Tequila Sunrise Recipe: Tequila and Orange Juice Mix
The star ingredient of a Tequila Sunrise is, of course, tequila, which adds its signature spicy kick. The second key ingredient is orange juice. For preparation, you can either use a cocktail shaker or mix the ingredients directly in a glass before adding ice. Start by pouring 1 shot (1 oz.) of tequila into a shaker or cocktail glass. Add 1 oz. of orange juice and 2 dashes of grenadine syrup. Mix until well combined, then add ice cubes until the glass is about halfway full (crushed ice is also a great option). Shake vigorously for around 30 seconds until the mixture is chilled and slightly frothy. Finally, strain the cocktail into an ice-filled glass and garnish with an orange slice on top. Enjoy!
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.
A Tequila Sunrise is crafted with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It boasts a soft orange hue and a delightfully sweet flavour. Typically served in a tall glass over ice—or blended with ice—it’s a simple cocktail to prepare, requiring only basic tools or items you likely already have at home.
This refreshing drink is perfect to start your day or wind down your evening. Easy to make, it doesn’t call for any special equipment or exotic ingredients! While it’s traditionally made with tequila blanco, you can opt for reposado or añejo tequila if you prefer a richer flavour profile.
Ingredients to Make a Great Tequila Sunrise Drink
How to Make This Tequila Sunrise Recipe
How Do you Make a Frozen Tequila Sunrise Version
The Tequila Sunrise Cocktail is a fantastic drink to enjoy as the sun comes up, but getting it just right can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips from barman experts to help you nail it every time:
- Use fresh ingredients. Avoid using leftover margarita mix from last night! Freshly squeezed oranges and limes add much more flavour, so take the time to prepare fresh juice for your sunrise.
- Pour slowly. When adding tequila over the juice, take your time. A slower pour allows the orange juice to settle at the bottom of the glass, creating the distinct layered effect before the ingredients mix.
- Don’t forget the grenadine. This sweet syrup is essential for both the flavour and the vibrant colour of the drink. Skimping on grenadine could leave your cocktail looking more like a Bloody Mary than a proper Tequila Sunrise.
- Don’t skimp on the ice. Whether you’re making one drink or several, always ensure each glass is packed with plenty of ice cubes to keep the cocktail refreshingly chilled.
- Use high-quality tequila and orange juice. To elevate your cocktail, we recommend using Olmeca Altos Plata for its smooth, premium quality.
And while we’re talking tequila, do you know the difference between mezcal and tequila? If you want to wow your friends at your next party, learning about their similarities and differences is a great place to start!
How to Present this Tequila with Orange
The Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It’s traditionally served in a tall glass filled with ice, but its vibrant colours make it adaptable to various presentation styles, adding an extra touch of visual appeal.
For instance, as shown in the image, you could serve this tequila and orange juice mix in an unconventional glass to give it a unique flair.
Alternatively, a typical wider glass can be used to highlight the reddish hues of the drink, enhancing its stunning gradient effect.
Others Cocktails that Might Interest You
Summer is here, and we’re feeling inspired by the season!
We’ve put together some cocktails that might catch your interest as you transition from winter to summer, and we had to share this one with you: the Paloma recipe.
The Paloma is a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for those hot summer days. Made with grapefruit soda and tequila, it’s an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys cocktails on the sweeter side. To top it off, the addition of lime juice enhances the flavour, as lime always elevates any drink!
If you try this cocktail during your summer adventures, let us know how you like it!
Premium Quality Tequila for an Amazing Tequila Sunrise Recipe
The aroma of Olmeca Altos reveals hints of spices and fruits, offering a subtle yet well-balanced profile that’s not overpowering. Its taste is smooth and buttery with a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect pairing for orange juice, grenadine syrup, and even lemonade—adding a delicious twist to your favourite brunch cocktail.
This premium tequila is versatile enough to be enjoyed neat or mixed into your go-to cocktails. Don’t miss the chance to pick up some Olmeca Altos today!
Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant in Mexico. Its name originates from the Nahuatl word tēcōlli, meaning “cooked agave.” Tequila has a long-standing history in Mexico and has been crafted there since at least the 16th century. It’s made using the heart of the blue agave plant, called the “piña,” which is cooked in ovens, crushed, and fermented. The resulting liquid is distilled into a spirit that can vary in colour from clear to amber, with an alcohol content ranging between 40% and 55%.
Olmeca Altos is made from 100% blue agave and comes in three varieties: Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged for 2 months), and Añejo (aged for 12 months). Its smooth taste includes notes of cinnamon, vanilla, citrus, and peppermint, ensuring that each sip provides a distinct and delightful experience.
