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Arizona Sunset is a bright, refreshing non-alcoholic drink that captures the colors of a desert sunset in a glass. This easy mocktail combines citrusy orange juice, fizzy lemon-lime soda, and sweet grenadine for a layered drink that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just want something fun to sip, Arizona Sunset is a simple and family-friendly option.

If you enjoy refreshing drinks like this, be sure to check out Mock Champagne Punch and Strawberry Limeade. You can also browse more ideas in my full collection of drink recipes.

two Arizona Sunset drinks on a white stand with oranges and cherries nearby

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
  • A fun, non-alcoholic drink everyone can enjoy
  • Beautiful layered look inspired by an Arizona sunset
  • Perfect for summer parties, BBQs, and family gatherings
  • Ready in just 10 minutes

Key Ingredients

Orange Juice

Adds bright citrus flavor and serves as the base for this refreshing drink.

Lemon-Lime Soda

Gives the drink its fizz and light sweetness. Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.

Grenadine

Creates that signature sunset effect with its deep red color and sweet taste.

whole oranges, a measuring cup of orange juice, a measuring cup of clear soda, a small bowl of maraschino cherries, a small dish of grenadine, and a bowl of ice on a white surface

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • ice – no substitution recommended
  • grenadine – substitute with pomegranate syrup if needed
  • lemon-lime soda – substitute with any citrus soda or sparkling lemonade
  • orange juice – use fresh-squeezed juice for best flavor
  • maraschino cherries or orange slices – optional garnish, no substitution recommended

Variations

  • Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist
  • Use sparkling water instead of soda for a lighter version
  • Turn it into an adult drink by adding vodka or rum
  • Layer the top with a splash of cranberry juice or grape juice for a deeper sunset effect
two glasses of layered orange and red drink with ice, garnished with orange slices and maraschino cherries

Tips for Best Results

  • Pour slowly to keep the layered effect intact
  • Use chilled ingredients for the best flavor
  • Serve immediately so the soda stays fizzy
  • Adjust grenadine to taste, depending on your sweetness preference

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FAQs

Can I make Arizona Sunset ahead of time?

You can mix the juice and soda ahead, but assemble right before serving for the best results.

Why does grenadine sink?

Grenadine is denser than the other liquids, which creates the layered sunset look.

Can I use diet soda?

Yes, diet lemon-lime soda works fine and reduces the sugar content.

How to Store Arizona Sunset

Arizona Sunset is best enjoyed fresh.

If needed, you can mix the orange juice and soda ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add grenadine and ice just before serving for the best look and flavor.

How to Make an Arizona Sunset

This Arizona Sunset comes together quickly with just a few steps, creating a beautiful layered drink.

Quick steps:

  • Fill glasses with ice
  • Add grenadine to each glass
  • Mix orange juice and soda
  • Slowly pour over grenadine
  • Garnish and serve
clear glass filled with large ice cubes on a white surface
lear glass with ice and faint red tint from grenadine beginning to mix
glass measuring cup filled with orange juice with glasses of ice and oranges nearby
glass filled with orange juice and ice viewed from above

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Don’t lose this Arizona Sunset recipe! Pin it to your drink recipes, summer drinks, mocktails, or party drinks board on Pinterest so you can easily find it later.

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two glasses of layered orange and red drink with ice, garnished with orange slices and maraschino cherries
two Arizona Sunset drinks with ice, orange slices, and cherries on a white stand
4.70 from 13 votes
Servings: 2 drinks

Arizona Sunset

By Jamie Sherman
Arizona Sunset is a fruity, non-alcoholic drink with orange juice, soda, and grenadine. Easy, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • ice
  • grenadine
  • 1 cup lemon-lime soft drink
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • maraschino cherries or orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions 

  • Place ice in 2 glasses. Add a splash of grenadine to each glass.
  • In a small pitcher or another container, stir the soda and orange juice together.
  • Slowly pour the orange juice mixture over the grenadine, dividing the mixture between the two glasses.
  • Garnish with cherries or orange slices, if desired.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours without ice
  • Keep grenadine separate until ready to serve

♨️ REHEATING

  • Not applicable for this recipe
  • Serve chilled for best results

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freezing is not recommended as it will affect texture and carbonation

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Pour slowly to maintain the layered effect
  • Use clear glasses to show off the sunset look
  • Chill ingredients beforehand for better flavor
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • None

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Use the leftover mixture as a base for popsicles
  • Blend with ice for a frozen slush version

📝 NOTES

  • Use your favorite lemon-lime soda since flavor varies by brand
  • Fresh orange juice will give the best flavor
  • This drink is best served immediately after assembling

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Sodium: 13mg, Potassium: 249mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 248IU, Vitamin C: 62mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this sunset mocktail recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.70 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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24 Comments

  1. Josephine says:

    No recipe is showing up for me. Read the entry 3 times thinking I missed it lol. I would love to make this for my baby shower but I have no idea what goes in it! Would I be able to get the recipe from you please?

    Reply
    1. Jamie says:

      Sorry! I had some problems with my website hiding the recipe cards. It has been resolved if you’d like to try again. So sorry for any inconvenience.

      Reply