Classic Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 4 oz Orange juice
  • 1 oz Grenadine syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Slice of orange for garnish
  • 1 Cherry for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the tequila and the orange juice into the glass.
  3. Slowly pour the grenadine around the inside edge of the glass, it will sink and slowly rise to mix with the other ingredients naturally.
  4. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
  5. Serve unstirred for a beautiful sunrise effect.

Tools for making

  • Highball glass - A tall glass used for serving mixed drinks.
  • Cocktail shaker - A container used for mixing and shaking cocktail ingredients.
  • Ice cubes - Frozen water used to cool and chill the drink.
  • Bar spoon - A long-handled spoon used for stirring and layering ingredients in cocktails.
  • Citrus juicer - A tool used for extracting juice from citrus fruits.
  • Knife - Used for cutting the orange slice garnish.
  • Cherry skewer - A small skewer used to hold the cherry garnish.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of tequila such as Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo for different flavor profiles.
  • Experiment with different fruit juices like pineapple, cranberry, or grapefruit instead of orange juice.
  • Replace grenadine syrup with pomegranate juice or raspberry liqueur for a twist.
  • Add a splash of lime juice for a tangy variation.
  • Try different garnishes like a sprig of mint or a pineapple wedge.
  • Add a dash of bitters for a more complex flavor.
  • Create a frozen version by blending the ingredients with ice.
  • Make it a mocktail by substituting tequila with club soda or ginger ale.

Recipe overview

Get ready to enjoy a refreshing and vibrant cocktail with our Tequila Sunrise recipe! This classic drink, known for its stunning visual appeal, is a delightful blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The grenadine settles at the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunrise effect, hence its name. It's a simple yet impressive cocktail to whip up, whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a relaxing drink. The end result is a fruity and delicious beverage with a sunrise in your glass!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of tequila? Yes, you can substitute tequila with vodka or rum for a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I use freshly squeezed orange juice? Absolutely! Freshly squeezed orange juice will enhance the taste of the Tequila Sunrise.
  3. Do I need to stir the drink? It is recommended to serve the Tequila Sunrise unstirred to maintain the vibrant sunrise effect. However, if you prefer a mixed drink, gently stir before garnishing.
  4. Can I use a different garnish? While a slice of orange and a cherry are traditional garnishes, you can get creative and use other fruits like pineapple or a sprig of mint.
  5. Can I make a large batch of Tequila Sunrise in advance? It is best to prepare the Tequila Sunrise fresh to enjoy its flavors and visual appeal. However, you can mix larger quantities of the ingredients and pour them into individual glasses when serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Highball glass - a tall glass with straight sides, perfect for serving Tequila Sunrise
  • Bar spoon - a long-handled spoon used for stirring drinks
  • Cocktail shaker - a container used to mix and chill cocktail ingredients
  • Citrus juicer - a tool used to extract juice from oranges
  • Ice cube tray - a tray used to make ice cubes for the drink
  • Bar strainer - a utensil used to strain out ice or fruit pulp when pouring cocktails
  • Cocktail picks - small skewers used to garnish the drink with orange slices and cherries
  • Cocktail napkins - small napkins used to serve the drink and wipe any spills

Origin stories

The Tequila Sunrise, in its most popular version, was concocted in the 1970s in California, and quickly became a symbol of the laid-back West Coast lifestyle. It’s most famously associated with the Rolling Stones, who were served the cocktail during a private party at The Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California. Mick Jagger supposedly liked the drink so much that they started calling their 1972 tour "the cocaine and tequila sunrise tour." Its name comes from its appearance when served—with gradations of color resembling a sunrise.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.