The Tequila Sunrise is a colorful Mexican-inspired highball made with blanco tequila, orange juice, and grenadine for a sunrise-like gradient.
Build the drink directly in the glass so the grenadine sinks through the orange juice and creates its signature layered color.
Pour the grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon. Do not stir if you want to keep the gradient visible.
Serving Suggestions
Serve very cold at brunch, a summer gathering, or alongside grilled tacos and fresh salsa.
Recipe Notes
Use fresh orange juice for a brighter drink. Stir gently before sipping so the grenadine blends gradually.
Classic Tequila Sunrise
A colorful highball of blanco tequila, orange juice, and grenadine with a vivid sunrise gradient.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
Tequila Sunrise
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 4 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1 1/2 cups ice
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
Build the drink:
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the blanco tequila and orange juice, then stir gently once.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom.
Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately without stirring so the sunrise gradient remains visible.
Notes
- Grenadine is a syrup, not a juice; a small amount creates the color and sweetness needed here.
- Reduce the grenadine slightly if using very sweet packaged orange juice.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 1gSodium: 4mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24g