Vodka Sunrise

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.

2. Pour the vodka over the ice.

3. Top up with orange juice, ensuring you leave a small amount of space at the top of the glass.

4. Carefully and slowly pour the grenadine into the glass. Aim for the side of the glass or pour over the back of a spoon to help it sink to the bottom and create the layered 'sunrise' effect.

5. Do not stir the drink, as this will mix the layers and lose the visual effect.

6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Trivia

• What is a Vodka Sunrise made of?

  A Vodka Sunrise is a simple yet delicious cocktail made primarily with three ingredients: vodka, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It's typically garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, served over ice in a highball glass.

• How is a Vodka Sunrise different from a Tequila Sunrise?

  The main difference lies in the base spirit. A Tequila Sunrise uses tequila, while a Vodka Sunrise uses vodka. This swap results in a slightly smoother, less agave-forward taste compared to the original Tequila Sunrise, appealing to those who prefer vodka's neutral profile.

• How do you get the sunrise effect in a Vodka Sunrise?

  The signature 'sunrise' effect comes from the grenadine settling at the bottom of the glass. Because grenadine is denser than orange juice and vodka, pouring it slowly down the side of the glass (or over the back of a spoon) after adding the vodka and orange juice allows it to sink, creating beautiful red-to-orange layers. It's important not to stir the drink to maintain this effect.

• What does a Vodka Sunrise taste like?

  A Vodka Sunrise is predominantly sweet and fruity, with the dominant flavour of fresh orange juice balanced by the sweetness of the grenadine. The vodka provides a subtle alcoholic base without overpowering the fruit flavours, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.

• Can you make a Vodka Sunrise without grenadine?

  While grenadine is key to the classic Vodka Sunrise flavour and appearance, you could substitute it with another red, sweet syrup like raspberry syrup or cherry syrup. However, this will alter the taste and won't be a traditional Vodka Sunrise. Without a dense red syrup, you won't achieve the characteristic 'sunrise' layering.

• What's the best vodka for a Vodka Sunrise?

  Since the orange juice and grenadine are strong flavours, a high-end vodka isn't strictly necessary. A good quality, smooth, mid-range vodka works perfectly well. Choose a vodka you enjoy drinking, as its quality will still contribute to the overall smoothness of the cocktail.

• What type of glass is best for a Vodka Sunrise?

  A Vodka Sunrise is traditionally served in a highball glass. This tall glass provides ample space for the ice, vodka, orange juice, and grenadine, and importantly, it showcases the beautiful layered 'sunrise' effect effectively.