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How to Make the Perfect Tequila Sunset Cocktail

Author: Carlos Andrés Ramírez
How to Make the Perfect Tequila Sunset Cocktail
Tequila Sunset
MADE WITH Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila Sunset
FLAVOUR Sweet
OCCASION A house party
AUTHOR Altos Bartender
Ingredients
2 parts of Altos Plata Tequila
2 parts of Grapefruit Juice or a Blend of Pineapple and Orange Juice
1 part Grenadine Syrup
A slice of orange, lemon, or lime (to garnish)
Method

Fill a highball glass with ice, then add 2 oz of Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila. Add 2 oz of grapefruit juice or a blend of pineapple and orange juice to fill the glass halfway. Slowly pour 1 oz of grenadine syrup, allowing it to settle at the bottom. Garnish with an orange slice (or a lemon or lime) and serve without stirring to maintain the sunset effect! That's all there is to it! Now get ready to sip on one of the most refreshing cocktails out there.

A tequila sunset is a cocktail that combines the flavors of orange and pineapple juice with tequila. It’s usually made with lime and orange liqueur, too. This refreshing and visually stunning drink creates a beautiful gradient reminiscent of a sunset, with vibrant colors that transition from light at the top to deep red at the bottom.

Tequila sunsets are delicious and refreshing drinks that will help you unwind after a long day, or get you ready for an evening out. The beauty of this drink is that it’s sweet, but not too sweet—and it has a hint of spice from the tequila. Unlike its more famous cousin, the tequila sunrise, the sunset drink offers a unique flavor profile that many cocktail enthusiasts prefer for its complexity and visual appeal.

It quickly became popular across the US, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that bartenders started experimenting with different variations of this classic cocktail. They added red food coloring to their grenadine syrup to give it more of an orange hue, and they topped the drink off with an orange slice instead of lemon slices. The result was a drink that looked like the sun setting over the horizon—hence its name: tequila sunset!

The Tequila Sunset Recipe

Ingredients Needed to Make a Tequila Sunset Drink

How to Make a Tequila Sunset Recipe

Our Alto’s Tequila Sunset Recipe

Learn how to make our signature version of this classic cocktail: the Sunset Paloma. This Olmeca Altos exclusive variation combines the refreshing elements of a traditional tequila sunset with the crisp, citrusy profile of a paloma. The result is a beautifully layered cocktail that showcases the premium quality of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila while delivering a sophisticated drinking experience.

Our mixologists have carefully balanced the flavors to create a cocktail that’s both visually stunning and deliciously complex. The Sunset Paloma offers a perfect introduction to the world of craft tequila cocktails, whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning to explore beyond the basic margarita.

What is the difference between Tequila Sunrise and Tequila Sunset?

Use Olmeca Altos to Improve the Tequila Sunset Recipe

While any tequila can be used in a tequila sunset cocktail, the quality of your spirit significantly impacts the final result. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila is an excellent choice for several reasons:

  1. Craftsmanship – Olmeca Altos is made using traditional methods, including the tahona process, where a stone wheel crushes the cooked agave.
  2. Flavor Profile – The bright, citrusy notes complement the fruit juices in the cocktail.
  3. Smoothness – Its refined character provides a clean foundation that allows the cocktail’s other flavors to shine.
  4. Sustainability – Olmeca Altos is committed to sustainable production practices, from agave growing to bottling.

Tequila sunset recipe is a Mexican cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It’s made with tequila, orange liqueur, and grenadine syrup. But what if there was a way to improve this classic cocktail? The smoothness of Olmeca Altos tequila will add a new dimension of flavor to your favorite drink. So next time you’re making tequila sunsets, try it out!

Using a quality tequila like Olmeca Altos elevates your tequila sunset from a simple mixed drink to a craft cocktail worthy of any high-end bar. Check out other best tequila cocktail recipes for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tequila Sunset

What is a Tequila Sunset?

A tequila sunset is a colorful cocktail made with tequila, grapefruit or a blend of pineapple and orange juice, and grenadine. The ingredients create a gradient effect in the glass that resembles a sunset, with lighter colors at the top transitioning to deeper red at the bottom. Unlike its cousin, the tequila sunrise, which uses orange juice and has the colors reversed (red at the top), the sunset variation offers a unique visual appearance and flavor profile. This sunset drink alcohol combination has become popular for its balanced taste and stunning presentation.

How Many Calories are in a Tequila Sunset?

A standard tequila sunset cocktail contains approximately 200-250 calories, though this can vary based on the exact ingredients and proportions used. Here’s a breakdown of caloric content:

  • Tequila (2 oz): ~140 calories
  • Fruit juice (2 oz): ~30-50 calories
  • Grenadine (1 oz): ~70-80 calories

To reduce the caloric content, you can use diet grenadine or less of it, opt for freshly squeezed juices without added sugars, or use a lighter pour of tequila. However, these modifications may affect the authentic taste and appearance of the cocktail.