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What is Tequila and Orange Juice Called

Author: Carlos Andrés Ramírez
What is Tequila and Orange Juice Called

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When it comes to mixing tequila with orange juice, two classic cocktails immediately spring to mind: the Tequila Sunrise and the Tequila Sunset. These vibrant, refreshing serves have become staples at bars and celebrations around the globe, thanks to their bright citrus notes and the unmistakable kick of quality tequila.

But the cocktail world is endlessly inventive, and the union of tequila and orange juice certainly doesn’t end with these two icons. Over time, other exciting concoctions have made their mark—like the intriguingly named Horny Bull, which offers a bold take on this delicious pairing.

Tequila Sunrise: The Most Beloved of the Tequila–Orange Juice Cocktails

Arguably the most famous cocktail featuring this flavourful duo, the Tequila Sunrise is instantly recognisable for its eye-catching appearance. Its name pays homage to the stunning gradient effect that resembles a sunrise, achieved through careful layering of ingredients.

Ingredients

How to Make a Tequila Sunrise

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the tequila and orange juice, then shake well for 10–15 seconds until nicely chilled.
  3. Fill a tall glass with fresh ice cubes.
  4. Strain the mixture into the glass.
  5. Gently pour the grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon—this allows it to settle at the bottom without mixing.
  6. Avoid stirring; the natural gradient will form as the grenadine slowly rises.
  7. For a finishing touch, garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry, if desired.

The result? A sweet, tangy and visually striking cocktail, with warm orange tones fading into a rich red base: a drink that’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip. Whether enjoyed by the poolside, at a summer gathering, or simply as a sunny pick-me-up, the Tequila Sunrise never fails to impress, especially when made with smooth, 100% blue agave Olmeca Altos tequila.

Tequila Sunset

While the Tequila Sunrise tends to take centre stage, its equally enchanting counterpart, the Tequila Sunset, offers a delightful twist on the original. With hues that reflect the warm tones of a fading evening sky, this cocktail is a perfect choice for sunset soirées or relaxing by the sea as the day winds down.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 60 ml grapefruit juice (or a blend of pineapple and orange juice)
  • 30 ml grenadine syrup
  • A slice of orange, lemon, or lime (to garnish)

How to Make a Tequila Sunset

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour in 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata.
  3. Add 2 parts of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (or your chosen juice blend), filling the glass about halfway.
  4. Slowly pour 1 part of grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom.
  5. Avoid stirring, as this will disturb the beautiful layered effect.
  6. Garnish with a citrus slice on the rim—orange, lemon, or lime all work wonderfully.

With a more complex flavour profile than its sunrise sibling, the Tequila Sunset delivers a tangy edge from the grapefruit juice (or tropical blend), which plays perfectly against the rich sweetness of the grenadine and the smooth intensity of the tequila. Visually stunning, this cocktail transitions from deep red to a soft golden hue, capturing the essence of a breathtaking sunset in every glass.

Horny Bull

Less known but no less enticing, the Horny Bull is a straightforward cocktail that champions the natural partnership between tequila and orange juice. It’s simple, bold, and utterly satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy their cocktails fuss-free but full of flavour.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 120 ml fresh orange juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice (optional, for garnish)

How to Make a Horny Bull

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the tequila.
  3. Top with fresh orange juice.
  4. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to dilute the mix too much.
  5. Add an orange slice on the rim if you like, for a touch of visual flair.

The beauty of the Horny Bull lies in its simplicity. Without syrups or layering techniques, this cocktail allows the bright citrus notes and the character of Olmeca Altos tequila to shine through. Easily adaptable, you can tweak the ratio to suit your taste—whether you prefer it bold and boozy or light and refreshing.

Spicy Tequila Sunrise

For those who enjoy a cocktail with a bit of a bite, the Spicy Tequila Sunrise offers a bold and exciting take on the classic. This lively variation introduces a subtle heat that adds complexity to the sweet and citrusy base, perfect for those in search of a more adventurous serve.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml jalapeño-infused Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 120 ml orange juice
  • 15 ml grenadine
  • 1 jalapeño slice (for garnish)
  • 1 orange slice (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

How to Make a Spicy Tequila Sunrise

  1. First, infuse your tequila by slicing a fresh jalapeño and letting it steep in the tequila for 2 to 4 hours (or longer, depending on how spicy you like it). Strain before use.
  2. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  3. Pour the jalapeño-infused tequila over the ice.
  4. Add the orange juice and stir gently to blend.
  5. Carefully pour the grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon, allowing it to settle and create that signature sunrise look.
  6. Garnish with a thin slice of jalapeño and a wedge of orange on the rim.

The Spicy Tequila Sunrise delivers a well-balanced mix of sweet, tangy and spicy notes. The gentle heat from the infused tequila enhances the drink’s depth without overpowering its fruity brightness. You can tailor the level of spice to your liking simply by adjusting the infusion time.

This cocktail is ideal for spice lovers and anyone looking to surprise their guests with something a little different. It pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes or any meal that welcomes a touch of heat—and it’s guaranteed to get people talking.

Elevate Your Cocktails with Altos Tequila

What truly sets Olmeca Altos apart is its commitment to quality—crafted using 100% blue agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This premium agave imparts a smooth, full-bodied flavour that’s unmistakably authentic. The result is a tequila that not only holds its own but elevates every cocktail it touches. If you want to try the versatility of this drink in other mixes, have a look at our best cocktail recipes.

Whether you lean towards the classic, the bold or the spicy, there’s a tequila and orange juice cocktail to suit every occasion and every palate. With Olmeca Altos as your base, each serve becomes more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of craft, character and flavour. So why not shake things up, explore new twists, and let your cocktail moments shine with the unmistakable quality of Altos?