This beautiful delicious summer party-worthy Tequila Sunrise cocktail is made easy with three ingredients in less than three minutes. A Tequila Sunrise is my go-to summer cocktail because it is so incredibly quick and refreshing. There is a reason this beautiful drink has been around for a while. Make yourself one this evening and enjoy the sweet taste of summer.
The original Tequila Sunrise was created by Billy Rice and Bobby Lozoff at the Trident Bar in Sausalito, California in the early 1970s. The popularity of the cocktail really took off after Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones had one at a party. He liked it so much that he go the whole band hooked on them. Then Jose Cuervo Tequila used the drink recipe in their advertising campaign and the rest is history.
Take full advantage of the season and kick it back with this cold and tasty libation. Hubby and I just love to entertain especially in the summer months. We love to have a selection of ice cold beverages for our guests to enjoy. This Tequila Sunrise, Pineapple Margaritas, Salty Dogs, and Frozen Mudslides are just a few of our favorites.
How do you make a Tequila Sunrise?
Honestly there is really no special technique for creating the beautiful colors in this yummy Tequila Sunrise. You certainly do not have to be a trained bartender to make one of these. It is simply made with orange juice, tequila and grenadine. First you are going to add a lot of ice to a Highball glass or Collins glass. Then add the orange juice and tequila and stir that together. About two parts orange juice and one part tequila. Be careful with the tequila! Tequila Sunrise cocktails have a way of sneaking up on you. Now using a teaspoon or a bar spoon add the grenadine by pouring it slowly down the side of the glass on the inside. You are going to need to fill the spoon three to four times to get the effect.
The grenadine is thicker than the orange juice and tequila therefore it will sink creating that beautiful sunrise effect. Do not stir it. Finally garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries. Right before serving very gently and slowly stir once to create that beautiful sunrise effect. Offer your guests drink stir sticks so they if they desire they can gently stir the cocktail and enjoy the flavors all blended together.
What is the difference between the Tequila Sunrise and the Tequila Sunset?
This is often a heated debate as some argue that they are the same exact cocktail. Others may substitute grapefruit juice or a mixture of pineapple and orange juice for the Tequila Sunset. While others mix the grenadine with soda water and pour on top of the orange juice/tequila mixture for a red hue at the top. You can also replace the grenadine with blackberry brandy to create a richer darker color at the bottom. There is quite a bit more variance when it comes to the sunset version of this cocktail.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Because of the hint of sweetness Gold Tequila is perfect for this Tequila Sunrise because it is slightly sweet and will complement the fruity flavors.
- Grenadine syrup is available in the liquor aisle of most grocery stores next to the other mixers.
- Pour the grenadine syrup slowly over the back of a spoon. It is heavier than the orange juice and tequila and it will sink to the bottom in due time.
- For a party pitcher simply use 1 part tequila to to 2 parts orange juice. Then drizzle in the grenadine right before serving or add the grenadine to each individual glass after pouring in the orange juice mixture.
- Do not stir the cocktail until serving it. At that time it only needs a one time very slow and easy stir to put on a show. Leave the stir stick in the drink and allow your quest to decide if they want completely mix the drink.
- For a change of pace try this beautiful Tequila Sunrise cocktail with grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, splash of lime juice, or a splash of seltzer.
Other party cocktails you will love!
PrintEasy Tequila Sunrise
You don’t have to be a professional bartender to make this beautiful three-ingredient Tequila Sunrise cocktail. Impress your family and friends with this quick, easy refreshing drink.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ice
- 4 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
- orange slices (garnish)
- maraschino cherries (garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice (Highball or Collins glass)
- Pour in orange juice and tequila. Stir to combine. Using a small spoon pour grenadine down the inside of the glass giving it a minute to settle on the bottom. If it completely settles on the bottom gently and slowly stir just once right before serving.
- Garnish with orange slices and cherries.
Notes
- Because of the hint of sweetness Gold Tequila is perfect for this Tequila Sunrise because it is slightly sweet and will complement the fruity flavors.
- Grenadine syrup is available in the liquor aisle of most grocery stores next to the other mixers.
- Pour the grenadine syrup slowly over the back of a spoon. It is heavier than the orange juice and tequila and it will sink to the bottom in due time.
- For a party pitcher simply use 1 part tequila to to 2 parts orange juice. Then drizzle in the grenadine right before serving or add the grenadine to each individual glass after pouring in the orange juice mixture.
- Do not stir the cocktail until serving it. At that time it only needs a one time very slow and easy stir to put on a show. Leave the stir stick in the drink and allow your quest to decide if they want completely mix the drink.
- For a change of pace try this beautiful Tequila Sunrise cocktail with grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, splash of lime juice, or a splash of seltzer.
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kushigalu
What a gorgeous and refreshing drink this is. Your pictures are amazing too. Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
veenaazmanov
This is so tempting and perfect drink for an evening with friends. Presentation picture perfect. Great combination too.
★★★★★
Andrea
This cocktail makes me think of relaxing poolside and sipping on one of these.
★★★★★
Biana
Looks very cool, and seems simple to make! Perfect for summer.
★★★★★
Amanda
I just love this cocktail for summer! It makes me feel like I’m on the beach, and everyone always loves it. Perfect for patio nights!
★★★★★
Anna
One of the prettiest and most delicious drinks ever!
★★★★★
Betsy
Looks like I found my drink for NYE! So pretty and so delicious!
★★★★★
Valentina
GREAT drink idea!
★★★★★
Ashley F.
Just perfect! So simple and quick to make!
★★★★★
Ginny
I finally made this cocktail. Your directions were easy and the drink was delicious. It is now bookmarked.
★★★★★
Kimberly
Great tutorial and I just can’t get the Eagles’ song out of my head! 🙂
★★★★★
Suzy
The layers in this drink are just perfect! Love how tasty it is!
★★★★★
Suzy
Yes to a classic cocktail like this! So tasty!
★★★★★
LAUREN KELLY
My husband LOVEd these!! They are amazing and great presentation!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
You definitely have me dreaming of summer even though it wasn’t that long ago! Going to have to wind down with this with dinner tonight!
★★★★★
Katie
This looks like something my family would love. I can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
Matt Taylor
I don’t drink but this would make an amazing mocktail. 🙂
★★★★★
Natasha
Wow, this cocktail is awesome and very refreshing. You can be your own bartender at home because it is so easy to make. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
★★★★★
Ashley F.
Love how simple and easy this is to make! The flavor is amazing too!
★★★★★
Betsy
I’d not had this before. I love how easy it was to make such a delicious drink!
★★★★★
Julia
Such a delicious and classic drink! Loved it!
★★★★★
Melissa
Wow this was a delicious drink – making them again this weekend!
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
My favourite summer cocktail and the cherries are a must!
★★★★★
Rachna
This is an impressive cocktail recipe. So very easy too. I am bookmarking it to make soon. I so love Tequila drinks.
★★★★★
Abi
This is my favorite cocktail. I didn’t know it was this easy. I probably shouldn’t have searched this because I’ll be making it every time I want to now haha!
★★★★★
Nathan
Such a classic, this definitely has me craving one! (And it’s like a mimosa right? Totally appropriate for breakfast because of the orange juice?)
★★★★★
Jen
Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to give this delicious recipe a try. I’ve never actually taken the time to make one but I’ve ordered them before. I can’t wait to try this at home!
★★★★★
Angela
This really is a fun drink to serve to guest, so pretty!
★★★★★
Pavani
That drink sure looks like the sunrise – so pretty and inviting. Will have to try this one out very soon. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Emmeline
Thanks for the tip about using blackberry brandy instead of grenadine – I’m allergic to grenadine (yup, super weird – I KNOW!) so this way I can make it just as pretty anyway. Yey!
★★★★★
Linda
Boy this takes me back to the 70s and early 80s. It was one of my favorite drinks. Thanks for posting the recipe.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Linda!!
Ashley
Cheers, friend! I’m ready for Happy Hour now with this easy drinker! 😉
★★★★★
Lisa Huff
Beautiful! This cocktail makes me dream of going on vacation to a tropical island!
★★★★★
Soniya
This is one of my favorite drinks.. not too strong and perfect blend of flavor… Will definitely give it a try at home.
Alison
This is so sweet, delicious and easy! I’ll make it again before the weekend is out!
★★★★★
Jennifer
Delicious! I suggest everyone just makes a pitcher of this 🙂
★★★★★
Sandra Shaffer
This is such a fun drink to make and it’s delicious. My husband and I enjoyed these for brunch. Thanks for the tip on using the gold tequila. I think that definitely elevates the flavor.
★★★★★
Toni
This is such an amazing drink! Easy to make and tastes so good!
★★★★★
Neha
Love those layers of pretty colors! I can’t wait to try this one out for a weekend party that I will host soon. My gal pals love tequila sunrise as much as I do.