A Sunrise cocktail is like a sip of sunshine—bright, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet. With its beautiful layered colors and citrusy flavor, it’s a drink that looks just as good as it tastes. I’ve made this countless times for brunches and summer evenings, and it never fails to impress. Let’s walk through how to make your own perfect Sunrise at home.
Golden Sunrise
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45ml) tequila
- 3 oz (90ml) fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz (15ml) grenadine syrup
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
- Orange slice or cherry (for garnish)
A highball glass works best for this drink since its tall shape highlights the beautiful color gradient. If you want a more tropical feel, a hurricane glass is a great alternative.
How to Make a Sunrise Cocktail
- Fill your glass with ice cubes to keep everything nice and chilled.
- Pour in the tequila and orange juice, then give it a quick stir to mix.
- Slowly drizzle in the grenadine—it will sink to the bottom, creating that signature “sunrise” effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice or cherry, and serve immediately. No stirring after the grenadine—let the colors stay layered!
Tip: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a huge difference in flavor. If you can, skip the bottled stuff for a brighter, more refreshing taste.
Serving & Pairing
A Sunrise cocktail is light and fruity, making it a great match for a variety of foods. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Brunch classics: Try it with French toast, pancakes, or a breakfast burrito. The citrus cuts through rich, buttery flavors.
- Tropical fruit platter: Pineapple, mango, and berries all complement the sweet and tangy notes of the drink.
- Grilled seafood: The citrusy tequila pairs wonderfully with shrimp tacos or grilled fish.
Variations & Twists
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Tequila Sunset: Swap the grenadine for blackberry brandy for a darker, duskier hue.
- Tropical Sunrise: Use coconut rum instead of tequila and mix with pineapple juice for a beachy twist.
- Sparkling Sunrise: Add a splash of Prosecco for a bubbly, elegant version.
- Virgin Sunrise: Skip the alcohol and just mix orange juice and grenadine over ice for a colorful, kid-friendly mocktail.
Substitutions: No grenadine? Try pomegranate syrup or raspberry puree for a similar color and sweetness.
Common Questions
How do I get the layers to stay separate?
Pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon—this helps it settle at the bottom.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Just mix the tequila and orange juice in a pitcher, then add the grenadine individually to each glass for the layered effect.
Is there a healthier way to make this?
For a lower-sugar version, use pomegranate juice with a touch of stevia or agave instead of grenadine.
A Sunrise cocktail is one of those drinks that instantly lifts your mood. Whether you’re sipping it at brunch or enjoying it on a warm evening, it’s a simple yet stunning cocktail that’s always a hit. Cheers!
