| Drink | Danish Sunrise, a gin cocktail with orange and lemon |
| Base | Gin, Cointreau, orange, lemon and bitters |
| In our recipe | 50 ml ELG Gin No 3, 20 ml Cointreau, 20 ml freshly squeezed orange juice, 10 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 shots Angostura |
| Method | Shaken for about 15 seconds with ice, double strained over crushed ice |
| Garnish | Orange peel |
| Served | Immediately, while cold and fresh |
| Origin | No documented history found |
| The name recalls | Tequila Sunrise |
How to make a Danish Sunrise
Shake all ingredients with plenty of ice for about 15 seconds in a shaker. Double strain over crushed ice and top up with more crushed ice. Garnish with a piece of orange peel if you like, and serve the drink straight away while it is cold and fresh. Freshly squeezed juice makes the difference, and a lemon squeezer makes the job easy.
Danish Sunrise history: what do we know?
We have not been able to find a source for who made the Danish Sunrise, or when. The honest answer is that the drink has no documented history. The name points to the Tequila Sunrise, and there is a story to tell about that one. According to Wikipedia the original was made by Gene Sulit at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix in the 1930s or 1940s, with tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice and soda water. The modern version with tequila, orange juice and grenadine was made in the early 1970s by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the Trident in Sausalito, California. When the Rolling Stones kicked off their 1972 American tour with a party at the Trident, Mick Jagger tried the drink, and in 1973 Jose Cuervo put the recipe on its bottles. The Danish Sunrise shares the orange and the name, but is built on gin and Cointreau.
About gin at Whisky.dk
Here at Whisky.dk we love gin and tonic. That's why we have put together a large selection of the best gin brands and tonic waters, as well as an exclusive selection of Danish gin. We want to share our passion and love for gin and tonic, so sit back and enjoy our gin and tonic universe.Gin originates from the Netherlands and is a contraction of the French word for juniper. Mixing alcohol with juniper berries started in the 1600s and was used to treat kidney pain. This spread to England and the English soldiers took a liking to it. The gin was later sold in pharmacies and used for ailments. Today, gin is known for its use in drinks such as gin and tonic, dry Martini and Tom Collins.
About ELG Gin
Our recipe uses ELG Gin No 3. According to the magazine Løgismose, Henrik Elsner is behind ELG, and ELG No. 1 is based on juniper, coriander and carrot. Frederiksborg Amts Avis mentions NO2 as a refined version of NO1, which has won the most awards. We have not found any information about No 3 in the sources.
| | Danish Sunrise (our recipe) / Tequila Sunrise (IBA) |
| Spirit | 50 ml ELG Gin / 45 ml tequila |
| Fruit | 20 ml orange juice and 10 ml lemon juice / 90 ml orange juice |
| Sweetness | 20 ml Cointreau / 15 ml grenadine |
| Bitters | 2 shots Angostura / none |
| Serving | Over crushed ice, orange peel / not specified |
Both drinks have orange as a base. The Danish Sunrise has gin, Cointreau and bitters, where the Tequila Sunrise has tequila and grenadine.
Tips for your Danish Sunrise
Use freshly squeezed juice, as the recipe says. Measure precisely, because the drink is small. Read about Angostura, and use a three-piece shaker and lemon squeezer. If you want a simpler gin drink, try our Gin & Tonic or Gin Fizz.
Our verdict on the Danish Sunrise
The Danish Sunrise is a fresh and slightly bitter gin drink where Cointreau and orange take the edge off the gin. It is quick to make and a good pick if you like gin but do not want tonic.
Frequently asked questions about the Danish Sunrise recipe
What is a Danish Sunrise?
A gin cocktail with ELG Gin, Cointreau, freshly squeezed orange and lemon and Angostura, served over crushed ice.
What goes into a Danish Sunrise?
In our recipe it is 50 ml ELG Gin No 3, 20 ml Cointreau, 20 ml freshly squeezed orange juice, 10 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 shots of Angostura.
How do you make a Danish Sunrise?
Shake all ingredients with ice for about 15 seconds, double strain over crushed ice and top up with more crushed ice.
Who invented the Danish Sunrise?
We have not found a source for that. The drink has no documented history.
Is a Danish Sunrise the same as a Tequila Sunrise?
No. A Tequila Sunrise is made with tequila, orange juice and grenadine. A Danish Sunrise is made with gin and Cointreau and is shaken.
Who invented the Tequila Sunrise?
The original was made by Gene Sulit at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. The modern one was made by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the Trident in Sausalito in the 1970s.
What is Cointreau?
An orange liqueur that we use in the Danish Sunrise for sweetness and orange flavour.
What is double strain?
Straining the drink twice, first through the shaker strainer and then through a fine strainer, so no ice shards end up in the glass.
Which gin should I use for a Danish Sunrise?
We use ELG Gin No 3. Other Danish gins can also be used.
What is the garnish on a Danish Sunrise?
A piece of orange peel.
Read more about gin cocktails
Find more gin recipes here at Whisky.dk, or see all our drink recipes. You can also read Wikipedia on the Tequila Sunrise.
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