Looking for a Tequila Sunrise recipe that turns heads? This iconic clinker is pure retro glam with its golden-orange layers melting into deep red, mimicking a real sunrise. First mixed in the 1930s and later catapulted to fame by ’70s rock legends, it’s a showstopper drink that’s as easy to pour as it is stunning. A citrusy blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, the Tequila Sunrise delivers tropical vibes in every sip.
How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Fill a tumbler with ice, then add the tequila
02
2.
Top up with orange juice
03
3.
Pour the grenadine gently over a spoon, allowing it to sink down into the orange juice
04
4.
Garnish and serve
What’s in a Tequila Sunrise cocktail?
This drink was born in the era of fondue sets and disco fever, and when OJ was everyone’s mixer of choice. While the Tequila Sunrise cocktail recipe has just three ingredients – orange juice, tequila, and grenadine – make yours next level by using the best of each.
Choose an excellent quality tequila like Espolòn Tequila Blanco, made with 100% Blue Weber agave, to create a solid base. Then top up with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Finally, you’ll need grenadine, a thick red syrup that sweetens and colors your Tequila Sunrise drink bright red. Look for quality craft grenadines made with real fruit like pomegranate juice and cane sugar, instead of those made with artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup.
How to make a Tequila Sunrise the easy way
Crafting this vibrant citrusy Tequila Sunrise drink is easy, but the real magic lies in nailing that signature sunrise layered effect.
Pour the three ingredients in the following sequence: one part tequila, followed by two parts orange juice poured over a small handful of ice, and finally, the grenadine.
Drizzle it over a spoon and it’ll sink to the bottom because it’s denser than the other ingredients, creating that signature red layer. All that’s left to do is to garnish your Tequila Sunrise mix drink with either a twist of lime or orange.
Tips and tricks for the perfect sip
Here are a few extra tips to perfect your easy Tequila Sunrise recipe:
- Choose a tumbler for a shorter, stronger drink.
- Pick a highball if you want to soften the booze a little.
- If this easy Tequila Sunrise recipe is too sweet for you, squeeze in a little lime juice.
- If you’re pouring for a crowd into pitchers, bulk up the ingredients. For a less boozy pitcher, pour one part tequila to three parts OJ.
Alternative Tequila Sunrise ingredients
If you love the original Tequila Sunrise, try giving it a glow-up. Switch up the OJ for pineapple or mango for a tropical twist or try flavored syrups for a subtle edge. Into variety? Explore other drinks to make with tequila, like a Frozen Tequila Sunrise (blitz all the ingredients with ice) for ultimate beach vibes.
Different tequila styles also change the game: añejo adds warmth, while mezcal takes it to an earthy space. For easy upgrades, think Luxardo cherries or dehydrated orange wheels. And if citrus isn’t your jam, swap in berry blends for a fun spin on basic tequila drinks and easy tequila mixers.
Tequila Sunrise pitcher & batch cocktails
Hosting brunch or a pool party? This Tequila Sunrise pitcher recipe is your move. Pre-mix tequila and OJ in a big jug (use our handy calculator for quantities), then add grenadine as you pour into each glass for that ombré wow-factor. Keep it cold with frozen fruit instead of ice, perfect for self-serve setups and when you make a Tequila Sunrise drink for a crowd.
Tequila Sunrise mocktail alternative
Keen on the look minus the booze? Go for a Tequila Sunrise mocktail recipe using soda water or a zero-proof tequila alternative. Keep the grenadine for color (and that Insta factor). Adding fresh herbs or a splash of tropical juice makes this a killer non-alcoholic tequila drink.
How to serve a Tequila Sunrise
Tall highball glasses show off the layers best. Garnish with orange slices and cherries for retro flair. Wondering about the calories in a Tequila Sunrise? It’s light enough for most, especially compared to heavier cocktails. This stunner fits right in with simple tequila cocktails and easy tequila mixers, always chill and always stylish.
When to enjoy a Tequila Sunrise
Brunch dates, summer hangouts, or golden-hour parties, the Tequila Sunrise brings color to any vibe. It’s the go-to for tequila and orange juice drinks, and perfect for casual sipping or a cocktail at brunch alongside light bites.
Loved this recipe? See these next…
Looking for more drinks like Tequila Sunrise? We recommend you try:
Tequila Sour: Smooth and zesty with a tangy kick, this one brings bright energy in every sip.
Tequila Negroni: Dapper, bittersweet, and seriously sophisticated, it’s a tequila twist on a timeless classic.
Mexican Manhattan: Deep, rich, and daring with a hint of warmth, perfect for slow sipping.
Mexican Firing Squad: Spicy, citrusy, and unapologetically punchy for those who like their cocktails with plenty of attitude.
Easy tequila drinks: A full line-up of quick tequila drinks to try at home.
Ready, set, pour, besties! Visit the Espolòn website to stock up on top-tier Tequila Sunrise ingredients and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The classic mix features tequila, orange juice, and grenadine over ice, served in a tall glass. It’s simple, vibrant, and relies on quality ingredients to shine, especially good tequila and real-fruit grenadine.
Pour the grenadine slowly over a spoon after adding tequila and orange juice. Its heavier density makes it sink, creating that gorgeous ombre look.
It’s relatively light, typically around 10–12% ABV, since the tequila is balanced by plenty of orange juice. This makes it an easy-sipping cocktail, perfect for brunch or daytime gatherings.
Popular twists include the Frozen Tequila Sunrise, swapping citrus for tropical juices, or using flavored syrups. You can also try premium garnishes like Luxardo cherries or switch tequila styles – añejo for richness or mezcal for an earthier vibe.
A Tequila Sunset cocktail and a Tequila Sunrise are made with similar ingredients and look the same, but the latter is the original. In a Tequila Sunset, the red tint is created with a blackberry brandy instead of grenadine.
The original Tequila Sunrise drink recipe was documented in a book called “Hollywood Cocktails” published in 1933, just before the end of Prohibition. It wasn’t mixed with orange juice, but rather a splash of lime, some grenadine and a dash of Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur.
If you stir a Tequila Sunrise drink, you’ll lose the beautifully layered effect created by the grenadine slowly sinking into the orange juice.
