Tequila Sunrise

A Tequila Sunrise is a classic tequila cocktail named after the colors of a morning sunrise. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, poolside, or anytime you’re craving summer!

There are some drinks that were just made for sipping on the beach, and a Tequila Sunrise is definitely one of them. It’s sweet and refreshing and reminiscent of summer… and one sip will instantly make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical.

The first time I had a Tequila Sunrise was when I was in Mexico for my brother’s wedding. We stayed at a beautiful all-inclusive resort where the tequila… and the tequila sunrises… were flowing. Needless to say, it was pretty much the perfect place to enjoy them, and I’ve been making them ever since!

There’s just something about a cocktail that’s both gorgeous and delicious, and the fact that it’s SO easy to make definitely doesn’t hurt. Just combine the ingredients and let the layers form… them garnish it with an orange and a cherry and voila! You’re instantly transported to your favorite beach. Or at the very least… to somewhere sunny.

History

The Tequila Sunrise, like many cocktails, has changed over the years from its original recipe. The original drink contained tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice, and seltzer, and was served at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in the 1930s or 1940s.

Since then, it has evolved into the modern version which contains tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. This version was created by in the early 1970s at the Trident in Sausalito, California. In 1972, at a private party at the Trident to kick off the Rolling Stones’  American tour, Mick Jagger had one, liked it, and he and his entourage started drinking them. They later ordered them all across America and even dubbed the tour itself their “cocaine and tequila sunrise tour”.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces orange juice
• 2 ounces tequila
• 1/4 – 1/2 ounce grenadine
• orange slice, for garnish
• maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add orange juice and tequila; mix.
3. Slowly add grenadine and let it sink to the bottom for a layered effect. (Do not mix!)
4. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Recipe variations

• Substitute pineapple juice for the orange juice or use a combination of the two
• Adjust the proportions according to your tastes
• For a sweeter drink, add more grenadine
• For a less sweet drink, add a splash of lemon juice to the orange juice + tequila mixture
• Use gold tequila instead of silver
• Substitute any of your favorite alcohol for the tequila

Tequila Sunrise

A Tequila Sunrise is a classic tequila cocktail named after the colors of a morning sunrise. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, it's easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, poolside, or anytime you're craving summer!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 210kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

• 4 ounces orange juice
• 2 ounces tequila
• 1/4 - 1/2 ounce grenadine
• orange slice for garnish
• maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Add orange juice and tequila; mix.
• Slowly add grenadine and let it sink to the bottom for a layered effect. (Do not mix!)
• Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Notes

Recipe variations:

• Substitute pineapple juice for the orange juice or use a combination of the two
• Adjust the proportions according to your tastes
• For a sweeter drink, add more grenadine
• For a less sweet drink, add a splash of lemon juice to the orange juice + tequila mixture
• Use gold tequila instead of silver
• Substitute any of your favorite alcohol for the tequila

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g