Tequila Sunrise
A visual 70s icon of tequila, orange juice, and sinking grenadine.
Base spirit
Tequila
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
The Tequila Sunrise is defined by its gradient appearance, mimicking a sunrise through the density difference between orange juice and grenadine. While often dismissed as a disco drink, a well-made version using fresh juice and quality tequila is a solid, refreshing highball. It relies on the agave to provide a backbone to the sweet fruit. It is the drink that defined the aesthetic of 1970s California rock and roll.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz tequila blanco
- • 4 oz fresh orange juice
- • 0.5 oz grenadine
Did you know?
“The modern version was created at the Trident in Sausalito in the 1970s and became famous after the Rolling Stones adopted it as the official drink of their 1972 tour.”
Source:Keith Richards, Life; National Geographic
Bartender's Note
Pour the grenadine vigorously so it hits the bottom and rises up, creating the effect.
How to make the Tequila Sunrise
- 1Fill a highball glass with ice
- 2Add tequila and orange juice
- 3Pour grenadine directly into the center of the glass (do not stir)
- 4Garnish with an orange slice and cherry
