Tequila Sunrise is a total summer classic cocktail! This gorgeous cocktail is as delicious as it is pretty. Tequila is all dressed up with orange juice and grenadine in this timeless cocktail recipe! Serve it all summer long to be everyone’s favorite party host.
Tequila Sunrise
Listen, tequila is known for a lot of things. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila… Well, I’m sure you know the rest! While this Mexican liquor certainly has a naughty reputation, it also can make the most stunning cocktails like the beloved tequila sunrise. Named because of its gorgeous hues and resemblance to teh rising sun, this very easy to make cocktail is always a summertime favorite because of its fruity (but not overly sweet) flavor. Don’t you just love a cocktail recipe that’s brag-worthy in presentation but only calls for three key ingredients?! Tequila, grenadine, and orange juice are really all you need to make this easy cocktail recipe.
This summer, cool off in a lounge chair by the pool with more of my favorite cocktail recipes like Frosty Orange Margaritas, these super easy Palomas, and classic White Sangria.
What is a tequila sunrise vs sunset?
The difference between these cocktails is the juice that you choose to use. Tequila sunrises are a little bit on the sweeter side with orange juice, while tequila sunsets are a bit more bitter because of the grapefruit juice. Sunsets tend to have more of a bite to them because the grenadine is understated, whereas the grenadine in a sunrise is enhanced by the orange juice.
How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
Assemble in layers. Start with your ice, then add the orange juice and tequild. Slowly pour the grenadine on top. Give it a very gentle stir and watch the sun rise!
Serve and enjoy! Add an orange slice and maraschino cherry to garnish if you really want to make these drinks the best they can be. Serve immediately and enjoy every fruity, boozy sip!
Can I make tequila sunrise ahead of time?
Here’s the deal – the purpose of this drink is to concoct it one glass at a time for that signature pretty appearance of the grenadine sinking to the bottom of the glass and slowly rising as it’s gently stirred. When you make it ahead of time, you lose that element of the drink. Also, it’s mostly chilled from the ice cubes, which will water down even if kept in the fridge. I do NOT recommend making a tequila sunrise ahead of time.
Ingredient Notes for Tequila Sunrise
Orange Juice – Pulp free orange juice is the way to go.
Tequila – It’s very important to keep in mind that your cocktail is only ever as good as your liquor is! Use a good high quality tequila to make your sunrise. It doesn’t need to be a top shelf option, but do try to stay away from cheaper options that’ll just result in a headache for you.
Grenadine – You can substitute the grenadine for Creme de Cassis or Campari.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- Ice
- 4 Ounces Orange Juice
- 1.5 Ounces Tequila
- 1 Tablespoon Grenadine
- Orange slice to garnish
- Maraschino cherry to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add the orange juice and tequila
- Slowly pour in the grenadine
- Mix very gently and watch the sunrise
- Add an orange slice and maraschino cherry to garnish
- Serve and enjoy
Oh yes!! This is one of my favorite summer drinks! Thanks for the recipe!
Looks absolutely fantastic! Can’t wait to try this one!
I am making this Tequila Sunrise for my tonight backyard party! Everyone will appreciate it!
We’re having a BBQ this weekend, and I think this is definitely going to be one of the cocktails I serve. It looks so refreshing.