There’s something about a Sunny Day cocktail that just makes you smile. It’s bright, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing—like sipping sunshine. The combo of orange and pineapple juice with a splash of grenadine gives it that sweet-tart balance that’s perfect for poolside afternoons or casual get-togethers. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting this recipe: layer the grenadine slowly—it gives you that gorgeous sunset look that makes the drink as pretty as it is tasty.
Sunny Day
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball glass (or a tumbler works too)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 3 oz (90 ml) orange juice (fresh-squeezed if possible)
– 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice (enough to fill the glass)
– Orange slice, for garnish
– Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prep the ingredients. This keeps the drink colder, longer.
- Fill your glass with ice. You want it about 3/4 full so the drink stays cold without overflowing.
- Pour in the vodka, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Give it a quick stir to mix.
- Slowly pour in the grenadine. Tilt a spoon over the drink and gently drizzle the grenadine so it settles at the bottom. You’ll get that beautiful layered, sunset effect.
- Garnish. Add a slice of orange on the rim and tuck in a sprig of mint for a fresh aroma.
- Stir gently before sipping. Just a light swirl to mix the flavors without muddying the color.
Tips & Tricks
– Fresh juice makes a difference. Bottled works, but fresh-squeezed orange juice gives a brighter, more natural flavor.
– Chill everything ahead of time. That includes your juices and vodka. A cold drink always hits better.
– Don’t skip the slow pour on the grenadine. It’s what gives the drink its signature “sunset” look.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the vodka, orange juice, and pineapple juice up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Add ice, grenadine, and garnishes just before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
– Swap vodka for white rum for a more tropical twist.
– Use pomegranate juice instead of grenadine for a less sweet, more natural alternative.
– No mint? Try a sprig of basil for a fun herbal note.
Flavor & Experience
The Sunny Day is light and citrusy with a touch of pineapple sweetness and a whisper of berry from the grenadine. It’s not too boozy, which makes it perfect for sipping slowly under the sun. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work drinks because it’s always a hit with guests—and it’s easy to make even if you’re not a cocktail pro.
Food Pairings
Pair your Sunny Day with light, summery bites:
Fresh Fruit Salad
The drink’s citrusy notes pair beautifully with melon, berries, and citrus segments.
Grilled Shrimp
The smoky, savory flavor of shrimp balances out the drink’s sweetness perfectly.
Cheese Platter
Try goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar. The creamy and tangy flavors play well with the cocktail’s fruity vibe.
Storage
If you’ve made a batch of the base (vodka + juices), it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a shake before using. Don’t add ice or grenadine until serving so you keep that fresh taste and pretty color.
Recipe Variations
Sunny Day Spritz
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 3 oz (90 ml) orange juice
– Top with club soda
– Ice + orange slice
Light and bubbly—perfect for brunch or a lazy afternoon.
Tropical Sunny Day
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) white rum
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) coconut water
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice + pineapple slice
Think beach vacation in a glass.
Berry Sunny Day
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 2 oz (60 ml) mixed berry juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) lemon juice
– Ice + fresh mint
Tangy, fruity, and just a little tart—great with grilled meats.
Non-Alcoholic Version
Replace the vodka with:
– Sparkling water for a light, fizzy mocktail
– Lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness
– Coconut water for a tropical twist
FAQs
When’s the best time to enjoy a Sunny Day?
Warm afternoons, weekend brunches, or any time you want something light and citrusy.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—just mix the juices and vodka ahead of time. Add ice, grenadine, and garnishes right before serving.
Can kids enjoy this?
The non-alcoholic version is perfect for all ages.
What if I don’t have grenadine?
Use pomegranate juice or even raspberry syrup. You’ll get a similar color and a slightly different—but still delicious—flavor.
What kind of vodka works best?
Go for a smooth, clean vodka. It doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but avoid anything too harsh or flavored.
Too sweet?
Use fresh juices and skip or reduce the grenadine. You can also add a splash of lemon or lime juice for balance.
The Sunny Day is one of those cocktails that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want something cheerful to sip on the porch, this one’s a crowd-pleaser. Try a few of the variations and find your favorite spin—there’s no wrong way to enjoy a little sunshine in a glass.
