Tequila Sunrise

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Tequila Sunrise — Not only is it pretty to look at, but a tequila sunrise is also refreshing, nostalgic, and the grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice it packs quite a punch!

Tequila Sunrise — Not only is it pretty to look at, but a tequila sunrise is also refreshing, nostalgic, and the grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice it packs quite a punch!

I love tequila and usually drink it in the form of a margarita. But I felt like switching things up with this tequila sunrise drink. 

This is a classic tequila mixed drink. Classics like this never go out of style. It’s similar to the tequila sunrises we all drank on spring break in Cancun in college and we’re likely still drinking at sunrise. Okay, maybe I speak for myself.

But really, though, there’s something about sunrise or sunset drinks with the color gradient that’s so eye-catching — and they always make me thirsty!

Ingredients in a Tequila Sunrise

The list of tequila sunrise ingredients is short and simple. All you’ll need to make this easy tequila cocktail is:

  • Tequila
  • Orange juice
  • Grenadine
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Ice
  • Orange slice (optional, for garnish)

Just don’t forget the umbrellas, because everything tastes better topped with an umbrella. An orange slice on the rim is also a nice garnish, but it’s completely optional.

Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.

Use Quality Ingredients!

Because this tequila cocktail is so straightforward, you want to use the best possible ingredients. I’m not saying you have to squeeze the orange juice yourself (although that would taste wonderful!), but see if you can get your hands on juice that’s not from concentrate. 

Tequila Sunrise — Not only is it pretty to look at, but a tequila sunrise is also refreshing, nostalgic, and the grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice it packs quite a punch!

How to Make a Tequila Sunrise 

Of all the tequila mixed drinks, a tequila sunrise is arguably the easiest to make!

  1. Add orange juice, tequila, and ice cubes to a glass.
  2. Pour in the grenadine. 
  3. The grenadine will sink to the bottom of the glass, but that’s what you want! The trick to making the best tequila sunrise is to not stir the drink once all the cocktail ingredients have been added to the glass. 
  4. Garnish your drink as desired and serve immediately. 

Cocktail FAQs

What’s the Best Tequila for a Tequila Sunrise? 

Any brand of tequila will work in this easy cocktail recipe, but I prefer Patron Silver. In general, I prefer a blanco tequila because it’s generally a little ‘cleaner’ tasting, which I prefer here, but use your favorite. 

Can this be made as a pitcher cocktail?

Yes! For that long holiday weekend fiesta you’re throwing, you can triple or quadruple this tequila cocktail recipe to have it ready to go in a pitcher. Preparing by the pitcher is so much easier than making drinks one-by-one when you’re making drinks for a crowd. People can serve themselves from the pitcher and you can relax. Pure bliss! 

My one piece of advice for turning this tequila sunrise into a pitcher cocktail is to leave the ice out of the pitcher, otherwise your cocktails will get watery. Instead, store the pitcher in a cooler and have ice on the side so the drinks still stay cold. 

Can I Make a Virgin Tequila Sunrise? 

The star of this easy tequila mixed drink is, well, the tequila. But if you’d rather omit the alcohol, simply combine the orange juice and grenadine in a glass. Don’t forget the fun garnishes! 

Is a tequila sunrise stirred?

No! It’s crucial that you do NOT stir the tequila sunrise after you’ve added the grenadine to it. The grenadine is supposed to sink to the bottom, thus making it look like a sunrise. 

What to Serve with a Tequila Sunrise

Recipe Video

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4.80 from 25 votes

Tequila Sunrise

By Averie Sunshine
Not only is it pretty to look at, but a Tequila Sunrise is refreshing, nostalgic, and the grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice it packs quite a punch!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients 

  • Ice cubes, to taste
  • 4 ounces orange juice
  • 2 ounces tequila*
  • ½ to 1 ounce grenadine, or to taste
  • Maraschino cherries, for garnishing
  • Orange slices, for garnishing
  • Umbrellas, for garnishing (optional)

Instructions 

  • To a large glass, add the ice cubes, orange juice, and tequila.
  • Add the grenadine which will sink to the bottom. Do not stir.
  • Garnish and serve immediately. Recipe is intended for those for whom alcohol use is legal and appropriate. Always drink responsibly.

Notes

  • I prefer silver tequila and use Patron Silver.

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 436kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 8mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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4.80 from 25 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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Please note: I have only made the recipe as written, and cannot give advice or predict what will happen if you change something. If you have a question regarding changing, altering, or making substitutions to the recipe, please check out the FAQ page for more info.

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Comments

  1. OMG one of the best drinks to have on a hot day, I swear! Would you suggest Blanco or Reposado for it? I assume Reposado, as it’s a notch more settle, right?

    1. It really depends on you. I actually prefer blanco because it’s generally a little ‘cleaner’ tasting which I prefer here but it’s up to you.