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Home ยป Drink Recipes

How To Make A Tequila Sunrise Cocktail & Mocktail

Published: May 5, 2020 ยท Modified: Dec 14, 2024 by Madalaine ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท

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A Tequila Sunrise cocktail is colorful, fruity and refreshing!ย  Traditionally it's made with tequila, but you can always switch that out for vodka or make it without any spirits at all.ย  Because what's truly beautiful about it is the separation of the orange juice and the cherry syrup.

tequila sunrise is fruity, refreshing ad gorgeous!

How to make a Classic Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

  1. Pour 2 ounces tequila and 4 ounces orange juice into shaker with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass.
  3. Pour 1 ounce grenadine or maraschino cherry juice into cocktail.
  4. Garnish with an orange wheel and/or cherry.

A Tequila Sunrise is colorful, fruity and refreshing!ย 

Tequila Sunrise Variations

  • Add a squeeze of lemon and lime juice - the tart acidity balances the sweetness of the orange juice, rounding out the drink a little better
  • Kick it up a notch - add an extra zing with a splash of grand marnier, or sub out the grenadine for a bit of creme de cassis at the end.
  • Substitute vodka for the tequila - vodka is very neutral and allows the fruity flavors to shine.
  • Don't add any spirits at all!ย  Now it's a gorgeous mocktail the whole family can enjoy.
  • Martini glass - a tequila sunrise is typically served in a highball glass or a collins glass filled with ice, but why not enjoy it served up in a martini glass or without spirits in a juice glass.

What Makes this Cocktail so Beautiful?

When you slowly pour the grenadine into the glass (or cherry syrup) is what makes this cocktail unique and special.ย  The dark red syrup is heavier than the orange juice and settles at the bottom giving the drink a "sunrise" effect.ย  It stays like this the whole time until the drink is stirred.

If you can keep from stirring it, the cocktail transforms as you drink it becoming sweeter and more cherry-ish.ย  This is such a fun and festive mocktail/cocktail no matter how you serve it.

A Tequila Sunrise is colorful, fruity and refreshing!ย 

Other Libations You Might Enjoy!

  • Sinatra Smashย  red sinatra smash cocktail in a crystal glass with blackberries in it and on the table
  • Bees Kneesย  Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe - My favorite refreshing summer drink. You'll love this one! | www.lakesidetable.com
  • Blood and Sandย  Close up of blood and sand cocktail in a coup glass with orange peel garnish
  • Grapefruit Spritzer (a free spirit!) Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic Recipe - Seasonal grapefruit with fresh rosemary creates a light bubbly drink. Perfect for holiday entertaining and super EASY! | www.lakesidetable.com
tequila sunrise is fruity, refreshing ad gorgeous!
5 from 3 votes
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Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

Colorful, fruity and refreshing! This cocktail is a delight with or without the spirit.

Course Beverages
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword citrus, cocktail, fruit
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 274 kcal
Author Madalaine

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 4 ounces orange juice
  • ยฝ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • ยฝ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce grenadine or cherry syrup
  • ice

Instructions

  1. Put ice tequila, lime, lemon, and orange juice into shaker and shake.

  2. Strain into cocktail glass.

  3. Pour grenadine or cherry syrup into cocktail.

  4. Garnish with optional cherry and/or orange wheel.

Nutrition Facts
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 2mg0%
Potassium 227mg6%
Carbohydrates 36g12%
Sugar 32g36%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 227IU5%
Vitamin C 66mg80%
Calcium 12mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Gorgeous fresh & fruity!  Tequila Sunrise!  You make it with spirits or without and it's still brings joy in every sip.  Yum!

ย 

Looking for Another Refreshing Cocktail?

If you love the fruity and vibrant flavors of a classic Tequila Sunrise, youโ€™ll enjoy the light and bubbly Hugo Spritz. This St-Germain cocktail is a perfect blend of elderflower, sparkling wine, and fresh mint, making it ideal for brunches or summer evenings.

Try both for a cocktail menu thatโ€™s sure to impress!

Introduction to Tequila Cocktails
The Food Network offers a variety of tequila-based cocktail recipes, from classic margaritas to innovative twists with fruits and spices. This could complement your content with creative drink ideas.
Explore options: Food Network - Tequila Cocktailsโ€‹.

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Comments

  1. Jean Harder says

    June 11, 2020 at 10:11 am

    Yum!

  2. Surya says

    June 19, 2020 at 4:29 am

    5 stars
    I don't drink so will definitely be trying the mocktail version!

  3. Carol G says

    June 29, 2020 at 7:54 am

    This sounds so good. Might try this instead of tradition Mimosa for holiday breakfasts!

  4. Michelle Hanley says

    December 14, 2024 at 11:48 pm

    5 stars
    Tasty!

  5. Amia says

    December 30, 2024 at 2:50 pm

    5 stars
    Beautiful and delicious!

    • Madalaine says

      February 23, 2025 at 10:05 pm

      thank you!

5 from 3 votes
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Welcome!

Hi Iโ€™m Madalaine and I love helping people have FUN in their kitchen. You'll find lots of easy-to-follow gluten-free recipes and tons of tips I learned in culinary school.ย  Most of my recipes are French-inspired butย allย of my recipes are family favorites.

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