Tequila Sunrise
Alessandro Scire CalabrisottoShare
With its glowing gradient of red, orange and gold, the Tequila Sunrise looks exactly like its name promises — a sunrise captured in a glass. This effortlessly photogenic blend of tequila, orange juice and grenadine became a symbol of 1970s cool, and it remains one of the most recognisable cocktails in the world. Simple to make and endlessly inviting, it is sunshine you can sip.
History of the Tequila Sunrise
While early tequila-and-grenadine drinks bearing the name existed decades earlier, the modern Tequila Sunrise — the one we know today — is generally traced to the early 1970s in Northern California. Bartenders at the Trident bar in Sausalito are widely credited with creating the contemporary version using tequila, orange juice and a sink of grenadine that settles to the bottom of the glass.
The drink shot to fame after it was reportedly embraced by the Rolling Stones during their 1972 tour, earning it a glamorous, rock-and-roll reputation. It went on to become one of the defining cocktails of the decade, helped along by its appearance in popular culture. Its sunny appearance and easy flavour have kept it a staple of bars and beach holidays ever since.
Recipe: How to Make a Classic Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
- 45 ml (1.5 oz) tequila
- 90 ml (3 oz) fresh orange juice
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) grenadine
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice and add the tequila.
- Top up with the fresh orange juice and stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass so it sinks to the bottom.
- Allow the grenadine to rise gradually, creating the signature sunrise gradient — do not stir again.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry.
Tips for Perfection:
- Add the grenadine last and pour it slowly so it settles at the bottom for that classic graduated effect.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest, most natural flavour.
- Resist stirring after the grenadine is added, or you will lose the sunrise colours.
Additional Recommendations
Variations:
- Tequila Sunset: swap grenadine for blackcurrant liqueur for a deeper, dusky hue.
- Mezcal Sunrise: use mezcal in place of tequila for a smoky twist.
- Sparkling Sunrise: top with a splash of soda for a lighter, fizzier serve.
Pairings:
- Mexican dishes such as tacos and fajitas.
- Grilled prawns and citrus-marinated seafood.
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips.
Presentation:
- Serve in a tall glass over ice to display the full sunrise gradient.
- Finish with an orange slice and cherry for a classic, cheerful look.
Curiosity: A Fun Fact About the Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is so iconic that it lent its name to a 1988 Hollywood film. Its association with the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour also helped cement its rock-and-roll image — not bad for a drink whose whole appeal rests on letting a little grenadine sink quietly to the bottom of the glass.