The Sunset Tequila Sunrise is a striking cocktail that embodies tropical relaxation and festive flair. With its signature gradient of colors—deep red sinking into golden orange—this drink is as visually stunning as it is refreshing. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, beach parties, or summer gatherings, it’s a vibrant blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, finished with a classic cherry and citrus garnish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cocktail is a celebration in a glass. The flavors are bright and well-balanced, combining the smoothness of tequila with the sweet tang of fresh orange juice and the rich, fruity depth of grenadine. Its gorgeous, layered appearance requires no special bar tools and is guaranteed to impress guests. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and ideal for warm weather celebrations.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
- Optional: cocktail umbrella or festive straw
directions
- Fill a tall glass (such as a highball or hurricane glass) with ice cubes.
- Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink and gradually rise to create a layered “sunrise” effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately with an optional cocktail umbrella or decorative straw for festive presentation.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Calories per serving: 200 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Sunrise: Add a splash of jalapeño-infused tequila or a chili salt rim for a bold twist.
- Frozen Version: Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy texture perfect for hot days.
- Tropical Sunrise: Mix in a bit of pineapple juice for extra sweetness and a tropical flair.
- Mocktail Version: Replace the tequila with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a non-alcoholic option.
- Sunset Margarita: Add a squeeze of lime and a salted rim to merge margarita and sunrise flavors.
storage/reheating
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to preserve its vibrant layers and fresh flavor. It is not suitable for storage or reheating. For parties, prepare the base mixture (tequila and orange juice) ahead of time and add grenadine and garnish right before serving.
FAQs
What type of tequila should I use?
Blanco (silver) tequila is typically used for its clean, smooth taste that pairs well with citrus, though reposado can add a subtle depth.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh-squeezed orange juice provides a brighter, more natural flavor and better complements the tequila.
How does the layered effect work?
Grenadine is denser than the other ingredients, so it sinks and gradually disperses upward, creating the signature sunrise look.
Can I make a pitcher of Tequila Sunrise?
Yes, mix the tequila and orange juice in a pitcher, then pour individual servings over ice and add grenadine separately to each glass.
What glass is best for serving?
A tall glass like a highball or hurricane glass showcases the layered colors beautifully.
Is grenadine alcoholic?
No, grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup made from pomegranate or cherry flavoring.
How do I garnish it more festively?
Add a cocktail umbrella, colorful straw, or a citrus twist for extra flair.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, reduce the amount of grenadine or use a less sweet orange juice for a more balanced cocktail.
Is this a strong cocktail?
It’s relatively light in alcohol content compared to other mixed drinks, making it suitable for casual sipping.
What food pairs well with this cocktail?
Serve with Mexican appetizers like chips and salsa, shrimp ceviche, or spicy tacos to complement its citrusy, sweet profile.
Conclusion
The Sunset Tequila Sunrise is a visually stunning and delightfully refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of warm-weather celebrations. Whether you’re toasting on Cinco de Mayo or relaxing on a summer evening, this drink delivers a perfect mix of flavor and flair. Quick to make and always impressive, it’s a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
PrintSunset Tequila Sunrise
A vibrant, layered cocktail bursting with orange juice, grenadine, and tequila, topped with a cherry and citrus wedge—perfect for Cinco de Mayo beach vibes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
- Optional: cocktail umbrella or festive straw
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in tequila and orange juice. Stir gently.
- Slowly drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass; it will sink and gradually rise to create a sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange wedge and cherry.
- Serve immediately and toast to Cinco de Mayo with festive flair.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Do not stir after adding grenadine to maintain the layered effect.
- Add a splash of soda water for a slightly fizzy variation.
- For a mocktail version, omit tequila and use lemon-lime soda or sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg