☀️ The BEST Tequila Sunrise recipe, this cocktail is not only pretty to look at but is also refreshing and nostalgic. The grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice that it packs quite a punch!
Easy Tequila Sunrise Recipe
I love tequila and usually drink it in the form of a margarita. But I felt like switching things up with this fun drink.
This is a classic tequila mixed drink. Classics like this never go out of style. It’s similar to the tequila sunrises we all drank on spring break in Cancun in college, and we’re likely still drinking at sunrise. Okay, maybe I speak for myself.
But really, though, there’s something about sunrise or sunset drinks with the color gradient that’s so eye-catching — and they always make me thirsty! All you need are five ingredients and a bit of ice, and you’ll be on your way to transporting your taste buds to paradise.
Ingredients and Notes
The list of tequila sunrise ingredients is short and simple. All you’ll need to make this easy tequila cocktail is:
- Tequila – Any brand of tequila will work in this easy cocktail recipe, but I prefer Patron Silver. In general, I prefer a blanco tequila because it’s generally a little ‘cleaner’ tasting, which I prefer here, but use your favorite. If you’d rather omit the alcohol, simply combine the orange juice and grenadine in a glass for a sweet mocktail option. Don’t forget the fun garnishes!
- Orange juice
- Grenadine syrup
- Maraschino cherries
- Ice
- Orange slice (optional, for garnish)
Just don’t forget the umbrellas, because everything tastes better topped with an umbrella. An orange slice on the rim is also a nice garnish, but it’s completely optional.
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
Use Quality Ingredients!
Because this tequila cocktail is so straightforward, you want to use the best possible ingredients for the best flavor. I’m not saying you have to squeeze the orange juice yourself (although that would taste wonderful!), but see if you can get your hands on juice that’s not from concentrate. Pulp-free is best for a smooth drink.
How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
Of all the tequila mixed drinks, a tequila sunrise is arguably the easiest to make!
- Pour the orange juice, tequila, and ice cubes to a highball glass.
- Add in the grenadine.
- The grenadine will sink to the bottom of the glass, but that’s what you want! The trick to making the best tequila sunrise is to not stir the drink once all the cocktail ingredients have been added to the glass. This creates the pretty layered effect.
- Garnish your drink as desired with a maraschino cherry, orange wedge, etc., and serve immediately.
Make it a pitcher!
For that long holiday weekend fiesta you’re throwing, you can triple or quadruple this tequila cocktail recipe to have it ready to go in a pitcher. Preparing by the pitcher is so much easier than making drinks one-by-one when you’re making drinks for a crowd. People can serve themselves from the pitcher and you can relax. Pure bliss!
My one piece of advice for turning this tequila sunrise into a pitcher cocktail is to leave the ice out of the pitcher, otherwise your cocktails will get watery. Instead, store the pitcher in a cooler and have ice on the side so the drinks still stay cold.
What to Serve with a Tequila Sunrise
Recipe Video
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- Ice cubes, to taste
- 4 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces tequila*
- ½ to 1 ounce grenadine, or to taste
- Maraschino cherries, for garnishing
- Orange slices, for garnishing
- Umbrellas, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- To a large glass, add the ice cubes, orange juice, and tequila.
- Add the grenadine which will sink to the bottom. Do not stir.
- Garnish and serve immediately. Recipe is intended for those for whom alcohol use is legal and appropriate. Always drink responsibly.
Notes
- I prefer silver tequila and use Patron Silver.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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great
OMG one of the best drinks to have on a hot day, I swear! Would you suggest Blanco or Reposado for it? I assume Reposado, as it’s a notch more settle, right?
It really depends on you. I actually prefer blanco because it’s generally a little ‘cleaner’ tasting which I prefer here but it’s up to you.