Tequila Sunrise (Easy Cocktail) + Video
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This Tequila Sunrise is lightly sweet, smooth, and refreshing, with fresh orange juice up front and a gentle grenadine finish that melts into the drink like a sunset. It’s simple, balanced, and instantly recognizable… one of those cocktails that feels cheerful before you even take a sip. Learn how to make a Tequila Sunrise in minutes, no fancy tools needed! Bright, citrusy, and effortlessly pretty.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE TEQUILA SUNRISE RECIPES
- Ready in 5 minutes, no tools required
- Classic cocktail with major visual payoff
- Easy to adjust sweetness
- Perfect for brunch or happy hour
- Just a few simple ingredients
Tequila Sunrise
This is one of those drinks I’ve been making forever. Not because it’s trendy. Because it works.
You don’t need a shaker. You don’t need a lesson. You just need a glass, some ice, and five quiet minutes before everyone starts asking what’s for dinner.
I love how a Tequila Sunrise looks fancy without trying. The colors do the work for you. Pour it slow, let the grenadine sink, and suddenly you feel like you did something… even though it was ridiculously easy.
This is a sit-on-the-patio, feet-up, sun-going-down kind of drink. No gimmicks. No fuss. Just a classic that’s earned its place.
SUNRISE COCKTAIL RECIPE VIDEO
Want to see how easy this comes together? Watch our quick recipe video 👇
WHEN TO SERVE THIS COCKTAIL
- Weekend brunch
- Poolside afternoons
- Summer happy hour
- Vacation mornings (time is fake)
- Anytime you want something cheerful
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Gold Tequila: Smoother and slightly richer than silver, which balances the citrus nicely.
- Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed gives the brightest flavor, but pulp-free store-bought works great.
- Grenadine: Adds sweetness and the signature sunrise look. Go slow when pouring.
- Ice: Regular cubes are perfect. Crushed ice melts too fast here.
- Orange Slice: A simple garnish that reinforces the citrus flavor.
HOW TO MAKE A TEQUILA SUNRISE
The best Tequila Sunrise recipe is all about gentle layering. Fill a glass with ice, then stir in the OJ and tequila so it’s well chilled.
Now comes the magic. Slowly pour in the grenadine to create a sunrise gradient effect as it sinks through the drink.
It’s that easy!
VARIATIONS
Extra Sweet: Use 2 teaspoons of grenadine.
Lighter Sip: Add a splash of soda water at the end.
Blood Orange: Swap in blood orange juice for a deeper color.
Spicy Twist: Rim the glass with chili-lime salt.
Mocktail: Skip the tequila and enjoy a sunrise juice drink.
Frozen: Blend the tequila and orange juice with ice, then drizzle grenadine on top.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve with brunch dishes or light snacks.
- Have straws and cocktail napkins handy… it’s a little drippy.
- Pair this sunrise cocktail with a Mexican breakfast casserole.
- Great alongside chips and salsa (classic or fruity!)
BEST TEQUILA SUNRISE RECIPE FAQ
Gold tequila is the standard for Tequila Sunrise recipes due to its smoother taste, but silver tequila will work if that’s what you have.
Pomegranate or cranberry juice will create a similar sunrise effect, though the flavor won’t be as sweet or as concentrated.
No. A Tequila Sunrise is meant to be enjoyed immediately.
It’s important to slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass so it sinks gently. Also, only stir after combining the tequila and OJ. Stirring at the end ruins the layered sunrise effect.
The best Tequila Sunrise recipe is all about density and timing.
Orange juice is lighter than grenadine, which is basically concentrated sugar syrup. When you pour grenadine slowly, gravity does the work… pulling it straight to the bottom without mixing.
That natural separation is what creates the sunrise look. Stirring beforehand ensures the tequila and juice are evenly mixed before the visual moment happens.
Temperature matters too. Cold ingredients slow movement, helping the layers stay defined longer. That’s why ice goes in first and why this drink is best enjoyed right away.
Eventually, science always wins, and the layers blend. But for a few perfect minutes? It’s stunning and magical.
CHAD’S PRO TIPS
- Chill your glass for sharper layers.
- Pour grenadine slowly down the side, not straight in.
- Start with less grenadine. You can always add more!
- Use fresh ice for the cleanest look. Older ice will be cloudy.
- Don’t over-stir the tequila and juice. Just enough to combine and chill.
- Serve immediately for best visuals.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Highball or Rocks Glass: A tall glass shows off the layers best.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: Keeps the balance just right.
- Spoon: Only for the initial gentle stir. A long bar spoon works best.
- Steady Hand: For pouring the grenadine slowly.
- Good Lighting: Trust me… you’ll want to admire it!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Cocktail Recipes
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION
- Classic tequila + orange juice cocktail
- Grenadine creates the sunrise effect
- Don’t stir after adding grenadine
- Gold tequila gives smoother flavor
- Sweetness is adjustable
- Best served immediately
- Easy, pretty, nostalgic
- Five-minute cocktail win
Tequila Sunrise (Easy Cocktail) + Video
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila
- 4 ounces orange juice
- splash grenadine
- ice
- orange slice
Instructions
- 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.
- Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published April 2012, updated and republished January 2026
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
Oh the memories … this drink brings them back! Nothing like it – always a favorite! Awesome. Now it's not even noon and I want a drink 🙂
We've been looking to serve up some nice summer time drinks – I think we might need to add this to the repertoire.
Love that bright color! That is one gorgeous drink.
I thought maybe the Eagles were up to something new, but this is much better!
Looks great a favorite!
This has been on our to-make cocktail list for awhile. Yes, we have one, on the fridge. Laugh away. Looks awesome and a great reminder to us.
Donna – you have me craving tequila! thank gosh it's the weekend tomorrow!!
This was an awesome mix! Tasty and beautiful too! I need more days in the weekend for this drink!
I actually do not like grenadine, but I do like a good sunrise. Try using cherry brandy in place of the grenadine. I think you just might like it.
If you prefer a different twist Rum instead of Tequila is a very nice Hawaiian Sunrise and smooth. However I suggest NOT using 151!
I love this drink! I just leave out the grenadine. Rum would be good, so would vodka for a screwdriver.
I am not a fan of grenadine, so I use cherry brandy instead. Give it a try, I love it.