What is the difference between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Sunset?

The Tequila Sunset uses grapefruit juice instead of orange juice, giving it a more tart flavor and a bit more bite compared to the sweeter Tequila Sunrise.

Are there tips to improve a Tequila Sunset?

To enhance a Tequila Sunset, use high-quality tequila, fresh fruit slices, and consider adding cherry blossoms or mint leaves for garnish. Don't skimp on the orange juice to maintain the cocktail's unique flavor.

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Tequila Sunset Recipe: How to Make it

Name: Tequila Sunset
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Mexican
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)

July 25, 2024 Author: Carlos Andrés Ramírez

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 3 parts of tequila. Squeeze the juice of a grapefruit or a blend of pineapple and orange into the glass, filling it halfway—approximately 2 parts. Add the grenadine, then garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime. Serve and enjoy! It’s that simple. Now, get ready to sip on one of the most refreshing cocktails out there.

A tequila sunset is a cocktail that blends the flavours of orange and pineapple juice with tequila, often including lime and orange liqueur as well. This drink can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger cocktail menu.

Tequila sunsets are delicious, refreshing, and perfect for unwinding after a long day or gearing up for an evening out. The charm of this drink lies in its balance—it’s sweet, but not overly so, with a hint of spice from the tequila. If you’re after a simple cocktail to make at home, this is the one!

This classic gained popularity across the United States, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that bartenders began experimenting with variations. They introduced red food colouring to grenadine syrup for a more vibrant orange hue and swapped lemon slices for orange slices as a garnish. The result was a cocktail resembling the hues of a sunset, giving it the name “tequila sunset.”

For the best results, we recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice (or pasteurised if fresh isn’t available). This ensures your cocktail remains free of added sugars and artificial colours or flavours often found in store-bought brands. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprig of mint for an extra touch.

The Tequila Sunset Recipe

Ingredients to Make a Tequila Sunset Cocktail

How to Prepare a Great Tequila Sunset Recipe

Whether you’re at the beach, in your backyard, or simply enjoying a sunset on the front porch, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a refreshing drink. And what could be more perfect than a tequila sunset?

Tequila sunsets are the ideal summertime cocktail! Refreshing and light enough to enjoy in any setting, they also pack a punch, making them a favourite at parties. Did we mention how easy they are to make?

Simply fill a regular glass or highball glass with ice (optional), add 2 parts of tequila, squeeze the juice of a grapefruit or a blend of pineapple and orange into the glass, and pour until it’s about halfway full—roughly 2 parts. Add the grenadine, garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime, and serve!

Our Alto’s Tequila Sunset Recipe

Discover how to craft our unique twist on this classic cocktail: the Sunset Paloma.

What is the difference between Tequila Sunrise and Tequila Sunset?

If you enjoy tequila drinks on the sweeter side, the tequila sunrise is a perfect choice.

The key difference between the tequila sunrise and the tequila sunset lies in the juice used. The tequila sunset swaps orange juice for grapefruit juice, making it slightly more tart and adding a touch more bite to the cocktail.

It’s no surprise that both drinks are beloved in Mexico—they belong to a tradition of frozen cocktails dating back to at least the 1940s. The original recipe for these iconic drinks is credited to Carlos ‘Danny’ Herrera, who invented the “Margarita” at his bar in Mexico City in 1947.

Why is it called a Tequila Sunset?

The Tequila Sunset derives its name from its striking appearance and the evolution of cocktail culture. Here’s why it’s called a “sunset”:

Visual Appearance: The cocktail’s gradient effect mirrors the colours of a sunset. When prepared correctly, the drink transitions from lighter shades at the top to deeper red or orange hues at the bottom, resembling the sky during a sunset.
Evolution from Tequila Sunrise: The Tequila Sunset is a variation of the classic Tequila Sunrise. In the 1990s, bartenders experimented with the original recipe, leading to the creation of this new version.
Colour Modifications: Bartenders added red food colouring to grenadine syrup, enhancing its orange hue and creating a more sunset-like appearance.
Garnish Change: Unlike the original Sunrise, which used lemon slices, the Sunset introduced orange slices as a garnish, further emphasising the sunset aesthetic.

Why is Tequila Sunset so good?

The Tequila Sunset has become a popular favourite and is regarded as an exceptional cocktail for several compelling reasons:

Balanced Flavour Profile: Tequila Sunsets are refreshing and delicious, offering a perfect balance of flavours. Sweet but not overly so, they deliver a harmonious and satisfying taste experience.
Hint of Spice: The tequila adds a subtle hint of spice, introducing depth and complexity to the drink. This slight kick enhances its appeal and makes it even more enjoyable.
Visual Appeal: Like its predecessor, the Tequila Sunrise, the Sunset is visually captivating. The gradient effect created by the ingredients mimics the beauty of a sunset, making it as delightful to look at as it is to drink.

Are There Tips to Improve this Tequila Sunset?

To make it even more delicious, try these tips!

First, determine the quality of the tequila you’re using. If it’s a premium brand, you can skip the triple sec. However, if the tequila is not as high quality, adding a bit of triple sec can help balance the flavours.

Second, when using fresh peels or fruit slices, cut them into small pieces so they fit neatly in the glass. Avoid letting them float around awkwardly like little boats—it’s not the best look.

Thirdly, for an elegant touch (and to truly impress your guests), consider adding cherry blossoms or mint leaves to the drink. This will elevate its appearance, especially when served in clear glasses.

Don’t hold back on the orange juice—it’s a key ingredient that gives this cocktail its distinct and delicious character. Feel free to use a little more than you normally would for the best flavour.

Go all out with your garnish! Adding a slice of orange or lime to each glass will make your guests feel extra special as they enjoy their drinks.

A Frozen Tequila Sunset with Pineapple

Preparing a Frozen Tequila Sunset Cocktail is simple and quick.

Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds to combine the ingredients.

Next, strain the mixture into two glasses filled with ice cubes using a cocktail strainer. For an extra burst of flavour, squeeze some additional lemon juice into each glass. Finally, garnish with an orange slice and serve.

Olmeca Altos to Improve the Tequila Sunset Recipe

The Tequila Sunset is a beloved Mexican cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades, made with tequila, orange liqueur, and grenadine syrup. But have you ever considered enhancing this classic drink?

If you love the Tequila Sunset, we’ve got a new twist for you: try it with Olmeca Altos tequila! The smoothness of Olmeca Altos brings an added dimension of flavour to this timeless cocktail, elevating it to new heights.

So, the next time you’re crafting a Tequila Sunset, make it unforgettable by choosing Olmeca Altos. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!