Tequila Sunrise

By Naz Deravian

Updated Oct. 12, 2023

Tequila Sunrise
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
4(163)
Comments
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This beautiful ombré cocktail first appeared on the menu of the Arizona Biltmore, a resort hotel in Phoenix, in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Originally, it was made with tequila, lime juice, soda water and crème de cassis, but was reinterpreted using orange juice and grenadine at the Trident, a bar in Sausalito, Calif., in the 1970s. Rumor has it that the Rolling Stones loved the sunrise-hued drink so much, it worked its way into the unofficial nickname of their 1972 tour. Soon after, the Eagles wrote their eponymous song. You only need a few ingredients to get the look for which this refreshing drink is famous: tequila, orange juice and grenadine, which is slowly poured in as it settles at the bottom of the glass and creates a ruby red base for the rising sun. 

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink

    Ingredients

    • 2ounces blanco tequila
    • 4ounces orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
    • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) grenadine
    • Orange slice, for serving
    • Maraschino cherry, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

237 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 26 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 20 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 6 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place a highball glass in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. Once chilled, fill the glass with ice. Add the tequila and orange juice and stir to mix. Without tilting the glass, slowly add the grenadine from one side, so it settles at the bottom. Do not stir. (Alternatively, you can hold a small spoon inverted over the glass and slowly pour the grenadine over it.) Garnish with an orange slice and top with the cherry.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
163 user ratings
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Comments

NaughtyVicar

Also good is a Tequila Sunset which replaces the grenadine with cranberry juice. The cranberry juice floats on the top creating the reddish glow of a sunset.

Drink Now!

Drink tequila before the tariffs hit!

Scout

I enjoyed this cocktail very much. Only issue I had was my grenadine ( tried 2 different brands) didn’t create the ombre look shown in the photo. It mainly sunk to the bottom and was barely noticeable.

Brian on the sound

These were all the rage at out wedding reception in ‘74.

Reuel

Commercial grenadine is revolting. Food dye and high fructose corn sugar. Stick with homemade if at all possible! @Dwifty

Doogie

I like them made with creme de cassis. Try it!

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