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Tequila Sunrise from United States

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise is a traditional cocktail from the United States. · United States

★ 4.4
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

Tequila Sunrise is a traditional cocktail from the United States.

About Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise is a traditional cocktail from the United States. It is poured at celebrations and quiet moments alike.

🏛️ History & Culture

The Tequila Sunrise traces its roots to the late 1930s, when an earlier iteration was reportedly created at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, though its exact origin is sometimes debated. The familiar modern version—tequila, orange juice, and grenadine—was popularized in the 1970s at the Trident bar in Sausalito, California, and later championed by the Rolling Stones during their 1972 tour.

Regionally, the cocktail remains a staple of American bar culture, often associated with brunch, poolside lounging, and laid-back celebrations. Its striking gradient of deep red to bright orange gives it a visual appeal that has made it a symbol of carefree leisure, and it is typically served over ice in a highball glass, reflecting its enduring role as a festive yet accessible drink.

🍳 How to make Tequila Sunrise

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

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.
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Ingredients
Steps

Tequila Sunrise — frequently asked questions

What is Tequila Sunrise?

Tequila Sunrise is a traditional cocktail from the United States. It is poured at celebrations and quiet moments alike.

What is Tequila Sunrise made of?

Tequila Sunrise is made with tequila blanco, fresh orange juice, grenadine syrup, lime juice, ice cubes and orange slice.

Where does Tequila Sunrise come from?

Tequila Sunrise comes from United States. The Tequila Sunrise traces its roots to the late 1930s, when an earlier iteration was reportedly created at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, though its exact origin is sometimes debated.

Where can I eat Tequila Sunrise?

At a seaside brunch in California, locals pour Tequila Sunrise over ice and sip it slowly while the morning sun warms their faces.

How do you make Tequila Sunrise?

Making Tequila Sunrise at home takes about 5 minutes of prep. The recipe on this page serves 1 and is rated easy. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.

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