• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Dinner
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Pasta
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Beverages
    • Seasonings
    • International Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Dinner
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Pasta
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Beverages
    • Seasonings
    • International Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Dinner
      • Asian Inspirations
      • Latin Flavors
      • Desserts
      • Salads
      • Pasta
      • Soup and Stew
      • Side Dishes
      • Main Dishes
      • Beverages
      • Seasonings
      • International Recipes
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Crockpot
    • IP Calculator
    • SV Chart
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Published: Apr 20, 2023 · Modified: May 4, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • LinkedIn

    Tequila Sunrise Cocktails

    Jump to Recipe
    tequila sunrise on a white marble background with slices of orange nearby.

    Tequila Sunrise cocktails are both delicious and visually stunning. Grenadine syrup sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunrise-like effect in this classic cocktail.

    tequila sunrise on a white marble background with slices of orange nearby.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Tequila Sunrise cocktails are perfect for any occasion, but they're really great for Cinco De Mayo parties, hot summer days, or even just a relaxing night at home.

    Enjoy this classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail recipe for Cinco De Mayo, Taco Night, and your next weekend grill.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients for Tequila Sunrise Cocktails
    • How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    Ingredients for Tequila Sunrise Cocktails

    The Lunazul brand of tequila comes in three labels: the Blanco, the Resposado, and Anejo. Any aged level is great in a Tequila Sunrise, but if you want the colors to be unchanged, you would use the Blanco (the least aged).

    • Orange Juice - Any brand, pulp free or with pulp is fine. You can use frozen concentrated, fresh squeezed, or the cartons in the refrigerator case.
    • Tequila - Any brand is fine. Clear tequila gives the best color in a Tequila Sunrise though.
    • Grenadine - Any brand is fine.
    • Ice - Ice cubes or large crushed ice. Cubes will take longer to melt and dilute your cocktail though.
    • Luxardo Maraschino Cherries - Optional, but get the best you can afford. The Luxardo maraschinos are top of the line.

    bottle of tequila, grenadine, and a glass or orange juice on a white marble background.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make a Tequila Sunrise

    There are many different Tequila Sunrise Cocktail recipes. Most use blanco tequila, but you can substitute other types of tequila, such as reposado or añejo. You can also add other ingredients, such as lime juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice.

    Start With A Tall Glass

    1. Fill a tall glass ¾ full with ice cubes.

    2. Pour the Tequila into the glass after measuring it with the jigger.
    pouring liquor into an ice filled glass from a jigger.

    Top Off With Orange Juice

    1. Pour the orange juice into the glass on top of the ice and Tequila.
    pouring orange juice into an ice filled glass.

    Add The Grenadine Syrup

    1. Pour the grenadine syrup gently down the side of the glass and let it settle on the bottom for a few seconds.
    pouring grenadine into a glass with orange juice and ice.

    Garnish and Serve

    1. Enjoy watching the layered colors form in the glass.

    2. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and slice of orange. Serve immediately.
    tequila sunrise on a white marble background glass of orange juice and a jigger nearby.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve Tequila Sunrise cocktails with light appetizers, such as chips and salsa, guacamole, or shrimp cocktails. They're also perfect with our Chili Relleno Burritos or Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos for a Tuesday Taco themed dinner.

    Some additional dinner entree's that go well with Tequila Sunrise Cocktails are:

    • Lime Marinated Flat Iron Steak
    • Chili's Steak Fajitas
    • Cuban Black Beans
    • Taco Stuffed Shells
    • Mexican Fajita Seasoning
    • Birria Quesadillas

    tequila sunrise on a white marble background with slices of orange nearby.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Related Recipes

    • Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
    • Cheesecake Cocktails
    • Grasshopper Martini
    • Jim Beam Old Fashioned
    • Casino Royale Martini

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Tequila Sunrise Popsicle's - Leave the tequila out, so the orange juice and grenadine can freeze solid. Pour orange juice into a Popsicle mold and then add a teaspoon of grenadine to each mold cavity. Place the top on, and move to the freezer to become frozen.

    • Pineapple Tequila Sunrise - Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice in this tequila sunrise cocktail recipe.

    • Mango Tequila Sunrise - Use mango nectar instead of orange juice.

    • Tequila Sunrise Mocktail - Omit the tequila. You can also substitute the tequila for Jalisco 55, a non alcoholic spirit distillation that replicates the taste of Reposado Tequilas from Mexico.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this dish.

    • Cocktail Making Essentials Kit - All the essential equipment for cocktail making.
    • Luxardo Maraschino Cherries - Italian maraschinos with amazing taste, best for cocktails.

    Storage and Reheating

    Tequila Sunrise cocktails are made to be consumed as soon as they are made. I

    Tips for Success

    Here are a few helpful tips for making this Tequila Sunrise recipe at home:

    • Use fresh orange juice. The quality of the orange juice will make a big difference in the taste of the cocktail.
    • Use good quality grenadine syrup. There are many different brands of grenadine syrup available, so be sure to choose one that is made with real fruit juice.
    • Don't over-mix the cocktail. The Tequila Sunrise is best served with the layers of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup clearly visible.
    • Garnish the cocktail with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. The garnish will add a touch of color and flavor to the cocktail.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of tequila should I use for a Tequila Sunrise?

    Any type of tequila can be used for a Tequila Sunrise, but blanco tequila is the most common choice. Blanco tequila is a clear tequila that has not been aged. It has a light, refreshing flavor that pairs well with the orange juice and grenadine syrup.

    What is the best way to serve a Tequila Sunrise?

    Tequila Sunrise cocktails are best served in tall glasses over ice. They're typically garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

    What is the difference between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Sunset?

    A Tequila Sunrise is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The grenadine syrup sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunrise-like effect. A Tequila Sunset is made with tequila, grapefruit juice, and blue curaçao. The blue curaçao sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset-like effect.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • smoked baked beans in a cast iron skillet.
      Smoked Baked Beans
    • uncovered double smoked ham with glaze in a baking pan on a grill.
      Double Smoked Ham
    • Serving bowl of cilantro lime rice garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
      Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)
    • white platter of bbq boneless pork ribs with asparagus on white plate.
      Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs

    📖 Recipe

    tequila sunrise on a white marble background with slices of orange nearby.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Tequila Sunrise Cocktails

    Tequila Sunrise cocktails are both delicious and visually stunning. Grenadine syrup sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunrise-like effect in this classic cocktail.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Servings: 2 cocktails
    Calories: 201kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
    • Cocktail Making Essentials Kit

    Ingredients

    • Ice
    • 4 oz Tequila
    • 8 oz Orange Juice
    • ½ oz Grenadine syrup
    • Maraschino Cherries
    • Orange Slices
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Fill a tall glass ¾ full with ice cubes.
      Ice
    • Pour the Tequila into the glass after measuring it with the jigger.
      4 oz Tequila
    • Pour the orange juice into the glass on top of the ice and Tequila.
      8 oz Orange Juice
    • Carefully pour the grenadine syrup gently down the side of the glass and let it settle on the bottom for a few seconds.
      ½ oz Grenadine syrup
    • Enjoy watching the layered colors form in the glass.
    • Garnish with a maraschino cherry and slice of orange. Serve immediately.
      Maraschino Cherries, Orange Slices

    Notes

    • Use fresh orange juice. The quality of the orange juice will make a big difference in the taste of the cocktail.
    • Use good quality grenadine syrup. There are many different brands of grenadine syrup available, so be sure to choose one that is made with real fruit juice.
    • Don't over-mix the cocktail. The Tequila Sunrise is best served with the layers of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup clearly visible.
    • Garnish the cocktail with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. The garnish will add a touch of color and flavor to the cocktail.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Keyword : how to make tequila sunrise, ingredients for tequila sunrise, recipe for a tequila sunrise, tequila sunrise cocktails, tequila sunrise mocktail

    Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Reddit

    More Beverage Recipes

    • Two Chamoy and Tajin rimmed glasses filled with some mango Mangonada and a tamarind candy stick.
      Mexican Mangonada
    • Whip cream and sprinkles on top of a mug of pink hot chocolate.
      Pink Hot Chocolate
    • two stemless wine glasses filled with berry smoothie's, garnished with a strawberry on the rim.
      Berry Bliss Tropical Smoothie
    • Iced dalgona coffee with coffee foam on top.
      Dalgona Iced Coffee

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Author photo for Kelly Bloom

    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

    More about me →

    Newest Recipes

    • ice on a tray with strawberry popsicles on top.
      Real Fruit Strawberry Popsicles
    • berries and watermelon in a white bowl.
      Watermelon Fruit Salad
    • Pecans, bleu cheese crumbles, blueberries, on top of diced apples, chicken chunks and salad greens.
      Wendy's Apple Pecan Salad
    • lemon bars with graham cracker crust on white parchment with powdered sugar sprinkled on them.
      Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

    Trending

    • platter of soy ginger chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and parsley.
      Bonchon Chicken Soy Garlic Wings
    • yellow ramkin with small spoon ladleing cucumer raita with a green napkin on a white background
      Biryani Raita
    • a white plate with stacked squares of Cajun Cornbread.
      Cajun Cornbread
    • Salmon filet in a serving dish with rice pilaf and brussels sprouts.
      Longhorns Salmon Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • About SLD
    • SLD Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • LinkedIn

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Smells Like Delish