Tequila Sunrise Recipe: Tequila and Orange Juice Mix

What is a Tequila Sunrise?

It’s undoubtedly one of the most iconic cocktails—and for good reason!

The original Tequila Sunrise recipe is among the most popular drinks served in bars and restaurants worldwide. This classic was created in 1949 by Walter Bergeron, a bartender at Rick’s Café Americain in New Orleans, Louisiana. He named the cocktail after the film Sunrise starring Janet Gaynor and George O’Brien, released in 1927.

The tequila sunrise mixture is typically made with silver tequila, but if you’re after a bolder flavour profile, you can opt for Olmeca Altos Reposado or Olmeca Altos Añejo. When selecting your ingredients, bear in mind that a properly crafted tequila sunrise has an alcohol content of roughly 12-15%, making it a moderately strong cocktail that’s ideal for leisurely sipping at social gatherings.

Ready to discover the secrets behind this legendary drink and learn how to craft the perfect tequila sunrise drink that will whisk you straight away to a tropical paradise?

Bartender tips to prepare your Tequila Sunrise drink perfectly

Tequila sunrise cocktail is a brilliant one to enjoy as the sun comes up, but it can be tricky to make. Here are some tips from bartender experts on how to get it right:

• Use fresh ingredients: you don’t want to make this drink with leftover margarita mix from last night’s party! Fresh oranges and limes add loads of flavour, so go ahead and squeeze some fresh juice for your sunrise.
• Pour slowly: whilst pouring the tequila over the juice, take your time—the longer it takes you to pour it, the more time there is for all that delicious orange juice to settle into the bottom of your glass before mixing together with the tequila.
• Don’t forget about that grenadine: this sweet syrup adds so much flavour and colour to this drink, but if you don’t use enough you could end up with something that looks more like a bloody mary than a tequila sunrise cocktail!
• Don’t skimp on the ice: whether you’re making just one or multiple drinks at once, always be sure to add plenty of ice cubes into each glass.
• Serve in a proper glass and garnish: use a tall glass like a champagne flute or hurricane glass to showcase the cocktail’s beautiful gradient colours—the colourful presentation is part of this drink’s appeal. When it comes to how to drink a tequila sunrise, simply let an orange slice float on top to complete the sunrise effect, or substitute with a glacé cherry or strawberry if you prefer.

Speaking of tequila and orange juice combinations, did you know there are other delicious ways to mix these two ingredients? If you’re curious about exploring more tequila-orange juice cocktails beyond the classic sunrise, learn about other refreshing variations that will expand your bartending repertoire.

Batch Tequila Sunrise preparation for parties

Planning to serve tequila sunrise cocktails for a crowd? This batch method makes it easy whilst maintaining the stunning visual effect that impresses guests and it serves 8-10 people:

• 480 ml / 4 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
• 960 ml / 8 parts of fresh orange juice
• 120 ml / 1 part of grenadine syrup

Combine the tequila and orange juice in a large jug and chill for at least 30 minutes. When serving, fill each highball glass with ice and pour the chilled mixture into individual glasses.

Add the grenadine last—slowly pour 15ml over the back of a spoon into each glass, allowing it to sink and create the signature gradient effect. Remember: never pre-mix the grenadine, as the layered sunrise effect only works when added individually to each glass.

Tequila Sunrise vs Tequila Sunset

Whilst the tequila sunrise drink is undoubtedly a classic, you might be curious about its lesser-known cousin: the tequila sunset. Both cocktails share the same base of tequila and fruit juice, but they offer distinctly different flavour profiles and visual presentations.

The main difference lies in the syrup used to create the gradient effect. Whilst the sunrise uses grenadine syrup for its signature red-orange layers, the tequila sunset incorporates blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis or grapefruit juice, creating deeper purple and pink hues that mimic the rich colours of an evening sky.

This variation not only changes the drink’s appearance but also adds a more complex, berry-forward flavour that complements the tequila beautifully.

If you’re ready to explore this sophisticated twist on the classic, check out our complete Tequila Sunset recipe and discover how this elegant variation can add variety to your cocktail repertoire.

How do you make a frozen Tequila Sunrise version

Are you looking for a delicious way to finish your day? Look no further than this frozen tequila sunrise recipe! It will keep you cool on a hot summer’s day and it’s easy to make. The preparation is nearly identical to the classic recipe, with the only difference being that all ingredients are blended with ice to create a frozen treat.

Start by filling your blender with ice cubes and adding 240 ml of orange juice. Pour in 120 ml of grenadine syrup and 60 ml of tequila, then blend everything until smooth and creamy. Once you achieve the perfect slushy consistency, pour the mixture into a tall glass and garnish with an orange slice or cherry for the perfect finishing touch.

This frozen variation delivers the same iconic sunrise flavours you love, just in a delightfully icy format that’s ideal for poolside sipping or beating the heat.

Ready to explore more refreshing tequila cocktails? Discover our complete collection of best cocktail recipes and expand your mixology skills with other premium drinks that showcase the versatility of Olmeca Altos tequila.

Olmeca Altos, the best tequila for Tequila Sunrise

When crafting the perfect tequila sunrise cocktail, the quality of your tequila makes all the difference, and the Olmeca Altos family stands out as the ideal choice for this iconic drink. Made with 100% blue agave and available in three distinctive varieties, Olmeca Altos brings exceptional depth to your drink.

The tequila’s smooth, buttery texture pairs beautifully with orange juice, whilst its subtle hints of cinnamon, vanilla, citrus, and peppermint create layers of complexity that elevate the entire cocktail experience.

The tequila sunrise mix remains one of the world’s most beloved cocktails for good reason—it’s simple to make, visually stunning, and delivers exceptional flavour in every sip. Whether you opt for the classic version or experiment with the frozen variation, this versatile drink offers something for every occasion.

With quality ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create bar-quality cocktails at home that will impress your guests and transport you to a tropical paradise. So gather your ingredients, perfect your pouring technique, and savour the timeless magic of watching that beautiful sunrise gradient bloom in your glass.