Tequila Sunrise Recipe with Orange Juice and Grenadine
This Tequila Sunrise recipe layers tequila and orange juice over grenadine for a red-to-gold gradient in a tall glass.
This Tequila Sunrise recipe layers tequila and orange juice over grenadine for a red-to-gold gradient in a tall glass. The syrup sinks through the lighter juice when poured slowly, creating the familiar sunrise appearance. Use chilled juice and plenty of ice so the drink stays cold without immediate dilution. The recipe makes one cocktail in five minutes. The gradient is for presentation; a gentle stir before sipping gives a more even balance of tart juice and sweet syrup.
What matters for tequila sunrise
Measure grenadine carefully, because brands differ in sweetness. Pour near the inside of the glass and give it a few seconds to settle. Shaking after adding grenadine removes the gradient. Use a tall glass with room above the ice so the liquids do not overflow.
Recipe at a glance
Yield: 1 cocktail. Preparation: about 5 minutes. Cooking: about 0 minutes. Total elapsed time: about 5 minutes.
How to make tequila sunrise
Recipe card
Tequila Sunrise Recipe with Orange Juice and Grenadine
Equipment: 300–350 ml highball glass; jigger; long spoon.
Ingredients
Main
Instructions
Prepare glass
Fill a 300–350 ml highball glass with ice. Use chilled orange juice for slower melting.
Mix base
Pour tequila and orange juice over ice and stir gently to combine.
Add the sunrise
Pour grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass. Let it sink without immediately stirring, forming a red lower layer and golden upper drink.
Garnish and serve
Add orange and optional cherry. Serve immediately with a stirrer so the drink can be mixed before sipping if preferred.
How to tell when it is ready
Drink is cold with a visible red-to-orange gradient before stirring.
Tips
- Measure syrup.
- Use cold juice.
- Pour grenadine slowly.
- Leave space above the ice.
Troubleshooting
- No gradient: pour more slowly and do not shake.
- Too sweet: reduce grenadine next time.
- Watery: chill juice and serve promptly.
Substitutions
- Fresh strained orange juice can replace packaged juice.
- Omit tequila and add 45 ml orange juice for an alcohol-free variation; check syrup labels if strict avoidance matters.
Variations
- Use 10 ml grenadine for a less sweet cocktail.
Serving suggestions
- Serve in a tall glass.
- Use a simple orange garnish.
- Offer a stirrer.
- Make individual glasses for a clear gradient.
Make ahead
Chill juice and glasses ahead; build the cocktail when serving.
Storage
Serve freshly made. Refrigerate opened juice according to its package. Do not prepare iced cocktails hours ahead.
Food safety
This drink contains alcohol. The listed alcohol-free adaptation needs ingredient-label checks where strict avoidance matters. Keep juice and prepared fruit garnishes refrigerated until use.
Frequently asked questions
Should I shake it?
Mix tequila and juice gently, then add grenadine without shaking if a gradient is wanted.
Does the syrup stay separate forever?
No. Movement gradually blends it, and stirring improves flavor consistency.
More recipes to try
Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.