The Tequila Sunrise looks like it requires more effort than it does. It’s just tequila and orange juice.
The grenadine float is what creates the color effect, which technically makes it a three-ingredient drink. But the base of tequila and OJ is good on its own, if you don’t have grenadine just lying around at home.
The tequila
Blanco tequila’s agave flavor comes through more against the orange juice than a reposado would. Go with 100% agave, same as you would for any tequila drink.
The orange juice
Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes a big difference. I grow oranges and tangerine trees at home, and in season, I’ll use fresh citrus juice whenever possible in my cocktails. It’s sweeter and more floral than store-bought OJ, and if you are using tangerines, the color is slightly deeper orange, which looks beautiful with the grenadine gradient.
Blood orange juice is another great option (I can’t wait for my new blood orange tree to bear fruit!). It turns the drink a sunset pink before you even add the grenadine.
A citrus juicer makes fresh juice super fast and saves your wrist from all that squeezing.
Add a grenadine float (the 3-ingredient upgrade)
Pour the grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass after the tequila and juice are already in. Do not stir. It will slowly sink to the bottom and create that classic gradient as it slowly rises. The longer you wait before stirring, the more dramatic the effect.
Use a good grenadine, not the neon red corn syrup kind.
Real grenadine is made from pomegranate juice and adds flavor to the drink. Stirrings or Luxardo brands are easy to find.
Garnish
A dehydrated orange slice or even a fresh slice works perfectly and holds up on the rim without getting soggy. A dehydrated blood orange slice is an even better visual if you can find one. I make my own, but you can also buy them online.
More garnish ideas in the cocktail garnishes guide.
Mocktail Version
Combine fresh orange juice with a splash of sparkling water, then slowly pour grenadine down the inside of the glass. You get the same visual effect without alcohol. Use blood orange juice if you want the color to really pop without having to rely on grenadine to do all the work.
Glassware
A tall highball glass shows off the gradient better than a short glass. The taller the glass, the more dramatic the color shift. I use these highball glasses at home and they’re the right height for this drink.
Tequila cocktails to try next:
More 2-Ingredient Tequila Cocktails:
- Paloma (Simple)
- Tequila Cola
- Tequila Lemonade
- Tequila Pineapple
- Tequila Soda
- Tequila Sprite
- Tequila Sunrise (2-Ingredient)
- Tequila Tonic
- Tequila Watermelon
Tequila Sunrise
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
- 4 oz orange juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
- Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add tequila.
- Top with orange juice and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Sunset Upgrade (3-Ingredient Version)
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
- 4 oz orange juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
- ½ oz grenadine
- Orange or dehydrated blood orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add tequila.
- Top with orange juice and stir gently.
- Slowly pour grenadine down the inside of the glass. Do not stir.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
