Tequila Sunrise
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A tequila sunrise made with silver tequila, OJ, & grenadine is a delicious treat perfect for brightening up any weekend or 5 o’clock!
This tequila sunrise recipe is a classic orange juice and grenadine cocktail, perfect for sipping on the porch while enjoying your favorite ham salad sandwich. Next up, try our classic margarita recipe!
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Tequila Sunrise
Tequila Sunrise
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Tequila Sunrise Ingredients
- Orange juice – Pulp free for a smooth drink. Fresh squeezed will give you the best flavor.
- Tequila – The best tequila for this cocktail is a silver or blanco tequila that has not been aged more than a couple months. Gold tequilas have been aged longer in oak barrels which gives them a oaky flavor and caramel color.
- Grenadine – This gives the beautiful red sunrise hue.
- Ice – Cubed or crushed.
- Garnish – Optional, maraschino cherries.
How do you make a tequila sunrise? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, fill your glass with ice. I like to go at least 3 quarters full.
⭐ Then, add the tequila, pouring it over the ice.
⭐ Next, add the orange juice.
⭐ Finally, slowly pour in the grenadine so it settles on the bottom and finish with a cherry on top.
Virgin Tequila Sunrise
To make the virgin (non-alcoholic) version of this recipe, just swap the tequila for sprite, club soda, or water. Yum!
Preparation
Can you make a pitcher of tequila sunrises?
We typically consider a pitcher to be 8 servings. To make a pitcher, multiply each ingredient by eight (exact measurements provided below).
Fill pitcher with ice, add tequila, orange juice, then grenadine. Stir before pouring.
Can you make tequila sunrises ahead of time?
You can make this recipe ahead of time, but make sure not to add the ice until immediately before serving (or it will melt and water down the drink). Store prepared cocktails in a sealed container in the refrigerated for up to two days.
Note that you won’t get the color gradient if making ahead of time because it will mix as you pour the drink over ice. It will still taste great though!
How do you make a spicy tequila sunrise?
To make it spicy, muddle a thin slice of jalapeno at the bottom of the glass before pouring in your juice and liquor. Make sure to stir well.
Garnish with a cherry and a slice of candied jalapeno!
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
What kind of tequila in a tequila sunrise?
The best tequila for this cocktail is a silver or blanco tequila that has not been aged more than a couple months. Gold tequilas have been aged longer in oak barrels which gives them a oaky flavor and caramel color.
What’s the difference between a tequila sunrise and a tequila sunset?
They are very similar drinks and there is some level of dispute about this, but the most prevailing consensus is that a tequila sunset also has a sparkling water or club soda component.
What to eat with a tequila sunrise (serving suggestions)
I love serving this on a hot spring or summer day along with apple cider ribs finished on the grill, Amish macaroni salad, and pineapple dump cake for dessert!
More delicious cocktails to try
- Pineapple margarita
- Strawberry daiquiri
- Grapefruit margarita
- Strawberry lime spritzer
- Rum punch
- Frozen mango margarita
- See all our drink recipes!
Tools we love
- Glass pitcher – Everyone needs a gorgeous glass pitcher! Perfect for water on the weekdays and cocktails on the weekends!
- Stemless wine glasses – I am a huge fan of stemless wine glasses for cocktails as they’re much less likely to tip over. Read = I am clumsy.
- Upright blender – Frozen drinks deserve a good blender. Make sure you use one that can blend ice easily.
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How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
BY THE GLASS
- 4 ounces orange juice no pulp
- 2 ounces tequila silver
- ¼ ounce grenadine
- ice cubed or crushed
- optional garnish maraschino cherries
BY THE PITCHER
- 4 cups orange juice no pulp
- 2 cups tequila silver
- ¼ cup grenadine
- ice cubed or crushed
- optional garnish maraschino cherries
Instructions
BY THE GLASS
- Fill your cup about ¾ full of ice.
- Pour in tequila, then orange juice.
- Slowly pour grenadine in so it settles on the bottom.
- Garnish with a cherry on top.
BY THE PITCHER
- Optional: Fill your pitcher about ¾ full of ice. (Alternatively, put ice in individual glasses before serving).
- Pour in tequila, then orange juice.
- Slowly pour grenadine in so it settles on the bottom (for presentation) and garnish with cherries, if desired.
- Stir before pouring.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tequila Sunrise
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This is delicious and so refreshing! I love how refreshing this is! It’s so pretty. Love this!
Sooo yummy! This was a big hit over here!
I made these for girls night and wow, they were a hit! Thank you so much!
Excellent sunrise my wife loved this cocktail!