This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Tequila Sunrise is a simple, refreshing cocktail made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. It’s easy to make at home and has a beautiful layered look that lives up to its name.
Why You’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 required, just mix and pour.
I love making a Tequila Sunrise. It’s simple, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser. There’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 it – this drink has a rock ‘n’ roll past and became iconic thanks to The Rolling Stones. It’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.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Tequila Sunrise cocktail recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tequila: Use your favorite—Silver, Reposado, or Añejo. 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 curaçao 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 “sunrise” 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 grenadine—it will settle at the bottom and create the signature “sunrise” effect. Slowly pour the tequila mixture over the grenadine. Serve immediately.
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.
- Don’t stir after adding the grenadine—this keeps the “sunrise” effect intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, skip the tequila and triple sec, and use orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine for a fun mocktail.
Yes, you can easily double or triple it to make more servings.
A Tequila Sunset is a variation of the Tequila Sunrise. Instead of grenadine, it uses blackberry brandy, which settles at the bottom of the glass to create a darker, sunset-like effect. To make one, mix 1 ounce of tequila with 4 ounces of orange juice, pour 1/2 ounce of blackberry brandy into a glass filled with ice, then add the tequila mixture on top.
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 you’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) we’d love to see it!
Tequila Sunrise
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
- Tall glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces tequila
- ¾ ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 2 ½ ounces orange juice
- ice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- Optional: Maraschino cherries for garnish
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.
- Don’t stir after adding the grenadine—this keeps the “sunrise” effect intact.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Good recipe.