Sipping a tequila sunrise conjures vacation vibes no matter where you are. With its brightly colored bands of orange and red, the sweet, fruity cocktail is reminiscent of a sunrise on the beach.
Whether you’re in Cabo, Capri or Cleveland, this classic cocktail recipe is a snap to make and requires only three ingredients. Pour it in a glass over ice, layer it all just so, and you’ll be on your way to a mini-getaway, even if only in your mind. With a tang of citrus, a sweet grenadine drizzle and the tequila kickstart, this rockstar drink tastes as good as it looks. Sip a tequila sunrise any time—afternoons at the pool, backyard cookouts or brunch get-togethers with your pals. It’s one of those easy mixed drinks anyone can master.
What’s in a tequila sunrise?
Named for its gradient color reminiscent of a sunrise, a tequila sunrise recipe has only three ingredients: tequila, orange juice and grenadine. The ingredients are poured directly into a highball glass over ice: No need to shake or stir this cocktail, and no need for special equipment or bar tools (a good bar spoon helps but isn’t necessary). When you drizzle the grenadine in the glass, it settles to the bottom creating a colorful, layered look.
The true origins of the drink are a little murky. The Arizona Biltmore had a drink called tequila sunrise on the menu in the late 1930s, but that recipe used lime and cassis. The ingredients and methods of the drink we know and love today are credited to Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice, of Trident in Sausalito, California, who threw the launch party for a famous (and infamous) Rolling Stones tour in 1972. Soon after, The Eagles had a hit song “Tequila Sunrise” all over the radio in 1973. Everyone who was anyone was drinking tequila sunrises during that era. It might be a throwback, but it’s still a hit.
Tequila Sunrise Ingredients
- Orange juice: Use your favorite orange juice for this tequila sunrise recipe. If you want the most flavor, we love using freshly squeezed OJ if it’s available.
- Blanco tequila: Tequila is made from the agave plant in Mexico. Its clean taste has sweet and herbal notes, depending on the brand and where it was grown, and adds a perfect balance to the acid in the orange juice. Our guide to the best tequila for margaritas shows some of our favorite brands for sipping and mixing.
- Grenadine: This sweet red syrup, often mistaken as cherry-flavored, is actually made from pomegranates. You can find it at any grocery or liquor store. Or, if you have a little time, learn how to make homemade grenadine with pomegranate juice, lemon and sugar.
- Ice: A few large ice cubes filled to the top of your glass will keep this cocktail cold and dilute it just the right amount.
- Garnish: An orange slice or a cherry is the perfect finish, adding color and a lovely scent as you sip. But have fun and get creative with garnishes. Maybe a few pomegranate seeds or blood orange wheels are more your speed!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare your glassware
Place ice in a Collins or highball glass.
Step 2: Add the tequila and orange juice
Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass, in that order.
Editor’s Tip: Your liquid should reach just below the top of the glass. This is called a wash line, the level of the drink just below the rim of the glass. It’s best not to fill a drink all the way to the top, or it will spill easily.
Step 3: Add the grenadine
Slowly pour the grenadine over a bar spoon into the center of the drink.
Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have a bar spoon handy—although it is a good thing to have for every home bar setup—tip your glass slightly and pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass. Then, let the grenadine settle at the base of the cocktail. No need to stir!
Step 4: Garnish the drink
Garnish the drink as desired. Optional garnishes include a cherry dropped on the top and/or an orange slice hooked on the rim.
Editor’s Tip: We love using toothpicks for fun cocktail garnish ideas, like folding a cherry inside a slice of orange. Also, a tall glass loves a straw; if you have one, add it now.
Recipe Variations
- Other spirits: In general, you can use rum, mezcal and even gin instead of tequila. Or don’t use any spirit; make a nonalcoholic tequila sunrise with orange juice and grenadine.
- Tequila sunset: Use grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for this tangy version. Layer the grenadine accordingly to match a sunset.
- Kentucky sunrise: For an earthier take on the cocktail, replace the tequila with the bourbon of your choice, combine it with orange juice in a tall glass over ice and add the grenadine.
- Firefly: Use grapefruit juice and vodka instead of OJ and tequila for this version.
Can you make a tequila sunrise ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you are serving a large crowd, increase the amount of tequila and orange juice using the same ratio as an individual drink. Mix the ingredients in a large container or pitcher. To create the colorful layered effect, you’ll need to add the grenadine to each cocktail. Prepare the garnishes ahead of time or simplify each garnish to just one piece of fruit.
Tequila Sunrise Tips
What tequila is best in a tequila sunrise recipe?
Of the blanco, reposado and anejo types of tequila, blanco tequila works best in this tequila sunrise recipe because of its bright, fresh flavors that blend well with citrus. Reposado and anejo tequilas, having spent more time aging in barrels, have deeper flavors. Experimenting with different brands and different types of tequila is a fun way to discover which variation of tequila you enjoy most. And if you need more ideas for drinks with tequila, we’ve got you covered.
What glassware is best for a tequila sunrise?
Traditionally, the best type of cocktail glass for a tequila sunrise is a Collins glass, but anything tall and skinny (like a highball) will show off the drink’s layers. A little trivia: Collins glasses are generally 12 to 14 ounces and were designed for drinks with three or more ingredients. In contrast, highball glasses are smaller, shorter and meant for two-ingredient drinks, generally a spirit and something bubbly.
Can you make a tequila sunrise without grenadine?
Yes, you can make a tequila sunrise without grenadine, but you will miss out on a little of the sweetness that it provides. Looking for how to make a tequila sunrise without it? Use a bit of blackberry brandy for a deeper hue and a delicious berry buzz.
Do you mix a tequila sunrise before drinking it?
Mixing the cocktail will destroy the sunrise/sunset effect, but there is no wrong way to drink a drink. Once you serve the cocktail, it is up to you if you want to combine the layers and mix all the ingredients.
