Best and refreshingly good tequila sunrise. This 3-ingredient classic cocktail never goes out of style! This drink is perfect for sipping by the pool or backyard parties and pairs wonderfully with easy pizza rolls, creamy asparagus puffs, and ham, egg, and cheese pockets. Learn how to easily layer a drink and enjoy this tropical cocktail with just a few ingredients.
I can’t remember the last time I actually saw a sunrise. That might be a little embarrassing to admit but we haven’t hiked ever since I got pregnant. We tried…and we failed. This, however, is a sunrise I can not miss.
The ingredients
Tequila sunrise is incredibly easy to make. You will only need 3 main ingredients and 2 minutes to wow your guests.
- Orange juice. Freshly squeezed tastes better
- Tequila and use your favorite tequila!
- Grenadine to add sweetness and balances out the acidic orange juice
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Maraschino cherries for garnish
How to make an amazing tequila sunrise
- Fill your cup ¾ of the way with ice.
- Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass.
- Pour your grenadine gently down the side of the glass and let it settle for a few seconds.
- Enjoy the layered colors before stirring. It will turn into a gorgeous blood orange color.
- Top with a cherry, orange slice, and maybe one of those umbrellas, and enjoy!
Kitchen tips
- Tequila cocktail is so straightforward; hence, I recommend you using the best possible ingredients, such as fresh orange juice
- If you have a larger glass, you’ll want to add about ½ an ounce of grenadine instead and another 2 ounces of orange juice. For example, the hurricane glasses fill better with this adjustment
- Unless you really love your pulp, be sure to use pulpless orange juice for the smoothest results
- If you like a little sweeter twist to your cocktail, try Sunny D instead of normal orange juice
- I know the layered colors are really pretty, but you’ll definitely want to give your drink a stir before diving in
Tequila sunrise without grenadine
No grenadine? No problem! Here are some alternatives:
- Use strawberry puree. Simply blend strawberry in a blender or food processor and mix with the cocktail
- For a classic recipe, use simple syrup and add a splash of club soda
Tequila sunrise without tequila
No tequila? No worries! You can replace tequila with vodka or coconut rum.
Virgin sunrise
Is it even possible? Yes! Simply leave out the tequila and the kids will love it!
How to Make a Tequila Pitcher Cocktail
Tequila sunrise is arguably the easiest to make and it’s perfect for your next gathering or party. However, there’s a trick when making a tequila cocktail in a pitcher. Leave the ice cubes until you’re about to serve them to avoid your cocktail getting watery. Instead, store this pitcher cocktail in the fridge or cooler.
Easy, fruity, refreshing, and beautiful. If you need me, I’ll be enjoying the weekend taking turns sipping between this easy refreshing sangria and this tequila sunrise.
3-ingredient Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Orange Juice
- 2 ounces Tequila
- ¼ ounce Grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Cherry, orange slice, umbrella for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your cup ¾ of the way with ice
- Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass
- Pour your grenadine gently down the side of the glass and let it settle for a few seconds
- Enjoy the layered colors before stirring. It will turn into a gorgeous blood orange color
- Top with a cherry, orange slice, and maybe one of those umbrellas, and enjoy!
Ash B says
Loved this recipe! really simple and super tasty.
Sherry says
Now this is my kind of drink!! Love your step by step instructions. Thank you for a great recipe!
Donna says
I felt like I was transported back to a tropical holiday whilst sipping on this drink! Love it
Anne says
Tasty and so pretty too! This is a great tropical treat in the middle of winter.