Tequila Sunrise
A vibrant tequila highball with orange juice and grenadine, famous for its striking sunrise gradient and easy, fruit-forward flavour.
Tequila Sunrise Recipe
- Tequila 50 ml
- Orange juice 100 ml
- Grenadine 15 ml
- Cocktail cherry 1 piece
- Fresh orange 1 slice
- Ice 200 g, optional
Make it properly
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add tequila and orange juice.
- Pour grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass. Do not stir.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cocktail cherry.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT TEQUILA SUNRISE?
The Tequila Sunrise is simple, but its signature look depends on how you build it. Blanco tequila provides a clean agave base, while orange juice brings sweetness and fresh citrus character. Grenadine adds the final layer of fruitiness and creates the cocktail’s famous sunrise effect.
Pour the grenadine last and slowly. Because it is denser than the tequila and orange juice mixture, it naturally settles toward the bottom of the glass. Do not stir after adding it. The gradual transition from deep red through orange to golden yellow is part of what makes a Tequila Sunrise instantly recognisable.
Serve it well chilled over plenty of ice and finish with a fresh orange slice.
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TEQUILA SUNRISE: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a Tequila Sunrise, from choosing the ingredients to creating its signature layered presentation.
THE STORY OF THE TEQUILA SUNRISE
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic tequila cocktail known for its striking red-to-orange colour gradient. The modern version combines blanco tequila, orange juice and grenadine, creating a simple, fruit-forward highball that is built directly in the serving glass.
The cocktail became internationally famous during the 1970s, but its lasting appeal comes from its simplicity. With just three main ingredients, the Tequila Sunrise is easy to make at home while still delivering one of the most recognisable presentations in the cocktail world.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A TEQUILA SUNRISE
A good Tequila Sunrise starts with a clean blanco tequila that keeps the cocktail bright and lets the orange flavour remain fresh. Pair it with 100% orange juice for natural citrus sweetness and enough body to balance the tequila.
Finish with grenadine, added slowly and in moderation. It provides fruity sweetness and creates the signature sunrise gradient as it settles toward the bottom of the glass. For Drinkero’s version, we recommend Espolòn Blanco, 100% orange juice and MONIN Grenadine.
HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT SUNRISE LAYERS
Fill a highball glass generously with ice, then add the tequila and orange juice. Pour the grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass. Because it is denser than the other ingredients, it naturally sinks toward the bottom and begins creating the signature colour gradient.
Do not stir after adding the grenadine. Let the colours transition naturally from deep red at the base through orange to golden yellow at the top.
Questions about the Tequila Sunrise
Why does the Tequila Sunrise form layers?
Grenadine is denser than tequila and orange juice, so it gradually sinks toward the bottom of the glass. Pour it slowly and do not stir to create the signature red-to-orange sunrise gradient.
Which tequila works best?
A blanco tequila works best for a classic Tequila Sunrise. Its fresh agave character and clean profile pair naturally with orange juice without making the cocktail too heavy. Drinkero recommends Espolòn Blanco as our house choice.
Can I prepare several servings at once?
Yes. You can measure the tequila and orange juice for several drinks in advance, but build each cocktail individually over ice and add the grenadine last. This keeps the distinctive sunrise layers in each glass.
Can I make a Tequila Sunrise without grenadine?
You can make a tequila and orange juice highball without it, but it won't have the characteristic sweetness, red colour or sunrise effect that defines a Tequila Sunrise.
What orange juice is best for a Tequila Sunrise?
Use a good-quality 100% orange juice. A direct juice that is not made from concentrate is a convenient choice when preparing several cocktails, while freshly squeezed orange juice can also be used.
Do you stir a Tequila Sunrise?
No. Add the grenadine slowly after the tequila and orange juice and leave the drink unstirred. This allows the grenadine to settle and create the cocktail's signature layered appearance.
Is the Tequila Sunrise an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Tequila Sunrise is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a Contemporary Classic. See the IBA’s official Tequila Sunrise recipe for the classic specification.