A Golden Sunrise is one of those drinks that just feels like a celebration in a glass. With its warm colors and bright citrus flavor, it’s the kind of cocktail that brings sunshine to any moment-whether you’re at a beach party or just winding down on a quiet evening at home. I’ve made this drink countless times, and every time, it gets a smile. Here’s how to make your own, along with a few tips to make it truly special.
Golden Sunrise
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 4 oz (120 ml) fresh orange juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) tequila
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice cubes
– Orange slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your highball or Collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you begin. A cold glass helps keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Shake it up. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the orange juice and tequila. Give it a good shake-about 10-15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Pour and build. Fill your chilled glass with fresh ice. Strain the orange juice and tequila mix into the glass.
- Add the sunrise effect. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon into the drink. It’ll sink to the bottom and gradually rise, creating that signature sunrise look. Don’t stir!
- Garnish and serve. Add a slice of orange or a cherry on the rim if you like. Serve right away while it’s cold and layered beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh-squeezed orange juice if you can-it makes a big difference. Store-bought juice can be overly sweet or dull in flavor.
– For a lighter version, try using a splash of soda water or sparkling water in place of some of the juice.
– If you’re out of grenadine, a small drizzle of raspberry or pomegranate syrup works in a pinch.
– To make a less sweet version, swap grenadine with a drizzle of honey syrup (just mix equal parts honey and warm water).
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the orange juice and tequila ahead of time and store it in the fridge (up to a day). When you’re ready to serve, just pour it over ice and add the grenadine.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you must store it, keep the juice and tequila mix in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Don’t add the grenadine until just before serving-it’s what gives the drink its signature look.
Serving Suggestions
This drink is perfect for:
– Brunch with friends
– Backyard BBQs
– Summer evenings on the patio
– A festive start to a holiday meal
Food Pairings
Grilled Chicken: The smoky, savory notes of grilled chicken go great with the citrusy tang of this cocktail.
Seafood Salad: Light, fresh, and perfectly matched with the sweet and sour notes in the drink.
Vanilla Desserts: Think vanilla bean panna cotta or ice cream-the creamy sweetness is a great contrast to the bright, fruity flavors.
Variations You’ll Love
Tropical Sunrise
– Use mango juice instead of orange juice
– Swap tequila for coconut rum
– Follow the same steps-just use the new ingredients for a tropical twist
Blue Sunrise
– Replace grenadine with blue curaçao
– You’ll get a beautiful blue-to-orange gradient and a slightly tangier flavor
Sparkling Sunrise
– After adding grenadine, top with a splash of sparkling water or champagne
– Adds a fizzy finish that’s great for celebrations
Virgin Sunrise (Non-Alcoholic)
– Skip the tequila
– Mix orange juice with grenadine
– Top with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail
Common Questions
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Just skip the tequila and top it off with sparkling water or use a non-alcoholic spirit substitute.
What if I don’t have grenadine?
You can use raspberry syrup, pomegranate molasses (a little goes a long way), or even a homemade berry syrup.
How do I get the grenadine to sink properly?
Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon. The spoon helps guide the grenadine gently into the drink without mixing it too fast.
Can I batch this for a party?
Definitely. Mix the orange juice and tequila in a pitcher and keep it chilled. Pour into glasses with ice and finish each one with a drizzle of grenadine just before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Sunrise is one of those drinks that always impresses-visually and flavor-wise. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because it’s simple to make but feels like something special. Whether you stick with the classic or try a fun twist, this cocktail is sure to brighten your day. Cheers!
