Tequila sunrise

Tequila Sunrise

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A visually stunning cocktail with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine that creates a beautiful sunrise gradient in the glass.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Highball Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (170ml)
  • 100% Agave Tequila 
    45 ml
  • Orange Juice 
    90 ml
  • Grenadine 
    15 ml
  • Orange Slice 
    1 slice
  • Maraschino Cherry 
    1 piece
Recipe credit: Classic cocktail recipe

Instructions

Step

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until about 3/4 full.

Step

Pour 45ml tequila and 90ml fresh orange juice directly into the glass and stir gently to combine.

Step

Hold a bar spoon against the inside of the glass and slowly drizzle 15ml grenadine over the back of the spoon, allowing it to sink to the bottom and create the sunrise gradient.

Step

Do not stir after adding grenadine to maintain the layered effect.

Step

Garnish with an orange slice on the rim and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.

Equipment

Bar spoon
Jigger

Description

The Tequila Sunrise is one of the most visually striking cocktails in the world, renowned for its vibrant color gradient that perfectly mimics a sunrise. This refreshing drink combines high-quality tequila with fresh orange juice and authentic grenadine syrup to create both a feast for the eyes and a perfectly balanced flavor experience. The key to this cocktail lies in the layering technique that creates its signature appearance.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (170ml)
Calories
185
ABV
18.5 %
Alcohol
14.2 g
Carbs
16.8 g
Carbs from Sugar
15.2 g
Fat
0.2 g
Protein
1.1 g
Sodium
3 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Use mid-range 100% agave tequila for the best balance of flavor and cost-effectiveness. Premium tequilas are unnecessary for mixed drinks.

  • The key to the perfect sunrise effect is pouring grenadine very slowly over the back of a bar spoon. Rushing this step will muddy the colors.

  • Always use authentic grenadine made from real pomegranate rather than artificial syrups for superior flavor and color depth.

  • Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a dramatic difference in taste. If using bottled, choose 100% juice with no added sugar.

  • Serve immediately after preparation to showcase the visual gradient before the colors begin to naturally blend.

The most common cause is pouring the grenadine too quickly or stirring after adding it. Pour the grenadine very slowly over the back of a bar spoon and never stir once it’s added to maintain the gradient effect.

While you can pre-mix the tequila and orange juice, the grenadine should only be added just before serving to maintain the visual impact. The colors will naturally blend over time.

A mid-range 100% agave tequila works best – either blanco or reposado. Brands like Espolòn, Cimarrón, or Herradura provide excellent flavor without the premium price point needed for sipping neat.

While grenadine is traditional, you can experiment with cherry syrup or crème de cassis for different flavor profiles, though this will change the classic taste and appearance of the drink.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • 100% Agave Tequila
    45 ml
  • Orange Juice
    90 ml
  • Grenadine
    15 ml
  • Orange Slice
    1 slice
  • Maraschino Cherry
    1 piece

Method

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until about 3/4 full.
  2. Pour 45ml tequila and 90ml fresh orange juice directly into the glass and stir gently to combine.
  3. Hold a bar spoon against the inside of the glass and slowly drizzle 15ml grenadine over the back of the spoon, allowing it to sink to the bottom and create the sunrise gradient.
  4. Do not stir after adding grenadine to maintain the layered effect.
  5. Garnish with an orange slice on the rim and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.