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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 Standard serving vessel for this cocktail.
  • 1 Cocktail Shaker Essential for chilling and mixing the main components.
  • 1 Jigger or Measuring Cups For precise measurement of liquids.
  • 1 Strainer To separate ice from the shaken mixture.
  • 1 Bar Spoon Useful for gently layering grenadine for a distinct visual effect.

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 the iconic 'sunrise' effect, pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a bar spoon, allowing it to gently cascade down the inside of the glass to the bottom. This density difference creates the beautiful gradient. Freshly squeezed orange juice will elevate the flavor profile significantly; avoid pre-made mixes if possible. Ensure your cocktail shaker is thoroughly chilled to achieve the optimal temperature for the tequila and orange juice blend. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a quality Maraschino cherry for classic presentation and a subtle aromatic lift. While the recipe suggests stirring before drinking, advise guests to admire the layers first.