Orange Sunrise Recipe

Learn how to make this easy homemade Orange Sunrise mocktail recipe with just a few ingredients. This best alcohol-free drink recipe creates a stunning sunrise effect with no special tools required. Perfect for brunches, the layered technique creates a beautiful non-alcoholic drink that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 mocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml fresh orange juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml cranberry juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml grenadine syrup (or pomegranate syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange slice for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

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🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until about ¾ full. The ice not only chills your mocktail but provides the structure needed for the beautiful layering effect.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour the grenadine syrup slowly over the ice. Its high sugar content will naturally sink to the bottom, creating the base layer of your sunrise. Allow it to settle completely for about 30 seconds before proceeding.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Gently pour the cranberry juice over the back of a bar spoon held just above the grenadine layer. This technique slows the pour, preventing the layers from mixing. You should see a distinct red middle layer forming.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a separate glass, combine the orange juice with the lemon juice and stir briefly. The lemon adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the orange juice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Using the same bar spoon technique, carefully layer the orange juice mixture over the cranberry layer. Pour very slowly to maintain the separation between layers. The citrus mixture should float on top due to its lower density compared to the cranberry juice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Finally, top with sparkling water by gently pouring it over the back of the spoon. This adds effervescence while maintaining the beautiful gradient effect. The carbonation creates tiny bubbles that carry the citrus aromas to your nose as you sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with an orange slice positioned on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately while the layers are distinct and the bubbles are active, presenting your drinker with a beautiful sunrise in a glass.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Orange Sunrise Recipe?

The Orange Sunrise Recipe combines fresh orange juice, cranberry juice, grenadine (or pomegranate syrup), sparkling water, lemon juice, ice cubes, and an orange slice for garnish - creating a visually stunning layered mocktail with vibrant sunrise colours.

How to make Orange Sunrise Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Orange Sunrise Recipe at home by layering grenadine, cranberry juice, and orange juice over ice using a bar spoon technique, then topping with sparkling water. This creates a beautiful gradient effect resembling a sunrise, with each layer maintaining its distinct colour for an impressive yet simple mocktail.

Why doesn't my layered mocktail stay separated like in the pictures?

Successful layering depends on pouring very slowly over the back of a spoon and using ingredients with different sugar densities. Pour each layer gently, waiting 30 seconds between additions, and ensure your ice is packed tightly to provide structure for the layers.

Can I make a batch of this sunrise mocktail for parties?

While you can pre-mix the orange and lemon juices, the layering effect requires individual preparation. For parties, set up a DIY station with pre-measured ingredients and instructions, or prepare each serving just before guests arrive to maintain the visual appeal.

What can I substitute for grenadine syrup in a layered drink?

You can substitute grenadine with pomegranate syrup, raspberry syrup, or cranberry juice concentrate. The key is using a sweetened red syrup dense enough to sink to the bottom. For a less sweet option, try reduced pomegranate juice with a touch of honey.

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