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Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

A tequila sunrise cocktail has a sunrise-like appearance making it a welcome option any day! Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if you like.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine world
Servings 1 people
Calories 261 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Highball Glass
  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • 1 Jigger For precise measurement of spirits and syrups
  • 1 Strainer Specifically a Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer
  • 1 Bar Spoon For gentle stirring and layering

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 ½ cups ice divided
  • 4 fluid ounces orange juice
  • 2 fluid ounces tequila
  • ¾ fluid ounce grenadine syrup

Instructions
 

  • Gather the ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Fill a highball glass with 1 1/2 cups ice and set aside. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Combine orange juice and tequila in a cocktail shaker; add remaining 1 cup ice. Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Strain into the prepared highball glass. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Slowly pour in grenadine and let settle. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Garnish and stir before drinking. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

For a superior Tequila Sunrise, always opt for freshly squeezed orange juice; its vibrant acidity balances the tequila beautifully. The quality of your tequila also matters – a good blanco will shine through. For the iconic 'sunrise' layering, pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass, allowing it to sink naturally without immediate stirring. Over-stirring prematurely will blend the colors, losing the visual appeal. Garnish with a fresh orange wheel and a quality maraschino cherry for enhanced presentation and aroma. Avoid using too much ice in the shaker if you prefer a less diluted drink, though the recipe's specified amounts are generally well-balanced.