Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe – Tequila, Orange & Grenadine Layers

Bright, bold, and beautiful, the Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail that’s as eye-catching as it is refreshing. With its signature layered look—golden orange juice rising above the deep red of grenadine—it’s a drink that brings instant tropical vibes. First created in the 1930s in Arizona and later made famous in the 1970s, the Tequila Sunrise blends smooth tequila, fresh orange juice, and grenadine for a simple yet striking cocktail. In this post, we’ll share the step-by-step recipe, tips for mastering the sunrise effect, and ways to make this drink less sweet or more modern while keeping its classic appeal.

9/25/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

2 oz tequila (silver/blanco is most common)
4 oz fresh orange juice
½ oz grenadine
Ice cubes

🍊 Garnish:

Orange slice
Maraschino cherry

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Highball glass
Jigger or measuring tool
Bar spoon

🍹 Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add the tequila and orange juice. Pour the tequila (2 oz) and then the orange juice (4 oz) over the ice. Stir gently to mix.
Add the grenadine. Slowly pour ½ oz of grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. It will sink and then gradually rise, creating the sunrise effect.
Garnish. Top with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Tequila Sunrise:

Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a brighter, less sweet flavor.
Don’t stir after adding grenadine if you want to keep the layered sunrise look.
For a less sweet version, reduce the grenadine slightly or swap in pomegranate juice.
A splash of soda water can lighten it up without altering the appearance.