Tequila Sunrise Recipe + Video

Our tequila sunrise recipe makes a bold fruity cocktail with refreshing citrus flavors. Make these tequila cocktails for your next party!

Bold and beautiful, this Tequila Sunrise recipe is everything you want in a tequila cocktail. The color gradient is astounding, and the combination of tequila and orange juice is perfect for warmer days (or nights)!

This cocktail is sippable and bright, and would make an excellent addition to any Cinco de Mayo party menu, girls’ night or brunch menu.

You can’t go wrong with the classic flavors of the tequila sunrise ingredients, and of course, the cocktail makes a gorgeous presentation.

Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Looking for more fun holiday drinks? Here’s a list of my favorite Cinco de Mayo cocktails for an unforgettable, festive fiesta!

For another mouthwatering option, check out this creamy, refreshing frozen peach margarita that features all of the flavors of summer. You could even serve these drinks with another recipe that uses tequila, our tequila lime chicken!

And for dessert, I can’t recommend these margarita cupcakes enough! It’s zesty, boozy, and bright - the perfect way to finish the evening.

Watch the video in this post to learn how to make the perfect tequila sunrise!

  Recipe Tips

• Use frozen oranges instead of ice. To prevent watering down your drink, you can freeze peeled citrus wedges to use instead. Or, freeze orange juice in an ice cube tray!
• Create a beautiful sunrise in your glass. Add the grenadine slowly so that your layers don’t mix. This creates a gorgeous gradient from red to orange that will wow your guests.
• Add soda for a less potent cocktail. Add sprite, ginger ale, or soda water for a cocktail that’s a bit easier to drink.
• Control the sweetness. The grenadine is what really controls the sweetness of this drink. Adjust the amount to suit your preferences.

Tequila Sunrise Ingredients

• Tequila - I use Jose Cuervo Gold for this Tequila Sunrise recipe.
• Orange Juice - Fresh-squeezed orange juice with some pulp will make for a great, refreshing cocktail.
• Grenadine - This is a sweet syrup with a gorgeous red hue that you can find in any grocery store.

Serving Suggestions

A cherry on top is just what you need for this stunning cocktail! Maraschino cherries fit both the flavor and color profile of this drink perfectly.

You can also make a cool garnish by twisting an orange slice and sliding a toothpick through the center to hold the shape. Rest it on top of the glass for a fancy finish!

Tequila Sunrise Recipe FAQ

Is gold or silver best for a tequila sunrise?

Gold tequila, which I use in this recipe, has a very smooth taste and golden brown color. The silver alternative is clear in color and has a harsher bite.

You can certainly switch them out if you wish, but the color will not be the same and your drink won’t be as smooth.

What’s the difference between a Tequila Sunrise and Sunset?

A Tequila Sunset is very similar but usually isn’t as sweet. It has the same combination of tequila and orange juice, but mixers use soda water with the grenadine or swap it out entirely for blackberry brandy.

What can I use instead of grenadine?

If you’re not a fan of grenadine, you can still get a beautiful color combination with pomegranate or cranberry juice.

But if you want to keep that sweet taste, try using a raspberry or strawberry simple syrup instead.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Yield: 1

Author: Donna Elick

Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Our tequila sunrise recipe makes a bold fruity cocktail with refreshing citrus flavors. Make these tequila cocktails for your next party!

Prep time: 5 Min   Total time: 5 Min

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila
• 4 ounces orange juice
• splash grenadine
• ice
• orange slice

Instructions

1. Fill glass half way with ice, pour tequila and orange juice into the glass. Stir to combine, add a splash of grenadine and garnish with an orange slice.
2. Enjoy!

https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2012/04/tequila-sunrise.html

Recipe developed by Donna Elick The Slow Roasted Italian
Copyright ©2012 The Slow Roasted Italian – All rights reserved.

Originally published April 2012, updated and republished April 2022

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