Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Tequila Sunrise with this easy cocktail recipe. Layered to perfection with premium silver tequila, fresh orange juice, and grenadine for that iconic sunrise effect. Master the pouring technique for a stunning craft cocktail that's both simple and impressive.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml silver tequila (blanco tequila)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml fresh orange juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml grenadine syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange slice for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring cup</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. The amount of ice will affect the final volume and dilution of your cocktail, so fill about 3/4 full for optimal balance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour 60ml of silver tequila into the glass. Quality matters here – a good blanco tequila provides the clean foundation this cocktail needs without overwhelming the fruit flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add 120ml of fresh orange juice to the glass. Fresh-squeezed will give you the best flavor, but a good quality not-from-concentrate juice works well too. The natural sweetness and acidity of the orange juice balances the tequila perfectly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>For the signature sunrise effect, slowly pour 15ml of grenadine down the inside of the glass. Pour it over the back of a bar spoon to control the flow – the grenadine is heavier than the other ingredients and will naturally sink to the bottom, creating the gradient effect. Do not stir!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Garnish with an orange slice placed on the rim of the glass and add a maraschino cherry if desired. The garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also hint at the flavors within.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Serve immediately while the gradient effect is most dramatic. As you sip, the flavors will gradually blend, evolving from primarily orange-tequila to increasingly sweet grenadine notes as you reach the bottom.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Tequila Sunrise?

A classic Tequila Sunrise requires silver tequila (60ml), fresh orange juice (120ml), grenadine syrup (15ml), ice cubes, and garnishes like an orange slice and maraschino cherry. The quality of tequila and freshness of orange juice significantly impact the final flavour.

How to make Tequila Sunrise at home?

Learn how to make Tequila Sunrise by filling a highball glass with ice, pouring in silver tequila, adding fresh orange juice, and slowly pouring grenadine over the back of a bar spoon to create the signature sunrise gradient effect. The key technique is to add grenadine last without stirring, allowing it to naturally sink to create beautiful layered colours.

What's the best tequila to use for a sunrise cocktail?

For the best sunrise cocktail, use a quality silver (blanco) tequila that offers clean, crisp flavours without overwhelming the fruit components. Avoid aged tequilas (reposado or añejo) as their amber colour and complex flavour profiles can diminish the vibrant gradient effect and citrus character.

Why doesn't my layered cocktail have distinct colour gradients?

Layering issues usually occur when the grenadine is poured too quickly or directly into the drink. Pour grenadine slowly over the back of a bar spoon against the inside of the glass. Also, ensure your orange juice isn't too thick and your ice is packed well for proper density separation.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this sunrise cocktail?

Absolutely! Create a "Virgin Sunrise" by omitting the tequila and using 180ml of orange juice instead. For an extra flavour dimension, add a splash of sparkling water or lemonade. The grenadine layering technique works exactly the same way for a beautiful alcohol-free gradient effect.

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