The History of the Tequila Sunrise

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It is increasingly rare to find the Tequila Sunrise on the cocktail menu of many high-end bars and lounges, often because it has gained a somewhat kitschy and dated reputation. Many expert mixologists shun it due to its perceived simplicity and the connotations of the wild 70s era. We believe this is an unfair judgment of a drink that, when crafted with skill and quality ingredients, can be extraordinarily delicious and captivating!

TL;DR

• The Tequila Sunrise has a kitschy reputation but can be delicious with quality ingredients.
• It gained fame thanks to the Rolling Stones and the Eagles in the 70s rock scene.
• Its origins date back to the 1930s but the modern recipe was created in the 1970s.
• Fresh ingredients and modern twists can elevate this classic cocktail.

Raucous Connotations for the Tequila Sunrise

If you are of a certain age or have a vivid interest in rock history, you might recall the era of the Rolling Stones and their rumbling, rebellious energy. The 70s were a time brimming with defiance, poised on the edges of punk and rock music, and the Rolling Stones epitomized this persona while selling out arenas worldwide. During a promotional tour for their 'Exile on Main St' album in San Francisco, they were introduced to a cocktail by bartender Bobby Lazoff at The Trident. The concoction was a vibrant mix of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. It became an instant favorite among the band members, leading them to request it at every venue they visited—a tour famously marked by riots, brawls, and playful antics with Playboy bunnies. This association with the Rolling Stones rapidly catapulted the Tequila Sunrise into pop culture, even contributing to increased sales for the tequila brand, Jose Cuervo. The Eagles further immortalized the drink with their 1973 ballad 'Tequila Sunrise', embedding it into the fabric of rock legend.

Humble Cocktail Origins

Given its fiery reputation, it’s easy to forget that the Tequila Sunrise existed long before Mick Jagger ever took his first sip. The original recipe dates back to the 1930s, conceived at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. This early version was a zesty offshoot of the Singapore Sling, featuring tequila, lime juice, soda water, and crème de cassis. It wasn't until the bartenders at The Trident playfully revised the recipe in the 1970s—streamlining it to what we now recognize as the Tequila Sunrise—that it gained its iconic status. The transformation into a simplified mix of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine created not only an easier-to-make drink but also one that's visually striking, resembling a glowing sunrise.

Fresh is Best

One of the common criticisms of the Tequila Sunrise is that it's often made with overly sweet, pre-mixed concentrates. This can yield a cloying flavor, detracting from the balanced sophistication that a well-made cocktail should offer. However, when crafted with fresh orange juice and high-quality, homemade pomegranate grenadine, the Tequila Sunrise becomes a refreshing, palate-pleasing drink. Pair it with traditional Jose Cuervo tequila, and you’ve got a beverage that is best savored as the sun sets on a hot summer's day. For a quick reminder of the recipe, you might even find it printed on the side of your tequila bottle!

Modern Takes and Variations

To keep the Tequila Sunrise relevant in today’s cocktail scene, mixologists have begun experimenting with contemporary twists on the traditional recipe. Some variations include:

• Tequila Sunset: Swap out the grenadine for blackberry brandy for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Caribbean Sunrise: Mix in a splash of coconut rum for a tropical twist.
• Mango Sunrise: Replace the orange juice with mango juice to add an exotic flair.
• Bloody Sunrise: Incorporate a dash of blood orange juice for a more intense citrus profile.

Each of these variations maintains the visual appeal of the original while offering new dimensions to its classic flavor profile.

The Science of the "Sunrise" Effect

But what exactly gives the Tequila Sunrise its signature 'sunrise' look? The answer lies in the density of the ingredients. Grenadine is denser than both orange juice and tequila, so it naturally sinks to the bottom of the glass when poured slowly. This creates a gradient of color that mimics a sunrise. It’s not just pretty, though—the layering also allows for a unique taste experience that evolves with each sip as the flavors gradually blend.

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Tequila Sunrise

Recipe card

4.88 / 5

Highball glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

Cocktail Of The Day

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Invented

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(1930)

Base ingredient

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Tequila

Calories

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193 calories

Garnish

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Orange

Alcohol content

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12% | 1.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Easy

Classic

Stirred

The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant and visually striking cocktail known for its layered color effect that mimics a sunrise. Served in a highball glass, this refreshing beverage combines the crisp, agave notes of tequila with the sweet, citrus flavors of orange juice, yielding a smooth and tropical taste. The addition of grenadine, a pomegranate-flavored syrup, not only sweetens the drink but also creates the characteristic red-to-orange gradient that gives the Tequila Sunrise its name. This cocktail is typically garnished with an orange slice, adding an extra touch of fruitiness and enhancing its presentation. The Tequila Sunrise is a popular choice for those seeking a sweet and fruity cocktail with a tequila base.

Ingredients

Orange juice

Tequila

Grenadine

Method

How to make a Tequila Sunrise

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Half fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour in the tequila

Top up with orange juice and give the cocktail a stir

Once mixed pour in the grenadine, which should sink to the bottom, colouring the rest of the drink on its way down

Garnish with an orange slice and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

A Timeless Classic

In conclusion, while the Tequila Sunrise may have a colorful history filled with rock ‘n’ roll antics and a slew of misconceived notions, it remains a timeless cocktail when made correctly. With high-quality ingredients and a bit of finesse, it transforms into a delightful, visually appealing drink suitable for any occasion. Next time you come across this iconic cocktail on a menu—or if you dare to mix one yourself—remember its rich history and give it the appreciation it deserves.