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This Tequila Sunrise is a simple, refreshing cocktail made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Itโ€™s easy to make at home and has a beautiful layered look that lives up to its name.

a tequila sunrise cocktail on a wooden table next to a bowl of cherries and a lime.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced Flavor: A splash of lime juice cuts the sweetness for a more refreshing taste.
  • Flexible Recipe: Easily adjust the strength or make extra for a crowd.
  • No Special Tools Needed: No shaker or blender requiredโ€”just mix and pour.

I love making a Tequila Sunriseโ€”itโ€™s simple, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser. Thereโ€™s something special about the way the grenadine settles at the bottom, creating that beautiful layered look. It feels a little like magic in a glass. I also love the history behind itโ€”this drink has a rock โ€˜nโ€™ roll past and became iconic thanks to The Rolling Stones. Itโ€™s easy to make, fun to serve, and even more fun to sip.

Looking for more single serving cocktails? Try our refreshing Moscow Mule, colorful Aperol Spritz, Skinny Margarita, Mint Julep, or icy Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri.

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Ingredients

ingredients in a tequila sunrise cocktail on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this Tequila Sunrise cocktail recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Tequila: Use your favoriteโ€”Silver, Reposado, or Aรฑejo. I prefer 100% blue agave tequila for the best flavor.
  • Triple Sec: A sweet orange liqueur that adds fruity and slightly bitter notes. If you prefer a less sweet version, try orange curaรงao instead.
  • Lime Juice: Adds tartness that balances the sweetness of the drink.
  • Orange Juice: A key ingredient in a classic Tequila Sunrise.
  • Grenadine: A thick, non-alcoholic syrup that settles at the bottom, creating the signature โ€œsunriseโ€ look.

How To Make A Tequila Sunrise

Check the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full instructions.

To make a Tequila Sunrise, first combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and orange juice in a separate container. This helps the ingredients mix evenly and keeps the final drink looking clean. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the grenadineโ€”it will settle at the bottom and create the signature โ€œsunriseโ€ effect. Slowly pour the tequila mixture over the grenadine. Serve immediately.

a tequila sunrise topped with maraschino cherries next to a pitcher of orange juice.

Expert Tips

  • Add extra lime juice if the drink is too sweet for your taste.
  • Use different types of tequila to explore subtle flavor changes.
  • Donโ€™t stir after adding the grenadineโ€”this keeps the โ€œsunriseโ€ effect intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Tequila Sunrise without alcohol?
Is this recipe easy to double?
What is the difference between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Sunset?

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If youโ€™ve tried this recipe for Tequila Sunrise or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) weโ€™d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because youโ€™re worth it

Tequila Sunrise

5 from 2 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This Tequila Sunrise is made with tequila, orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, and grenadine. Itโ€™s a refreshing cocktail with a beautiful layered look and bright citrus flavor.

Watch How To Make This

Equipment

  • Tall glass

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 ยฝ ounces tequila
  • ยพ ounce triple sec
  • ยฝ ounce lime juice
  • 2 ยฝ ounces orange juice
  • ice
  • ยฝ ounce grenadine
  • Optional: Maraschino cherries for garnish
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Instructions 

  • In a small glass or measuring cup, mix together the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and orange juice.
  • Fill a separate glass with ice and pour in the grenadine.
  • Slowly pour the tequila mixture over the grenadine.
    Do not stir. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Add extra lime juice if the drink is too sweet for your taste.
  • Use different types of tequila to explore subtle flavor changes.
  • Donโ€™t stir after adding the grenadineโ€”this keeps the โ€œsunriseโ€ effect intact.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 170mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 149IU, Vitamin C: 40mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistโ€™s advice.

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Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. J. Hegyi says:

    Good recipe.