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!
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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.
How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
Of all the tequila mixed drinks, a tequila sunrise is arguably the easiest to make!
- Add orange juice, tequila, and ice cubes to a glass.
- Pour in the grenadine.
- 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.
- Garnish your drink as desired and serve immediately.
Cocktail FAQs
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.
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.
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!
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
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Tequila Sunrise
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I think that Tequila Sunrise is one of the most innovative tequila cocktails that I have seen in a long time. It is made using all the things that I like, so this makes it special for me.
I think that Tequila Sunrise is one of the most innovative tequila cocktails that I have seen in a long time. It is made using all the things that I like, so this makes it special for me.
Great! Very delicious, and good for health
The best recipe website good work.
AWESOME WEBSITE RECIPES GOOD WORK
Love this layered look! :)
Thanks!
in the early 70’s I was tending bar in Long Beach California, the most ask for drink was a Sunrise, then Harvey Wallbangers, and a salty Dog. I wish i had a dime for each I made fun fun
Great story! I bet these were super popular back then!
I LOVE YOU! I’m going to have a hell of a weekend! I can’t wait to try this drink !!! thank you!
Awesome! Enjoy! ?
This is such a great drink, I love the way it looks. I also add just a bit of cinnamon or coffee grounds (less than a pinch) to add a bit of depth, if you know what I mean. Anyways, the recipe is amazing, thanks for sharing!
The color of this drink is stunning! Can I just have this painted on my walls for when it’s cold and I want to dream of summery things? ?. I can’t wait to try this. It looks very refreshing.
Beautiful. Definitely umbrella worthy.
So pretty! I could definitely go for one of these this weekend!
These drinks are all so beautiful and are making me so thirsty.
https://whitewallsandwanderlust.wordpress.com/ | a wanderlust-ridden blog with bits of photography, food, style, and more :)
– Alex
Such a beautiful cocktail…gotta love the classics!
I love that we both posted cocktails today :)
So pretty!! I could go for 3 right now!
ME TOO!!! :)
Thanks for pinning, tweeting, and being such an awesome friend :)
This is a gorgeous drink to extend summer with!! Hope you have a great holiday weekend?
Hope you have a great holiday weekend, too! Can’t believe it’s the last official weekend of summer!