There are many things to love about the tequila sunrise. It's easy to mix up at a moment's notice, and a beautiful, refreshingly fruity highball co*cktail. You don't need special skills to create the "sunrise" effect because it occurs naturally. Of course, there's also tequila. When you add all that up, it's no wonder that the tequila sunrise is one of the most popular tequila drinks.
How Strong Is a Tequila Sunrise?
Assuming that you pour an 80-proof tequila and end up with a 7-ounce drink, thealcohol content of either tequila sunrisewill be around 11 percent ABV (22 proof). You can pour as much tequila or as little juice and soda as you like to make stronger or weaker drinks, but it's almost always a relatively mild co*cktail.
The History of the Tequila Sunrise
There are a few stories behind the origin of the tequila sunrise. As with the history of most co*cktails, things get a little cloudy at times and it's hard to know which storyto believe.
One account claims that the drink welcomed tourists to Cancun and Acapulco in the 1950s. A more plausible story points to Gene Sulit, who tended bar at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in the 1930s and '40s. He likely created the original version.
Another credits it to bartenders Bobby Lazoff and Billy Rice at The Trident, a restaurant in Sausalito, California, during the tequila craze of the 1970s. It's thought that this is where the drink transformed into the popular version we enjoy today.
What's the Difference Between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Sunset?
Quite often, tequila sunset is just another name for a tequila sunrise. Then again, it can be an entirely different recipe. Some use grapefruit juice instead of orange, while others use a blend of pineapple and orange. In all of those, though, the grenadine is at the bottom, just like in a sunrise.
For the opposite effect that places a red layer at the top of the drink (like a true sunset), you'll need to use a lighter ingredient than straight grenadine. One option is to mix a little soda with grenadine before adding it to the tequila mix. Blackberry brandy is commonly used as a substitute for grenadine in a tequila sunset, and most brands should be light enough to float on top.
Other red liquors may work as well, depending ontheir specific gravity. You could even use dark rum; mix it with food coloring if you really want the red layer. With all of these tequila sunset options,create layers in the co*cktail by pouring the top layer over the back of a barspoonso it floats.
20 Impressive co*cktails Made with Orange Juice
Tips for Making a Tequila Sunrise Recipe
- Tequila: The best tequila for a tequila sunrise is whatever you have in stock. There's no need to go top-shelf, but you also want to pour a tequila that you actually enjoy. The fruit flavors in this co*cktail are heavy, so it's OK to be frugal when choosing the tequila.
- Orange Juice: It's totally fine to buy a carton of juice for this co*cktail, but for the most delicious and refreshing drink, opt for freshly squeezed.
- Grenadine: Grenadine is a nonalcoholic, pomegranate-flavored syrup that adds sweetness to balance out the tart orange juice. It's so thick that, when poured, it sinks to the bottom of the glass and slowly rises up, just like a sunrise.
- Don't stir - The key to a beautiful, layered tequila sunrise is to avoid stirring the drinkafter adding the grenadine so it won't mix with the juice. If you do, you'll have a blush pink drink rather than an eye-catching orange and red layered drink.
- Temper the sweetness - If the tequila sunrise is a tad too sweet for your taste, try it with a dash of lime or lemon juice. This can balance out the taste without compromising the appearance and central flavor of the drink.
- Make a big batch - To turn the tequila sunrise into apitcher co*cktail, simply increase the ingredients. Use 1 part tequila to 2 parts orange juice, or use 3 parts juice to soften the alcohol. Add the grenadine either in the pitcher or pour it into each glass. Likewise, use ice in the pitcher glasses, or both.
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What You'll Need to Make This Tequila Sunrise co*cktail Recipe
"With an attractive appearance and catchy name, the tequila sunrise lives on from the era of 1970s and 80s co*cktails. I like to squeeze in a lime wedge or two to balance things out. Don't overthink the pouring of the grenadine. Dump it in; it'll fall right to the bottom of the glass." —Tom Macy
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A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
2 ounces tequila
4 ounces orange juice
See AlsoBahama Mama1/2 ounce grenadine
Orange slice, for garnish
Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients.
In a highball glassfilled with ice cubes, pour 2 ounces tequila and 4 ounces orange juice.
Stir well.
Slowly pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine around the inside edge of the glass. It will sink and gradually rise to mix with the other ingredients.
Garnish with an orange slice and cherry. Serve and enjoy.
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The Original Tequila Sunrise Recipe
The original tequila sunrise is sparkling, light, and features crème de cassis, a sweet black currant liqueur with a deep red color. To make this drink,pour1 1/2 ounces of tequilaand thejuice of half a limeinto a collins glass filled with ice. Top withclub soda, then slowly pour3/4 ounce crème de cassisinto the drink. Garnish with alime wheel and maraschino cherry.
Feeling Adventurous? Try This:
The signature sunrise effect of the tequila sunrise has inspired many drinks over the years. If you enjoy that touch of sweetness and the beautiful impression it leaves in your glass, give one of these recipes a try:
- No booze, no problem - When you don't feel like drinking (or if it's too early in the morning), skip the tequila, and enjoy a virgin sunrise by removing the tequila. It's a tasty way to sweeten up your OJ.
- There is a margarita for everything - A blended tequila sunrise margarita is quite fun. You can freeze your orange juice in an ice tray, blend it up, and pour it ontop of the grenadine in your cup.
- Try a different citrus - The Firefly pairs vodka and grapefruit juice with grenadine to create a simple, tart drink.
Ranch Water Recipe
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 244 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 28g | Carbs |
| 1g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 244 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 28g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 21g | |
| Protein 1g | |
| Vitamin C 73mg | 363% |
| Calcium 26mg | 2% |
| Iron 0mg | 2% |
| Potassium 301mg | 6% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Recipe Tags:
- Tequila
- tequila sunrise
- brunch
- american
