| | Facts about the drink |
| Drink | Tequila Sunrise |
| Tequila | 4 cl, we recommend Sierra Silver |
| Juice | 10 cl freshly squeezed orange juice |
| Grenadine | 1 cl Monin Grenadine, poured along the edge of the glass |
| Glass | Riedel Spey Longdrink, with ice |
| Garnish | Optionally a cherry and a slice of orange |
The origin of Tequila Sunrise
The history of Tequila Sunrise can be traced back to the 1930s in Arizona, where the first version was created at the exclusive Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. The original recipe consisted of tequila, lime juice and soda, which gave a light and refreshing drink – but it lacked the characteristic play of colours we know today.
In the 1970s the drink was reinvented by bartenders in Sausalito, California. They created the modern version with tequila, orange juice and grenadine that slowly sinks to the bottom and gives the beautiful sunrise effect. This version quickly became popular among party-loving Americans and became especially well known when The Rolling Stones adopted it as their official tour drink during their 1972 tour.
Wikipedia adds that the early Phoenix version also contained crème de cassis, and that the modern version was created by the bartenders Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the bar Trident in Sausalito. Mick Jagger is said to have liked it at a party at the start of the Stones' American tour in 1972. You can read more on Wikipedia.
A cocktail with cultural influence
Tequila Sunrise quickly became a symbol of the relaxed, festive lifestyle of the 1970s. It was immortalised in both music and film – among other things in the song Tequila Sunrise by The Eagles and later in the 1988 film Tequila Sunrise with Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer. The drink became a symbol of Californian beach culture and found its way to bars around the world.
How to make a Tequila Sunrise
If you want to try making this classic cocktail at home, the recipe is simple:
- 4 cl tequila
- 12 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1.5 cl grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice and cocktail cherry for garnish
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour in the tequila and orange juice, and stir gently. Carefully pour in the grenadine so it sinks to the bottom and creates the beautiful colour effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry – and enjoy a taste of sunrise!
The tequila for the drink: Sierra Silver
| | Facts about the bottle |
| Producer | Destilerías Sierra Unidas, Guadalajara, Jalisco |
| Type | Mexican blanco tequila, also called silver |
| Strength and size | 38%, 70 cl |
| Agave | Blue Weber agave from the soil around Guadalajara |
| Style | Two distillations, rests a couple of weeks in steel tanks |
The details are from the product page for Sierra Silver. See the full range from Sierra Tequila.
A drink that never goes out of fashion
Although Tequila Sunrise comes from a bygone era, it is still a beloved classic enjoyed all over the world. Its simple recipe, wonderful looks and fresh taste make it a favourite at both summer parties and relaxed evenings. So the next time you want to enjoy a colourful and tasty drink, let Tequila Sunrise take you back to the sunlit days of the 70s.
Tips for your Tequila Sunrise
The two recipes above differ a little in the amounts. The international IBA standard is 4.5 cl tequila, 9 cl freshly squeezed orange juice and 1.5 cl grenadine, built over ice in a tall glass without stirring the grenadine in. Start with a little grenadine and add more if you want it sweeter. Use freshly squeezed juice, so the drink tastes of orange and not just of sugar.
My verdict on Tequila Sunrise
It is a simple drink that is fun to make because the colours do the work for you. It is sweet and easy to drink, so it suits a summer evening and those who do not like bitter or very strong drinks. With a clean blanco at the bottom it becomes nice and not just sweet.
Frequently asked questions about the Tequila Sunrise recipe
What is a Tequila Sunrise?
A cocktail with tequila, orange juice and grenadine, where the grenadine sinks to the bottom and makes a sunrise in the glass.
What goes into a Tequila Sunrise?
4 cl tequila, 10 cl freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 cl grenadine and ice. Optionally garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
How do you make a Tequila Sunrise?
Pour tequila and orange juice into a tall glass with ice and stir. Pour the grenadine carefully along the edge, so it sinks to the bottom.
Why should the grenadine not be stirred in?
The grenadine is heavier than the juice and sinks to the bottom. That creates the colour gradient that looks like a sunrise.
Where does Tequila Sunrise come from?
The early version comes from Phoenix in the 1930s, and the modern version was created in Sausalito in the 1970s.
What was the original recipe?
According to our text, tequila, lime juice and soda. Wikipedia also mentions crème de cassis.
Who created the modern version?
According to Wikipedia, the bartenders Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the bar Trident in Sausalito in the early 1970s.
What do the Rolling Stones have to do with the drink?
The drink became especially well known during the Stones' American tour in 1972. Mick Jagger is said to have liked it.
Is there a song or film with the same name?
Yes. The Eagles released the song Tequila Sunrise, and there is a 1988 film with Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Which tequila suits a Tequila Sunrise?
A clean blanco. We suggest Sierra Silver, a blanco at 38% and 70 cl.
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