This Tequila sunrise cocktail is refreshing and made from orange juice, tequila, and grenadine. Once you stir it, you get a beautiful sunrise look.

One tall glass of tequila sunrise.

Hey there, and welcome back, friends. It is still summer!

You are in for a summer treat!

Today, I’m showing you how to make a simple summer drink requiring only three ingredients!

Tequila Sunrise

This refreshing summer cocktail is perfect for sipping on by the pool. It’s also a great drink when hosting BBQs since you can quickly whip it together.

We have enough things to worry about when hosting parties. Having an easy drink to serve makes my life easier. 

Who doesn’t love some tequila mixed with orange juice?

The sweet citrus orange juice and the sweet-tart grenadine taste amazing together. If the mood strikes, make one for yourself! 

Tequila sunrise ingredients

Ingredients

A tequila sunrise drink only requires a few ingredients to make. Have fun making this tasty, refreshing drink!

  • some ice
  • orange juice
  • tequila
  • grenadine
  • an orange slice
  • a maraschino cherry

How to Make a Tequila Sunrise

Fill a glass with some ice.

Tequila sunrise ingredients.

Add the orange juice and tequila.

Tequila sunrise ingredients.

Tequila sunrise ingredients.

Slowly pour in the grenadine.

Tequila sunrise ingredients.

Mix very gently and watch the sunrise!

Add an orange slice and maraschino cherry to garnish.

Add an orange slice and maraschino cherry to garnish.

Tequila sunrise ingredients.

Serve and enjoy. 

One tall glass of tequila sunrise.

What is a tequila sunrise?

Tequila Sunrise is tequila and orange juice, and some grenadine. Then you can garnish it with some orange slices and maraschino cherries. What makes this drink special is you serve it unmixed. Before taking your first sip, gently stir it to get the sunrise look. 

Three tall glasses of tequila sunrise.

What’s the difference between tequila sunrise and tequila sunset?

The difference between tequila sunrise and sunset comes down to a few ingredients. They say tequila sunset was invented to be less sweet than tequila sunrise, so it does not use grenadine syrup. Instead, it usually uses soda water that has been dyed red. But, there are a few versions of tequila sunset; some use grenadine and add grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. 

Three tall glasses of tequila sunrise.

This cocktail has 1.5 ounces of tequila. If you want the drink to be stronger, add more tequila. You can skip tequila if you want the drink to be non-alcoholic.  

This is a slightly sweet drink. If you use sugary orange juice, it will be sweeter. If you use freshly squeezed orange juice, it will be less sweet. You’ll love the citrus taste of this drink, with the sweet grenadine swirling throughout. 

What makes tequila sunrise red?

The grenadine syrup makes tequila sunrise a rich, vibrant red. The drink is served unmixed, so only the bottom is red, but once you stir it, the whole drink will turn a beautiful red color. 

Three tall glasses of tequila sunrise.

What tequila should you use to make this cocktail?

You can make this with any tequila. For best results, you can use Blanco tequila. Blanco tequila is also known as silver tequila. Blanco tequila is the most used for making a tequila sunrise. A Blanco tequila will have a fresh, citrus flavor that will taste amazing with the orange juice in the tequila sunrise. 

You can garnish a tequila sunrise with some orange slices and maraschino cherries.

Two tall glasses of tequila sunrise.

You can serve this on hot summer days or any time of the year. It’s a great afternoon or evening drink to serve with some snacks. 

More tequila drinks

Try out my other favorite tequila-based drinks.

Tequila Sunrise Recipe

    Tequila sunrise ingredients.
    Yield: 1 serving

    Tequila Sunrise

    Tequila sunrise is refreshing and is made from orange juice, tequila, and some grenadine. Once you stir it, you get a beautiful sunrise look. 

    Prep Time 3 minutes
    Total Time 3 minutes

    Ingredients

    • • Ice
    • • 4 ounces orange juice
    • • 1.5 ounces tequila
    • • 1 tablespoon grenadine
    • • Orange slice, to garnish
    • • Maraschino cherry, to garnish

    Instructions

    1. Fill a glass with ice.
    2. Add the orange juice and tequila.
    3. Slowly pour in the grenadine.
    4. Mix very gently and watch the sunrise!
    5. Add an orange slice and maraschino cherry to garnish.
    6. Serve and enjoy. 

    Making this Recipe?

    Share it with us on Instagram using #aclassictwist so we can see what you are baking up in your kitchen!

    What do you think of this cocktail?  What would you serve with this drink? Let me know in the comment section below. 

    If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

    Happy summer, friends!