bar. Go to How to make transparent ice.

When to serve Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise Cocktail is sweet and fruity, perfect for summer occasions. It’s perfect for sipping as:

More tequila cocktails

There are so many great tequila cocktails out there! Here are some favorites: