Think of the Sunburn cocktail as your little glass of summer. It’s bright, refreshing, and packed with juicy fruit flavor—just the thing to liven up a warm evening or bring a splash of sunshine to any day. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard hangout or just want something cheerful in your glass, this cocktail is a winner.
Sunburn
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball glass or Old Fashioned glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 3 oz (90 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
– 3 oz (90 ml) cranberry juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– A squeeze of fresh lime juice (about 1 tsp)
– Ice cubes, enough to fill your glass
– Optional garnish: lime wheel, orange slice, or a skewer of fresh fruit
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the drink is nice and cold.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into it.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass—it’ll sink and settle at the bottom, giving you that gorgeous layered look.
- Top it off with your favorite garnish. I usually go for a lime wheel or a slice of orange.
Tips & Tricks
– Use freshly squeezed juices whenever you can. It really lifts the flavor.
– To get that perfect “sunset” effect, pour the grenadine gently over the back of a spoon.
– Want to make it ahead? Mix the vodka, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice up to a day in advance. Keep it chilled and add the grenadine just before serving.
– If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a splash of pomegranate juice or a sugar-free grenadine instead.
Make It Your Own
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights, but it’s super easy to tweak depending on your mood or what you have on hand.
- Switch the vodka for tequila for a Mexican twist.
- Try pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for a deeper, slightly tart flavor.
- Homemade grenadine (made with pomegranate juice and a bit of sugar) lets you control sweetness and skip preservatives.
Fun Variations
Tropical Sunburn
Add 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice and a splash of coconut cream. Shake with the rest for a creamy, beachy vibe.
Spicy Sunburn
Toss in a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce before shaking. It adds a bold kick that plays well with the sweet juices.
Sunset Sunburn
Layer 0.5 oz (15 ml) peach schnapps before adding the grenadine for a softer, peachy finish.
Virgin Sunburn
Skip the vodka and use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda instead. You’ll still get all the fruity flavor with zero alcohol.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sunburn with light, flavorful dishes that echo its tropical, citrusy notes.
Grilled Chicken
The smoky char of grilled chicken balances perfectly with the cocktail’s bright citrus.
Spicy Appetizers
Jalapeño poppers or spicy wings mellow out with the sweet, fruity backdrop of the Sunburn.
Tropical Salad
Think mango, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette. The creamy textures and fresh flavors are a great match.
Storage & Scaling
– To make a batch: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything except the grenadine in a pitcher. Keep chilled. Add grenadine individually when pouring into glasses to keep the layered look.
– Storage: The mixed juice and vodka blend will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake or stir before serving.
Helpful Hints
– Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
– Don’t skip the lime juice—it adds a fresh zing that balances the sweetness.
– Practice your pour for that signature “sunset” effect. It’s easier than it looks and always gets compliments.
FAQs
When’s the best time to enjoy a Sunburn?
Summer is the obvious choice, but honestly, it’s great any time you need a burst of sunshine in a glass.
Can I make a lighter version?
Yes! Use less grenadine or go for a sugar-free version. Fresh juices also cut down on added sugar.
How do I make it for a party?
Mix the juices and vodka in a big pitcher. Pour into glasses over ice, then add the grenadine to each for that pretty finish.
Any fun garnishes to try?
Definitely! Try a skewer of berries or tropical fruit, a sprig of mint, or even an edible flower for flair.
The Sunburn is one of those drinks that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. With its gorgeous color and refreshing taste, it’s always a hit—whether you’re sipping solo or mixing for a crowd.
