Tequila Sunrise — The Classic Cocktail Making a Modern Comeback
Few cocktails are as instantly recognizable as the Tequila Sunrise. With its vibrant gradient, citrus-forward flavor, and smooth tequila base, this iconic drink has moved far beyond its 1970s roots and back into modern cocktail culture.
Whether you’re making drinks at home, hosting brunch, or building a cocktail menu, the Tequila Sunrise remains one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing tequila cocktails to master.
What Is a Tequila Sunrise?
A Tequila Sunrise is a classic tequila cocktail made with:
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Tequila
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Orange juice
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Grenadine
When prepared correctly, the grenadine sinks to the bottom, creating a layered “sunrise” effect — hence the name.
The drink is known for being:
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Light and refreshing
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Slightly sweet with citrus balance
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Visually striking
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Easy to customize
The History of the Tequila Sunrise
The modern Tequila Sunrise rose to fame in the 1970s, becoming popular in California bars and later cemented in pop culture through music and film. While early versions were much sweeter, today’s Tequila Sunrise has evolved into a more balanced, tequila-forward cocktail.
The resurgence of premium tequila has played a big role in its comeback — better tequila equals a better drink.
The Best Tequila for a Tequila Sunrise
Because this cocktail has so few ingredients, the quality of the tequila matters.
What to look for:
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100% Blue Weber agave
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Smooth, clean finish
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Balanced flavor that won’t overpower citrus
Top choice:
Don Londrès Blanco — smooth, refined, and clean, allowing the orange juice and grenadine to complement rather than mask the tequila.
Other good options:
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Don Londrès Reposado (richer, slightly warmer finish)
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Tequila Ocho Plata
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Don Fulano Blanco
Classic Tequila Sunrise Recipe
Ingredients
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2 oz tequila
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4–5 oz fresh orange juice
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½ oz grenadine
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Ice
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Orange slice or cherry (optional garnish)
Instructions
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Fill a highball glass with ice.
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Add tequila and orange juice.
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Slowly pour grenadine down the inside of the glass — do not stir.
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Garnish and serve.
👉 Tip: Let the drink settle for a few seconds before serving to allow the full sunrise effect.
How to Make a Better Tequila Sunrise (Pro Tips)
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Use fresh orange juice — bottled juice dulls the cocktail
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Add grenadine last to maintain the layered look
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Avoid overly sweet tequila — it throws off balance
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Don’t over-stir — this ruins the visual appeal
A well-made Tequila Sunrise should taste bright, smooth, and refreshing — never syrupy.
Modern Tequila Sunrise Variations
Spicy Tequila Sunrise
Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of chili tincture for heat.
Blood Orange Tequila Sunrise
Swap orange juice for blood orange juice for deeper color and complexity.
Mezcal Sunrise
Replace tequila with mezcal for a smoky twist.
Low-Sugar Sunrise
Reduce grenadine and add a splash of fresh lime for a drier profile.
Why the Tequila Sunrise Is Popular Again
The return of the Tequila Sunrise is driven by:
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The rise of premium tequila
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A renewed focus on simple, classic cocktails
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Social media’s love for visually striking drinks
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Brunch culture and citrus-based cocktails
It’s nostalgic without feeling dated — and accessible without feeling basic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Tequila Sunrise strong?
It’s considered a moderate-strength cocktail. The orange juice makes it easy-drinking, but it still contains a full tequila pour.
Can I make a Tequila Sunrise with reposado tequila?
Yes. Reposado adds warmth and depth, making the drink slightly richer.
Is grenadine necessary?
Yes — grenadine creates the signature sunrise look and subtle sweetness. Without it, the cocktail loses its identity.
Final Thoughts
The Tequila Sunrise proves that classic cocktails don’t need reinvention — just better ingredients. With high-quality tequila, fresh juice, and a light hand with sweetness, it becomes a refined, modern drink that still honors its roots.
If you’re exploring tequila cocktails or looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser, the Tequila Sunrise belongs in your rotation.