Tequila Sunrise Recipe | Dishes Delish (2024)

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If you’re looking for a stunning and delicious drink that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Tequila Sunrise recipe. This easy-to-make beverage is colorful and flavorful, making it perfect for any occasion. Take a sip of this timeless classic; let us show you how simple creating an impressive co*cktail can be!

Tequila Sunrise Recipe | Dishes Delish (1)

When I worked at a Mexican restaurant, margaritas were the most popular mixed drink. But this tequila sunrise co*cktail was a close second. And it’s not just because they are so delicious and refreshing but so beautiful they made our patron’s eyes gleam when they saw it.

Want to learn more about tequila? Read my comprehensive guide here.

The history of the tequila sunrise

The version that we see here and at restaurants came out in the early 1970s in Sausalito, California. Sausalito is a beautiful ocean side city in Marin County and if you ever get a chance, I encourage you to visit if you’re ever in Callifornia.

The reason it’s named the tequila sunrise is because when you serve it, the color gradients resemble a California sunrise.

Alternately, the first iteration of this co*cktail actually came out in the 1930s in Phoenix, Arizona.

Do you have to serve this drink in a tulip glass?

No. They look cool in the tulip glass.In the photos below you will see a variety of glassware.Each piece showcases this delicious co*cktail in its way!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission,at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

Tequila sunrise ingredients

  • Tequila
  • Orange juice
  • Grenadine

Helpful
Tips
  • Although I usually use premium liquor in my co*cktails, this co*cktail doesn’t require premium. This co*cktail has a good amount of juice, so the nuance of premium over mid-range liquor would not be pronounced.
  • You can use Blanco tequila, Reposados tequila, or Añejo tequila—your choice.
  • I’m using Patron Silver tequila but a good budget tequila is the Jose Cuervo brand.
  • You don’t have to use a co*cktail shaker, you can pour the ingredients in the glass. I prefer the shaker because of the ice chips that result when you shake a co*cktail, and it makes for a colder drink.
  • You can use more than 4 ounces of orange juice but don’t use more than 6 ounces because it will dilute the co*cktail too much.
  • I used orange juice with pulp, but know that you will see the pulp in the drink.
  • If you use a big glass and you’ve hit the 6-ounce mark in juice, just add more ice.
  • This co*cktail is made in a tulip glass but use whatever you have. You will see below that along with the tulip glass, I use a martini glass and a double old-fashioned glass. See how different they look in each glass? Another good choice is a highball glass.
  • Interestingly enough, the difference between a tequila sunrise and a tequila sunset is the sunset doesn’t use grenadine to sweeten the co*cktail but instead adds blackberry brandy.

Even though you see three co*cktails in this post, the recipe is for one refreshing drink. You can adjust how many servings you need by changing the number in the serving section of the recipe card. You can even make a pitcher if you like.

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How to make the tequila sunrise

Pre-step

Fill co*cktail shaker halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.

Other than the grenadine, after measuring each ingredient below, pour it into the shaker.

The reason you don’t add the grenadine to the shaker is because after you pour the contents of the shaker into the glassware, you are going to add the sweet syrup which will sink to the bottom of the glass.

Step one

The ingredients – tequila, orange juice and grenadine.

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Step two

Measure2 ounces of tequila. (A)

Step three

Measure 4 ounces of orange juice. (B)

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Step four

Measure 1/2 ounce of grenadine. Set aside. (C)

Step five

Prepare your garnish: three maraschino cherries and an orange slice.I use my much loved martini pick to skewer the cherries, alternating the colors! (D)

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Step six

Add fresh ice to the glass. Place the lid on your shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain and pour the contents into the glass. (This is when I adjust the ice cubes. I use the ice left in the shaker if needed. You want the mixture to be a quarter of an inch from the top of the glass.)

Step seven

Take a co*cktail spoon and place it against the glass with the back of the spoon facing up. Slowly pour the grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon down the side of the glass (inside). The grenadine will sink to the bottom.

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Step eight

Place the pick filled with the cherries and orange slice on the side of the rim of the glass.

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The photo below shows a double old fashioned glass filled with the tequila sunrise co*cktail.

Notice that the grenadine will start rising up the orange juice. You can also see I use orange juice with pulp.

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And the vertical view!

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I hope you enjoyed this tequila sunrise co*cktail recipe and will make it very soon; it is so delicious! The flavors meld so nicely and it makes for a refreshing co*cktail.

Other popular tequila recipes

  • Cadillac margarita
  • Pomegranate margarita
  • Mango margarita
  • Tequila sunrise shot
  • Paloma

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried thisor any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK,TWITTER,INSTAGRAMandPINTERESTto see more of my delicious food and delightful co*cktails!

Tequila Sunrise Recipe | Dishes Delish (10)

Tequila Sunrise co*cktail

This refreshing and delicious tequila sunrise co*cktail recipe is great for any gathering. It is easy, beautiful and delicious!

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: co*cktails

Keyword: tequila sunrise co*cktail, tequila sunrise recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Calories: 260kcal

Author: Elaine Benoit

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 4 ounces of orange juice 4 – 6 ounces depending on the size of your glass
  • 1/2 ounce of Grenadine

Garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a shaker half way with ice

  • Add tequila and orange juice. Cap shaker and shake for 15 seconds

    2 ounces tequila, 4 ounces of orange juice

  • Fill tulip glass half way with ice

  • Pour contents of shaker in your glass of choice and add ice if needed to fill the glass

  • Measure 1/2 ounce of grenadine and pour it down the inside of the glass

    1/2 ounce of Grenadine

  • Add garnish

    1/2 orange slice, 3 maraschino cherries

  • Serve

  • Sip

  • Enjoy

Tequila Sunrise Recipe | Dishes Delish (16) See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

Notes

I love drinking this tequila sunrise co*cktail in a tulip glass but you can use any glass you want.

Tips for making the tequila sunrise:

  • Although I almost always use premium liquor in my co*cktails, this co*cktail doesn’t require premium. The reason being there is a good amount of juice in this co*cktail so the nuance of premium over mid range would be not pronounced
  • You don’t have to use a co*cktail shaker, you can just pour the ingredients in the glass. I prefer the shaker because of the ice chips that is a result when you shake a co*cktail, and it makes for a colder drink
  • You can use more than 4 ounces of orange juice, but don’t use more than 6 ounces because it will dilute it too much
  • I used an orange juice with pulp, but just know you will see it in the drink
  • If you use a big glass and you’ve hit the 6 ounce mark in juice, just add more ice
  • This co*cktail is made in a tulip glass but use whatever you have on hand

Nutrition

Serving: 1co*cktail | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 283mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 74.3mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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This was originally published on February of 2016.

Elaine Benoit

Website| + posts

From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted co*cktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

Tequila Sunrise Recipe | Dishes Delish (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a tequila sunrise and a tequila sunset? ›

If you like your tequila drinks on the sweet side, then you'll love the tequila sunrise. The main difference between the tequila sunrise and the tequila sunset is that the latter uses grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. In addition to being a little more tart, it also gives this co*cktail a bit more of a bite.

Do you shake or stir a tequila sunrise? ›

Tips for Making a Tequila Sunrise

Don't stir: The key to a beautiful, layered tequila sunrise is to avoid stirring the drink after adding the grenadine so it won't mix with the juice. If you do, you'll have a blush pink drink rather than an eye-catching orange and red layered drink.

What is the difference between tequila sunrise and Malibu sunrise? ›

A tequila sunrise and a Malibu sunrise are very similar ingredient-wise, with the exception of the liquor you use. Otherwise, the two drinks share the use of grenadine and orange juice along with the gorgeous layered sunrise look that's assembled in the same fashion.

What does ordering a tequila sunrise say about you? ›

Tequila Sunrise

Though to be fair, the mix of orange juice and grenadine provides a good chase for the tequila and the drink itself is quite pretty. You're a wild child, a night owl, and considering you enjoy a drink that's emotionally scarred most young adults, you're also probably an adrenaline junkie.

What is the absolute smoothest tequila? ›

Perhaps the smoothest of all is cristalino, a relatively new tequila category. Named for its “crystal clear” appearance, cristalino is made by aging tequila, then charcoal-filtering out the color and flavor so it's clear (or close to it), creating a lighter flavor.

What is a substitute for grenadine in tequila sunrise? ›

Maraschino Cherries Make A Sweet Substitute For Grenadine In Tequila Sunrises. Even when summer's long gone, you can always count on a tequila sunrise to bring back the season's sun-soaked essence. With sweet citrusy notes and a yellow-red gradient hue, this gorgeous co*cktail always feels like summer in a glass.

What drink is similar to tequila sunrise? ›

The Screwdriver is a simple, classic co*cktail that highlights the combination of orange juice with a spirit, much like the Tequila Sunrise. In the case of the Screwdriver, vodka is used instead of tequila. The result is a bright, citrus-forward co*cktail perfect for brunch or a hot summer afternoon.

How to pour the perfect tequila sunrise? ›

Directions. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour in the tequila and orange juice. Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it down the side of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Can you use Patron for tequila sunrise? ›

The classic tequila sunrise co*cktail is made from only three ingredients—tequila, grenadine, and orange juice—and is usually served unmixed to preserve the color gradient created when poured. Craft one yourself with PATRÓN Silver for a sweet and citrusy drink.

What do you eat with tequila sunrise? ›

Avocado Toast with a Twist

Avocado toast has become a brunch staple, and for a good reason. Its creamy texture and health benefits make it a crowd favorite. To elevate this classic dish, try adding a dash of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili flakes, perfectly harmonizing with the Tequila Sunrise's zesty notes.

What is the Arizona Tequila Sunrise? ›

It contained tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice and soda water. The name was inspired by the classic Arizona sunrise: a dark to light fading pink. Much later, in the 1970s, a few young bartenders amended the recipe to give it a sweeter edge in the form of (drumroll …) grenadine and OJ.

Why is it tequila sunrise not sunset? ›

The difference between a sunrise and sunset is that the sunrise uses sweet grenadine to achieve its red hue, while the sunset uses blackberry brandy for a darker ombre effect. This means a tequila sunrise is sweeter, and a tequila sunset has a different flavor profile thanks to the addition of brandy.

Who popularized the Tequila Sunrise? ›

In the 1930s, Gene Sulit of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel combined Tequila, soda water, lime juice, and liqueur to create the first 'Tequila Sunrise'. Over the years, the drink found its way farther west, landing in the Bay Area.

Why is it called a tequila sunrise? ›

The modern drink originates from Sausalito, California, in the early 1970s after an earlier iteration created in the 1930s in Phoenix, Arizona. The co*cktail is named for its appearance when served—with gradations of color resembling a sunrise.

Why is tequila sunrise unmixed? ›

The classic tequila sunrise co*cktail is made from only three ingredients—tequila, grenadine, and orange juice—and is usually served unmixed to preserve the color gradient created when poured.

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