Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that has been around for decades. It’s a simple, yet delicious drink made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. The combination of these three ingredients creates a beautiful sunrise-like effect in the glass.

Tequila Sunrise cocktail topped with a cherry.

This recipe is for adults ages 21+. Always drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.

Tequila Sunrise Origins

The earliest known version of a Tequila Sunrise is attributed to Gene Sulit in the 1930s. It was at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix where he created a drink with tequila, soda water, lime juice, and liqueur.

Fast forward to the 1970’s and a new version made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup emerged in Sausalito, California.

It’s a simple drink, but classic cocktail. It’s often served in a tall glass (highball glass) with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry as a garnish.

Tequila Sunrise Variations

There are many variations of the Tequila Sunrise, including adding different juices or liqueurs to the mix. Some popular variations include adding cranberry juice, pineapple juice, or even triple sec.

Making this fruity cocktail at home will save you money, and it’s easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to not drink and drive. (Always drink responsibly and only if you are at least 21 years old. For those who abstain, check out this nonalcoholic tequila mocktail.)

Ingredients

4 ounces orange juice
2 ounces tequila
¼ ounce grenadine syrup
ice

Grenadine syrup, tequila, and orange juice.

Directions

Step 1: Fill your cup ¾ of the way with ice.

Tequila being poured into a glass of ice.

Step 2: Pour the tequila into the glass.

Step 3: Add orange juice.

Grenadine syrup being poured into a glass.

Step 4: Pour your grenadine gently down the side of the glass and let it settle for a few seconds.

Garnish with a cherry and orange slice. Cocktail umbrella is optional.

Highball glass with orange beverage and a cocktail umbrella.

Tips

If you have a larger glass such as a hurricane glass, you’ll want to add about ½ an ounce of grenadine instead and another 2 ounces of orange juice.
If you like a little sweeter twist to your cocktail, try Sunny Delight instead of orange juice.
For best results, use pulp-free orange juice for the smoothest results.
Be sure to stir the drink before imbibing.

If you don’t like tequila, you can substitute vodka and make a Vodka Sunrise. (I can tell you from personal experience that they are just as good as Tequila Sunrises.)

Tequila Sunrise

A sip of this sunny drink is like watching an orange and pink hued sunrise right in your glass! With just three ingredients – tequila, orange juice, and grenadine- you can easily make your own beautiful beverage at home.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 2

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 2

Servings:

Calories: 201kcal

Author: Lynda – Southern Kissed

Equipment

1 Highball glass

Ingredients

4 ounces orange juice
2 ounces tequila
¼ ounce grenadine syrup
ice

Instructions

Fill glass ¾ of the way with ice.
Pour the tequila into the glass.
Add orange juice.
Pour grenadine gently down the side of the glass and let it settle for a few seconds.
Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

Notes

If you have a larger glass such as a hurricane glass, you’ll want to add about ½ an ounce of grenadine instead and another 2 ounces of orange juice.
If you like a little sweeter twist to your cocktail, try Sunny Delight instead of orange juice.
For best results, use pulp-free orange juice for the smoothest results.
Be sure to stir the drink before imbibing.

This recipe is for people ages 21 and older.