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Make Me a Cocktail

Tequila Sunrise
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.88 / 5

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The Tequila Sunrise is a bright, layered highball that pairs tequila with citrus and a signature “sunrise” fade of red... ... more

The Tequila Sunrise is a bright, layered highball that pairs tequila with citrus and a signature “sunrise” fade of red through orange. You’ll often hear it linked to mid‑century resort drinking and later to a 1970s revival that helped cement it as a modern bar staple, especially as tequila cocktails moved into the mainstream. Whatever origin story you prefer, its appeal is simple: it looks dramatic in the glass and drinks with easy, sunny confidence.

With tequila blanco at the core, you get a clean, peppery agave backbone that keeps the drink from turning cloying. Orange juice brings soft sweetness and rounded acidity, smoothing the tequila’s edges and making the sip feel juicy and approachable. Grenadine adds a deeper, candy-like pomegranate sweetness that concentrates toward the bottom, giving you a richer finish as the flavors mingle.

Serve it in a highball when you want something effortless, colorful, and crowd-pleasing—brunches, poolside afternoons, and casual get-togethers all suit it. You’ll like it if you enjoy tequila but prefer it softened by fruit, or if you want a cocktail that looks festive without tasting overly complicated.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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(1930)
Base ingredient
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Tequila blanco
Calories
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193 calories
Garnish
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Orange
Alcohol content
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12% | 1.8 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

Tags

Tequila blanco ingredient icon
Tequila blanco cocktails
Tequila blanco ingredient icon
Top ten Tequila blanco cocktails
Grenadine ingredient icon
Top ten Grenadine cocktails
Orange juice ingredient icon
Top ten Orange juice cocktails
tag icon
Easy cocktail
tag icon
3-ingredient cocktail

Highball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Tequila blanco cocktail ingredient icon for the Tequila Sunrise cocktail
Tequila blanco
Recommended Tequila blanco: Hornitos Plata Shop
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Tequila blanco leads with clean agave snap, quickly softened by lush orange juice, while grenadine sinks in with pomegranate-like sweetness that blooms into the finish and tints each sip as it mixes. It works because the orange juice rounds the tequila’s edges and the grenadine adds depth without extra bite; ideal for easygoing highball drinkers who like sweet citrus with a gentle tequila backbone.

Method
How to make a Tequila Sunrise

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Tequila blanco 45ml, Orange juice 90ml, Grenadine 15ml
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

Power tips
Elevate the Tequila Sunrise with these master mixologist tips

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Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought. The natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh juice will vastly improve the drink.
Opt for a high-quality, pure grenadine syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives a richer color.
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Tequila Sunrise masterclass

Master the craft of the Tequila Sunrise cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Tequila Sunrise

It is increasingly rare to find the Tequila Sunrise on the cocktail menu of many high-end bars and l...

What is the Smoothest Tequila and What Is Good To Mix It With?

Tequila has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile spirits, perfect for both sipping and m...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Highball  ·  Stir  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

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FAQ's

Faq icon

Why is it called a Tequila Sunrise?

The cocktail is named Tequila Sunrise because its beautiful gradients of color resemble a morning sky. When the grenadine is added to the mix of orange juice and tequila, it sinks and then gradually rises to mix, creating hues that mimic the colors of a sunrise.

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Tequila Sunrise?

The Tequila Sunrise has its origins in the 1930s-1940s in Arizona. However, the modern version of the cocktail, popularized in the 1970s, is attributed to bartenders at the Trident in Sausalito, California. It gained further popularity after being associated with rock bands such as the Eagles and the Rolling Stones.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Tequila Sunrise?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version, often called a Virgin Sunrise, by omitting the tequila and adding more orange juice or substituting with a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics the flavor profile of tequila.

Faq icon

How should I properly serve a Tequila Sunrise?

A Tequila Sunrise should be served in a highball glass, ideally with ice. Start by pouring the tequila and orange juice over the ice, and then gently add the grenadine, allowing it to settle and then slowly rise to create the sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry for extra flair.

Food pairings icon

What food pairs well with a Tequila Sunrise?

Given its sweet and citrusy profile, a Tequila Sunrise pairs well with brunch dishes, seafood, and light salads. Foods with a slight spicy or tangy flavor also complement the sweetness of the cocktail nicely.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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