Tequila Sunrise
Capture the beauty of dawn in a glass with the iconic Tequila Sunrise. This visually stunning cocktail features vibrant layers of orange juice and grenadine, mimicking a sunrise. Made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, it's a simple yet delightful drink known for its sweet, fruity, and citrusy profile. Perfect for brunches, summer parties, or any occasion calling for a refreshing and colorful beverage. Learn how to make this classic cocktail perfectly every time.
Ingredients
- 4.5 cl tequila
- 9 cl orange juice
- 1.5 cl grenadine
- 1 slice orange
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
Accessories
- 1 highball glass
Instructions
Fill a chilled highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour in the tequila.
Top up the glass with fresh orange juice, leaving a little space at the top.
Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass over the back of a spoon or by tilting the glass and pouring down the side. It should sink to the bottom, creating the layered 'sunrise' effect.
Do not stir the drink, as this will mix the layers and lose the visual effect.
Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Trivia
- What does a Tequila Sunrise taste like?
A Tequila Sunrise has a predominantly sweet and fruity taste. The orange juice provides a bright citrus base, while the grenadine adds a distinct sweetness, often with notes of pomegranate or cherry. The tequila adds a subtle earthy, agave undertone that balances the sweetness.
- How do you get the layers in a Tequila Sunrise?
The iconic layered effect is achieved due to the different densities of the liquids. Grenadine is denser than orange juice and tequila, so when poured slowly into the glass, it sinks to the bottom. Pouring it over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass helps prevent it from mixing immediately.
- Why is it called a Tequila Sunrise?
The cocktail gets its name from its appearance. The gradient of colors, with the red grenadine at the bottom slowly blending into the orange juice above, resembles the beautiful colors of a sunrise.
- What is the best Tequila for a Tequila Sunrise?
A Blanco (or Silver) tequila is generally recommended for a Tequila Sunrise. Its clean, crisp agave flavor complements the orange juice and grenadine without overpowering them. Choose a 100% agave tequila for the best quality and taste. You don't need a top-shelf tequila, but avoid very cheap options.
- Is a Tequila Sunrise a strong cocktail?
The strength of a Tequila Sunrise depends on the amount of tequila used, but typically it's considered a moderately strong cocktail. With a standard pour of 1.5 ounces (4.5 cl) of tequila and the rest being non-alcoholic mixers, it's not overly potent compared to spirit-forward cocktails.
- Can you make a Tequila Sunrise ahead of time?
It's best not to make a Tequila Sunrise too far in advance, especially if you want to preserve the signature layered look. The layers will eventually mix. You could pre-mix the tequila and orange juice, but the grenadine should always be added just before serving for the best visual presentation.