Tequila Sunrise
A layered tequila, orange and grenadine highball.
Drink details
Glass
Highball Glass
Ice
Cubed
Method
Built
Strength
Medium
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Tequila
45 ml
Orange Juice
90 ml
Grenadine
Sink to bottom
15 ml
Garnish
Orange Slice
Half-slice
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Pour the tequila and orange juice directly into an ice-filled highball glass.
- 2
Add the grenadine syrup to create the sunrise effect. Do not stir.
- 3
Garnish with half an orange slice.
About the Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a visually distinctive highball combining tequila, orange juice and grenadine. Its name comes from the layered color effect created when grenadine sinks through the orange juice, producing a gradient resembling a sunrise. Tequila provides the alcoholic backbone, while orange juice makes the drink approachable and fruit-forward. Grenadine adds sweetness, color and additional fruit character, making the Tequila Sunrise both recognizable and easy to drink.
What does a Tequila Sunrise taste like?
A Tequila Sunrise tastes fruity, citrusy and sweet. Orange juice provides the dominant fresh fruit flavor, grenadine adds berry-like sweetness and richness, and tequila contributes an earthy alcoholic backbone beneath the softer fruit flavors.
Tips for making a Tequila Sunrise
Use chilled orange juice and plenty of fresh ice. Pour the grenadine slowly after the tequila and orange juice so it sinks naturally toward the bottom and creates the characteristic sunrise gradient. Avoid stirring afterward if you want to preserve the layered appearance.
