Easy Tequila Sunrise

July 21, 2020 by Beth Pierce 40 Comments

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

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.

This beautiful summer party worthy Tequila Sunrise cocktail is made easy with three ingredients in less than three minutes.

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.

Tequila Sunrise cocktail is my go to summer cocktail because it is so incredibly quick and refreshing.

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.

You don't have to be a professional bartender to make this beautiful three ingredient Tequila Sunrise cocktail.

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.

Impress your family and friends with this quick, easy refreshing Tequila Sunrise drink.

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!