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Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

A classic tequila drink that’s colorful and fruity, the tequila sunrise is one of the most well-known cocktail recipes and an easy drink to make.

tequila sunrise cocktail

Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

Next to the margarita, the tequila sunrise might just be the most popular tequila drink on the planet.

Tangy orange juice and smoky tequila make the base of this drink. Grenadine layers on the bottom of the glass to create the look of a sunrise and add a hint of sweetness.

This is an easy drinking tequila cocktail that is also easy to make, with only three ingredients needed.

ombre orange and red cocktail in hurricane glass

Why is it Called a Tequila Sunrise?

With the hit Eagles song and a movie of the same name, the Tequila Sunrise had a moment in the late 70s and early 80s. However, it is thought that the drink likely originated far earlier, around the time of Prohibitions when many US citizens traveled to Mexico to imbibe.

The name makes a lot of sense, as the drink itself looks like a sunset when first prepared (and before it’s had a chance to be stirred or settled while drinking). Tequila and orange juice are blended to create an orange concoction. The ruby red grenadine sinks to the bottom of the drink, creating an ombre effect that resembles a fiery morning sunrise.

hand holding an orange drink

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Tequila
  • 4 ounces Orange Juice
  • 1/2 ounce Grenadine

Optional Garnishes

  • Orange Slices
  • Maraschino Cherries

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Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21+

4 step photo collage showing how to make a tequila sunrise cocktail

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour tequila into the glass.
  3. Add orange juice until the glass is nearly full.
  4. Slowly pour grenadine into the drink; it will naturally sink to the bottom. Do not stir.

Garnish with an orange wedge and/or a maraschino cherry.

To Make a Pitcher

  • If making a pitcher, increase the ingredient amounts so that the orange juice and tequila fill a pitcher, but keep the same ratio. Do not add ice.
  • When ready to serve, pour the tequila and orange juice mixture into a tall glass of ice and add grenadine and garnishes.
two glasses of tequila sunrise drink

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Sunset?

The tequila sunrise and tequila sunset use the same base ingredients, the difference lies in how they are layered.

In a tequila sunrise, the grenadine is denser than the other ingredients and naturally sinks to the bottom of the drink. To make a tequila sunset, club soda or even lemon-lime soda is mixed with the grenadine so it floats on top of the drink instead.

What is the Best Type of Tequila to Use?

The choice is yours! To a certain extent, you get what you pay for with tequila. When making a mixed drink, you don’t need to use the most expensive tequila because it is going to be combined with orange juice. However, a super cheap tequila might not create the best flavor. A nice middle of the road tequila is just fine, and you can use either silver or gold tequila.

Do You Stir a Tequila Sunrise Before Serving?

Do NOT stir the drink before serving or it will lose the “sunrise” ombre effect. As you enjoy the drink, some natural blending is to be expected, but you don’t want to speed up the process unnecessarily.

Tequila Sunrise Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

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tequila sunrise drink

Tequila Sunrise Recipe

A classic tequila drink that's colorful and fruity, the tequila sunrise is one of the most well-known cocktail recipes and an easy drink to make.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: cocktails, orange juice, tequila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 220kcal
Author: Stacey
Cost: $5

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Tequila
  • 4 ounces Orange Juice
  • 1/2 ounce Grenadine

Optional Garnishes

  • Orange Slices
  • Maraschino Cherries

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
  • Pour tequila into glass.
  • Add orange juice, so that the glass is nearly full.
  • Slowly pour grenadine and allow to sink to the bottom of the glass on its own. Do not stir.
  • Garnish with cherry and an orange slice.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate only. Recipe intended for readers 21+

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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Tequila sunrise cocktail in hurricane glass, with text overlay of ingredients

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