May 26, 2025

Hi, everyone!

Happy Memorial Day! If you ask me, it's the perfect day to embrace the vibrant flavors of summer. One of my favorite ways to kick off the season is with a classic Tequila Sunrise—a cocktail that's as visually stunning as it is refreshing. This drink, with its layers of tequila, fresh orange juice, and grenadine, captures the essence of a summer sunrise in a glass.

The Tequila Sunrise first came on the scene in the 1930s, but gained rapid fame in the 1970s thanks to its association with rock legends like The Rolling Stones and The Eagles. Its popularity today is a testament to its timeless appeal. When making this cocktail, I recommend using a high-quality blanco tequila for its crisp flavor and pouring the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon to achieve that signature gradient effect.

Garnish with a slice of orange and a Luxardo cherry to elevate the presentation. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, this Tequila Sunrise is the perfect companion to celebrate the holiday and the start of summer.

Tequila Sunrise

INGREDIENTS

Serves 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour in the tequila and orange juice. Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it down the side of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

• Choose a highball for your glassware; it's tall and straight-sided, making it ideal for showing off the beautiful color gradient.

• Unaged blanco tequila, or silver tequila, is light and bright with notes of citrus, which pair well with the orange juice and grenadine.

• Use the back of a spoon to add the grenadine. Pouring it over the back of a spoon helps slowly introduce the syrup into the glass.

• Don’t stir the drink! Allow the grenadine to settle at the bottom of the glass to achieve the drink’s striking red base layer.

• I recommend using Luxardo cherries for garnish—they have a naturally dark red color and a flavor that is both sweet and tart.

Equipment Used

• High ball glass

• Spoon

• Knife for orange slices

• Cutting board

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