Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:28g
Alcohol:14%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Sunrise cocktail, also known as the Tequila Sunrise, was created in the 1930s in Mexico. It gained popularity in the 1970s when it became the signature drink of the Rolling Stones during their 'Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise' tour. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks with a hint of tequila.
The Sunrise cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of tequila. It is fruity, refreshing, and slightly sour, making it perfect for warm weather and outdoor events.
The heart of the cocktail, it provides a smooth, agave-based kick that's quintessential to the character of the Sunrise. Use too little and you might as well be sipping OJ at breakfast; too much and you could mistake sunrise for sunset after a few sips. Alternatives include Mezcal for a smokier touch, or a non-alcoholic spirit for a mocktail version.
This isn't just for warding off scurvy; it's the sunny disposition in a glass. OJ brings freshness and balances the boldness of the tequila. Without it, our 'Sunrise' would be more like a cloudy day. Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice to really see the sunrise shine.
This ruby syrup isn't just for show; it's the sweet blush in the morning sky of our drink. The density creates the sunrise effect and adds a hint of fruitiness. Leaving it out? Say goodbye to the sunrise ritual and hello to a plain tequila screwdriver. A dash of raspberry or pomegranate syrup could be a fun twist if you're feeling adventurous.
Keeps the drink cool, like a fresh dawn breeze. No ice could lead to a lukewarm beginning, just as disappointing as a rained-out sunrise. Crushed ice works too and chills the drink faster, but will dilute it quicker!
Setting the scene with its citrusy arc on the rim of your glass—this garnish adds flair and a hint of extra flavor. Without it, it's not the end of the world, but why miss the chance to dress up the occasion?
It's the proverbial cherry on top that adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, hinting at the fruitiness to come from the grenadine. Skip it, and the drink loses a bit of its pizzazz.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with S here
Substitute Orange Juice with Pineapple Juice. Add a splash of coconut cream. Transform the classic into a tropical escape. The pineapple juice adds a tangy twist, while the coconut cream lays down a smooth wave of flavor that will have you dreaming of palm trees instead of orange groves.
Swap Grenadine for Blackberry Liqueur. Use pink grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. As the evening arrives, let's turn our Sunrise into a Sunset. The darker hues of blackberry liqueur offer a richer experience, and the grapefruit provides a bittersweet edge, much like the end of a perfect day.
Use Pomegranate Juice in place of Grenadine. Let the deeper tones of pomegranate juice paint your sunrise with a sophisticated brush. Pomegranate adds a tart complexity that takes the cocktail from a simple morning greeting to a herald of the day ahead.
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Sunrise cocktail can be made by simply omitting the tequila and increasing the amount of orange juice.
Some variations include the Tequila Sunset, which uses blackcurrant cordial instead of grenadine, and the Florida Sunrise, swapping the tequila for orange-flavoured vodka.
The Sunrise cocktail is a great brunch drink given its citrusy flavour, or you can have it during a cocktail party or a summer gathering.
Orange juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, grenadine is pomegranate syrup which is also high in antioxidants while tequila is known for aiding digestion when consumed in moderation.
Given its citrus flavor, the Sunrise cocktail pairs well with Mexican, seafood, and light dishes.
The preparation for a Sunrise cocktail is relatively quick and usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.