Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise

A classic American cocktail of tequila and orange juice, finished with a slow-poured grenadine that sinks and rises through the glass like a sunrise. Best stirred, not shaken, and served in a tall glass over ice.

Prep

5 min

Total

5 min

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

Recipe ingredients

• •50 ml (1¾ fl oz) tequila blanco, 100% agave if possible
• •120 ml (4 fl oz) fresh orange juice, freshly squeezed, pulp strained if desired
• •15 ml (½ fl oz) grenadine syrup, real pomegranate grenadine preferred
• •3 ml (1 tsp) lime juice, freshly squeezed, optional but traditional
• •4 g (a small handful) ice cubes
• •1 wheel orange slice, for garnish
• •1 whole maraschino cherry, for garnish, optional

Steps

1. 1 Fill a tall highball glass (about 360 ml / 12 fl oz) with the ice cubes.
2. 2 Pour the tequila blanco over the ice, followed by the lime juice if using.
3. 3 Top with the fresh orange juice. Stir gently for about 5 seconds to combine the tequila and juice without aerating.
4. 4 Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass, either along the glass wall or over the back of a bar spoon held just at the surface. The syrup is denser than the juice, so it sinks to the bottom and gradually gradients upward, creating the sunrise effect. Do not stir after this step.
5. 5 Garnish the rim with the orange wheel and drop the maraschino cherry into the glass if using. Serve immediately with a straw and stir stick so the drinker can blend the layers to taste.