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All you need are three ingredients and some ice to make this delicious Tequila Sunrise Cocktail! It’s the perfect drink for sitting on the beach (or hanging out in your backyard pretending you’re on the beach)!
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Tequila Sunrise is a gorgeous layered cocktail that looks like sunshine in a glass! Such a wonderful light drink for picnics, brunches, or any other get-together, especially as the days get longer and warmer. Its sweet-and-tart flavor is just, yum, y’all!!
As with all the cocktails I’ve been posting about lately, I had to go diving to look for the origins of this one!
The most likely story is that Californian bartenders created it in the 1970s, which is apparently when people were very much into tequila. It was (again, allegedly!!) a favorite of Mick Jagger, who took it around the world with him.
A rock star’s drink?! Don’t mind if I do!
Seriously, though, a Tequila Sunrise is not a hard drink at all, and it’s great for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol.
It’s classy and pretty to look at, and it’s a great reminder of how amazing summer can be. Enjoy!
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this recipe for Tequila Sunrise, you will need …
Ingredients
- orange juice – about 4 ounces. I tend to use pulpless OJ for a smooth drink! If you want a sweeter drink, you can use Sunny D instead.
- grenadine – grenadine is a syrup (traditionally) made from pomegranate juice, and it gives this drink both a sweet and tart flavor! You’ll probably find it at the grocery store near the cocktail mixes, or you can make your own at home.
- tequila – two ounces. I recommend using 100% agave blanco tequila, which is a non-aged tequila with a citrusy taste. However, in the end, any tequila is good tequila for this drink! 😉
- ice – well, we can’t have a good cocktail without ice!
NOTE: Some people like to garnish their drink with a cherry or orange slice, and one of those cute little umbrella toothpicks, of course!!
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Tequila Sunrise: FAQs
Just a few minutes! You’re pouring the ingredients and letting them form into pretty layers.
Just one! You’ll have to make a few batches for a whole party! 😉 You can also put this in a pitcher if you’d like, using cups to add the ingredients together in the same ratio. (That’s two parts OJ to every one part tequila.)
Yes! I recommend it!! You’ll taste the difference. If you’re able to squeeze oranges yourself for the juice, go for it.
Some folks like to add lime juice or soda water to it, which (as far as I know) still makes it a “Tequila Sunrise.” Add pineapple juice and it becomes a “Florida Sunrise.” With blueberry brandy instead of grenadine, it becomes a “Tequila Sunset.” Leave out the grenadine and it’s a “Tequila Screwdriver.” And if you prefer rum instead of tequila, you have yourself a “Caribbean Sunrise”! Whew!!
Oh yes! Leave out the tequila for a sweet dash of orange juice, perfect for early mornings!!
Other recipes you may enjoy
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
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Ingredients
- 4 oz. orange juice
- 2 oz. tequila
- ¼ oz. grenadine
- ice
Instructions
- Fill your cup three-quarters of the way with ice.
- Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass. Next, pour your grenadine gently down the side of the glass and let it settle for a few seconds. Enjoy the layered colors before stirring. It will turn into a gorgeous blood orange color.
- If desired, top with a cherry, orange slice, and/or one of those umbrellas. Serve immediately.
Notes
- I know the layered colors are really pretty, but you’ll definitely want to give your drink a stir before enjoying your cocktail.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
