Classic Tequila Sunrise
Introduction
The Classic Tequila Sunrise is a visually stunning cocktail that delivers both flavor and festivity in every glass. With its signature ombré layers, sweet citrus notes, and a gentle grenadine finish, this drink is perfect for brightening up any gathering, brunch, or evening celebration. It’s as simple to make as it is impressive—a must-have recipe for both novice and seasoned home bartenders seeking a refreshing, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Deliciously Unique Classic Tequila Sunrise
What sets the Classic Tequila Sunrise apart is its elegant color gradient, achieved by carefully pouring grenadine into freshly mixed orange juice and tequila. The result? A visually striking sunrise effect that never fails to impress. Its crisp, citrusy flavors are balanced by the rich, pomegranate sweetness of grenadine—making it an instant classic for any occasion.
Choosing the Best Ingredients for Your Tequila Sunrise
To make an exceptional Tequila Sunrise, opt for high-quality silver tequila and freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest, freshest taste. Good grenadine is the finishing touch, giving your cocktail that signature red-to-gold transition without compromising on flavor. Adding a fresh orange or cherry garnish really elevates the presentation and flavor.
Assembling Your Classic Tequila Sunrise
Begin by filling a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and orange juice together, stirring gently to combine. Slowly pour grenadine down the inside edge of the glass—it will settle at the bottom and gradually rise, creating that iconic sunrise look. For the final touch, garnish with a fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry on top.
Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping Tequila Sunrise
Serve your Tequila Sunrise immediately to preserve its colorful layers. It’s a perfect companion for light appetizers like shrimp cocktail or citrusy salads, or as a stunning brunch beverage. For festive occasions, prepare a tray of these vibrant cocktails—their eye-catching appearance and refreshing taste will delight every guest.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each Classic Tequila Sunrise contains approximately 200 to 220 calories per serving, depending on your measurements and choice of grenadine. This recipe is designed for one serving, but can easily be scaled up for parties and celebrations.
Deliciously Unique Classic Tequila Sunrise (Recap)
With its blend of bright citrus and smooth tequila, plus unforgettable color appeal, the Classic Tequila Sunrise is the ultimate simple cocktail with a wow factor. Its flavor and style make it a beloved favorite for any entertaining occasion.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning, especially when prepping for parties or brunches.

Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the tequila, then add the orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. Let it settle—it will gradually rise and blend to create the “sunrise” effect.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly entertaining or brunch planning. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly plan event menus and automatically generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients for all meals and drinks.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates total quantities for all drinks and dishes on your menu
- Organizes the shopping list by grocery store sections for faster, easier trips
- Prevents duplicate purchases and the frustration of forgotten items
- Makes party and event prep far more efficient and stress-free
Pro tip: If you’re planning a brunch or party, schedule your recipes together to keep beverage and food prep neatly organized—no more overspending on extras or last-minute ingredient runs!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes