There’s something about the Henny Sunrise that just feels like a celebration in a glass. It’s bold, smooth, and a little bit fancy—thanks to the Hennessy—but also fruity and fun. With layers of golden orange juice and deep red grenadine, it looks as good as it tastes. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress, especially on warm evenings with friends or when I want something a little extra with brunch.
Henny Sunrise
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or tall Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) Hennessy cognac
– 4 oz (120 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
– ½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice (enough to fill your glass)
– Orange slice and cherry, for garnish
How to Make It
- Fill your highball glass with ice. A good amount of ice keeps the drink chilled and helps with layering.
- Pour in the Hennessy. It brings that smooth, rich base to the cocktail.
- Add the orange juice. If you’re using fresh juice, you’ll notice a brighter, more vibrant flavor—it really makes a difference.
- Now, slowly pour in the grenadine. Let it slide down the inside of the glass so it sinks to the bottom. That’s how you get that beautiful *sunrise* look.
- Top it off with a slice of orange and a cherry. It’s not just pretty—it adds a little aroma and a hint of extra sweetness as you sip.
Tips for Success
- Go slow with the grenadine—pouring too fast can mix it into the drink instead of letting it settle at the bottom.
- Fresh orange juice is worth the extra step. It’s brighter and less sugary than bottled juice.
- Don’t stir after adding the grenadine. You want to keep those layers separated for that sunrise effect.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the Hennessy and orange juice ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for a few hours. Just wait to add the grenadine and garnish until you’re ready to serve—otherwise, you’ll lose that lovely layered look.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them covered in the fridge and drink within a day. The flavors will mellow, and the layers will blend, but it’ll still taste good.
Substitutions & Variations
Need to make a switch? Here are some easy swaps:
- No Hennessy? Try another cognac or even a smooth brandy.
- Too sweet? Use less grenadine, or swap in unsweetened pomegranate juice for a natural, tart twist.
- Orange juice alternatives: Pineapple, mango, or mixed berry juice all work well and give the drink a tropical vibe.
Fun Variations
Henny Sunset
– Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice. It gives the drink a tangy, tropical edge.
Henny Tropical
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) mango juice with 2 oz (60 ml) coconut water. Then add Hennessy and grenadine as usual. It’s smooth, beachy, and super refreshing.
Henny Berry
– Use mixed berry juice in place of orange juice for a deeper, fruitier flavor. It’s a great choice in cooler months.
Going alcohol-free?
Skip the Hennessy and use extra orange juice or even a splash of sparkling water for a mocktail version. You’ll still get the fruity flavors and the pretty sunrise look.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines at brunch, backyard cookouts, or any casual get-together. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner treats too: sipping a Henny Sunrise alongside a plate of spicy tacos or grilled shrimp. The drink’s fruity sweetness balances out the savory spice perfectly.
Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Grilled shrimp skewers: The char and citrus play so well together.
- Spicy tacos: Cool down the heat with a chilled Henny Sunrise.
- Fruit salad: A light, fresh match for the cocktail’s flavors.
FAQs
What makes this different from a Tequila Sunrise?
It’s all about the base. The Henny Sunrise uses Hennessy instead of tequila, which gives it a smoother, richer feel.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients. Combine Hennessy and orange juice in a pitcher, then pour individual servings over ice and finish each with a splash of grenadine. That way, every glass gets that signature sunrise look.
Is it too sweet?
It can be, depending on your grenadine and juice. Feel free to reduce the grenadine or use a less sweet juice to balance it out.
What’s the best garnish?
An orange slice and a cherry are classic. You can also try a twist of orange peel or even a few pomegranate seeds for something different.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but go for a high-quality one with no added sugar if possible. Fresh-squeezed will always taste brighter and more natural.
Wrap-Up
The Henny Sunrise is one of those drinks that looks impressive but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a whole tray for friends, it’s a fun, flavorful cocktail that never goes out of style. Try one of the variations next time, or tweak it to match your taste. However you mix it, it’s sure to bring a little sunshine to your glass. Cheers!
