Tequila Sunrise Recipe
This Tequila Sunrise cocktail is a stunning, easy-to-make drink with vibrant layers and a refreshing, fruity flavor. It’s a classic for a reason: simple to prepare, visually striking, and perfect for any occasion.
When I worked at a Mexican restaurant, margaritas were the most popular mixed drink. But this tequila sunrise cocktail was a close second. And it’s not just because they are so delicious and refreshing but so beautiful they made our patron’s eyes gleam when they saw it.
Want to learn more about tequila? Read my comprehensive guide here.
The history of the tequila sunrise
The version of the Tequila Sunrise we know today was popularized in the early 1970s in Sausalito, California, a scenic waterfront town in Marin County. Its name comes from the way the colors settle in the glass, creating a layered effect that resembles a sunrise.
An earlier version of the cocktail dates back to the 1930s in Phoenix, Arizona, though it was made a bit differently than the one we enjoy today.
Even though you see three cocktails in this post, the recipe is for one refreshing drink. You can adjust the number of servings by changing the number in the serving section of the recipe card. You can even make a pitcher if you like.
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How to make the tequila sunrise cocktail
What you’ll need
A cocktail shaker, measuring glass, and glassware.
The ingredients – tequila, orange juice and grenadine.
Measure out the tequila and orange juice.
Measure the grenadine and set aside.
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Prepare your garnish: three maraschino cherries and an orange slice. I use my much loved martini pick to skewer the cherries, alternating the colors! (D)
Add fresh ice to the glass. Place the lid on your shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain and pour the contents into the glass. Adjust the ice cubes so there is a quarter to a half inch of space between the liquid and the top of the glass.
Slowly pour the grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon down the side of the glass (inside). The grenadine will sink to the bottom.
Add the garnish.
Notice that the grenadine may start to rise in the orange juice.
So refreshing and delicious.
I hope you enjoyed this tequila sunrise cocktail recipe and will make it very soon; it is so delicious! The flavors meld so nicely and it makes for a refreshing cocktail.
Other popular tequila recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
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Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 4 ounces of orange juice 4 – 6 ounces depending on the size of your glass
- 1/2 ounce of Grenadine
Garnish
- 1/2 orange slice
- 3 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
- Add tequila and orange juice. Cap shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.2 ounces tequila, 4 ounces of orange juice
- Fill tulip glass halfway with fresh ice.
- Pour contents of shaker in your glass of choice and add ice if needed to fill the glass
- Measure 1/2 ounce of grenadine and pour it down the inside of the glass. Lastly, add the garnish.1/2 ounce of Grenadine
- Serve, sip, and enjoy.
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Helpful tips
- You don’t need top-shelf tequila for this cocktail. With the amount of orange juice, a good mid-range option works perfectly well.
- You can build this drink directly in the glass, but I prefer using a shaker. It chills the cocktail more and adds a slight texture from the ice.
- Stick to about 4–6 ounces of orange juice. More than that can dilute the drink too much.
- If you use pulp orange juice, just know it will be visible in the cocktail.
- Using a larger glass? Add extra ice rather than more juice to keep the balance right.
- This drink is often served in a tulip glass, but any tall glass will work just fine.
Nutrition
This was originally published on February of 2016.
This cocktail was so good! Its making me crave summer so badly!
Thank you, Lucie.
Wow, I haven’t had a Tequila Sunrise in years! I need to make this!
Thanks, Carol. I hope you make it.
Fun and delicious! I haven’t had one of these in years and it was fun to have it again.
Hehe Joyce! Thanks! 🙂
We have such beautiful weather today in the UK, so this cocktail recipe really hit the spot.
Thanks, Tania!!
I drank this cocktail by the poolside – pure heaven. It’s such a pretty and tasty cocktail, I love it!
Thanks Marie!! It’s perfect by the pool!
This cocktail is so delish Lainey! I am in love with these shots! It makes my mouth water just thinking about having another! Nicely done!
Thanks Beth! I appreciate it!