This Tequila Sunrise recipe is a sweet and refreshing Mexican cocktail made with orange juice, grenadine, and tequila. It is really easy to make, and in a matter of minutes, you will be enjoying this classic and colorful beverage!
Having spent most of my life in Mexico, I have a true appreciation for a good tequila. Better yet, a delicious cocktail with an authentic agave tequila like Cazadores.
Although this cocktail did not originate in Mexico, it uses tequila as its main ingredient, and it doesn’t get more Mexican than tequila!
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Plus, this Tequila Sunrise drink just happens to be my favorite cocktail recipe, not only because it’s super easy to make, but because I always have the ingredients in my kitchen (and I’m sure most of you will, too).
What I like about this easy recipe is that you can prepare it right at the moment, which makes it perfect for when you have a party and you’re serving a crowd of guests. I did just that for a friend’s party, and it was a lot of fun to be able to share with the guests how easy it is to make this cocktail.
The History Behind The Tequila Sunrise
A little background about this cocktail drink.
The first Tequila Sunrise was created by Gene Sulit at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. That recipe included tequila, lime juice, soda water, and crème de cassis, which is a dark, sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants. The modern version that most people know is said to have been invented in the San Francisco Bay area.
This cocktail is named “Tequila Sunrise” due to its resemblance to the colors of a sunrise, and for its main ingredient. The Tequila Sunrise received a boost in popularity thanks to the 1970’s song “Tequila Sunrise” by the Eagles, and the 1980’s movie of the same name starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Mel Gibson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Before I share my cocktail recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about this Mexican cocktail.
What kind of tequila should I use to make this cocktail?
For this Tequila Sunrise cocktail, I will be using tequila from Tequila Cazadores. They are one of the most popular tequilas in Mexico, and I have the honor of being an ambassador for their brand.
Tequila Cazadores is a premium tequila made from 100% blue agave. Agave from the highlands has a different flavor, with more citrus, floral and sweet notes compared to other tequilas.
When you make this cocktail, make sure to use high-quality white tequila, like Cazadores Tequila Blanco. This is tequila in its purest form, with the intensity and real flavor of agave, which makes it excellent for cocktails.
How many servings does this cocktail recipe make?
This recipe makes enough for one drink but you can easily double the recipe to make two drinks!
Tequila Sunrise Recipe
Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
- Cazadores Tequila Blanco
- Orange juice
- Grenadine
- Ice Cubes (about 1 cup)
I love to garnish my drink with a maraschino cherry and an orange wedge.
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
How To Make A Tequila Sunrise: Step By Step Tutorial
To make things easier for you, I am going to breakdown the directions to this recipe step by step.
- Fill a tall glass (you can use a highball glass) with ice.
- Pour the Tequila Blanco and the orange juice in and stir.
- Now, to get those sunrise color effects, slowly pour the grenadine into the glass (it has to be slow!).
- Garnish with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.
The cocktail is now ready to enjoy. Cheers!
Cocktail Notes:
- If you can’t find grenadine, you can use pomegranate juice concentrate, or mix cranberry juice with natural syrup. Keep in mind that the “sunrise” effect might not look as perfect without the grenadine.
- A good substitute for the orange juice is pineapple or grapefruit juice.
- For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the Tequila and add a few ounces of mineral or sparkling water.
What To Serve With Tequila Sunrise
I highly recommend serving this cocktail with a basket of crispy homemade tortilla chips with a side of chunky guacamole and an array of fresh salsas.
More Mexican Drinks To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe for Tequila Sunrise, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican drink recipes:
I hope you make this recipe for Tequila Sunrise! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment done below and tell us all about it!
📖 Recipe
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Cazadores Tequila Blanco
- 3 oz. Orange juice
- ¾ oz. Grenadine
- Ice Cubes about 1 cup
Garnish:
- Maraschino Cherry
- Orange Wedge
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass (you can use a highball glaswith ice. Pour the Tequila Blanco and the orange juice in and stir.
- Now, to get those sunrise color effects, slowly pour the grenadine into the glass (it has to be slow!). Garnish with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry. The cocktail is now ready to enjoy. Cheers!
Notes
- If you can’t find grenadine, you can use pomegranate juice concentrate, or mix cranberry juice with natural syrup. Keep in mind that the “sunrise” effect might not look as perfect without the grenadine.
- A good substitute for the orange juice is pineapple juice.
- For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the Tequila and add a few ounces of mineral water.
Esther
Ah, yes; the beverage of choice during my "misguided " youth!😁
This time, I added just a splash of sparkling water, to cut down on the sweetness. Otherwise, the recipe is exactly how I remember it!
mmartinez
Hello Esther,
Thank you for the idea of adding sparkling water to the Tequila Sunrise. I like the addition!
Winelover 909
Love this wonderful piece of art!!