How To Make A Tequila Sunrise Cocktail & Mocktail

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

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.

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!  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.  The dark red syrup is heavier than the orange juice and settles at the bottom giving the drink a "sunrise" effect.  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.  This is such a fun and festive mocktail/cocktail no matter how you serve it.

Other Libations You Might Enjoy!

• Sinatra Smash 
• Bees Knees 
• Blood and Sand 
• Grapefruit Spritzer (a free spirit!)

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
• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ½ 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.

Looking for Another Refreshing Cocktail?

If you love the fruity and vibrant flavors of a classic Tequila Sunrise, you’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 that’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 Cocktails​.