Active Time
3 minutes
Total Time
3 minutes
You don’t need to know what’s in a tequila sunrise to become a rock star—but it may help.
In the early 1970s, Sausalito-based bartenders Billy Rice and Bobby Lozoff transformed a mostly forgotten Prohibition-era cocktail into the drink we know today. As legend has it, Mick Jagger and Don Henley soon became fans. The tequila sunrise was also reportedly the unofficial drink of the Rolling Stones’ 1972 tour, and the Eagles’ 1973 album Desperado included a song called “Tequila Sunrise.”
Even if you don’t have a shelf full of Grammys, the storied drink is easy to whip up. Simply mix orange juice and a few ounces of tequila in a pitcher and then put a dash of grenadine syrup in as many tall glasses as people you plan to serve. Top each with ice cubes and the tequila mixture and garnish with orange slices for extra aromatics and, sure, some vitamin C.
Like many semiclassic cocktail recipes, variations abound. To make a tequila sunset, swap the orange juice for grapefruit and/or the grenadine for crème de cassis or blackberry brandy, depending on which bartender you ask.
Or customize the original tequila sunrise recipe to suit your palate. Add a little orange liqueur if you prefer a sweeter drink or a few tablespoons of lime juice if you like tart flavors. Out of grenadine? Swap in an equal amount of pomegranate molasses. And while blanco tequila is traditional, try reposado for an earthier agave kick.
Ingredients
6 servings
Preparation
In a large pitcher, stir together 3 cups fresh orange juice and ⅔ cup tequila. Add ½ tsp. grenadine to each of 6 Collins glasses or other tall glasses, then fill with ice. Divide tequila mixture among the glasses, then garnish each glass with an orange slice.
Editor’s note: This recipe was first printed in the September 1992 issue of ‘Gourmet.’ Head this way for more of our favorite summer cocktails →
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Reviews (4)
Back to TopThis was big back in the day. Great drink if made right. I rocked this out by substituting pomegranate syrup for the grenadine and added a squeeze of lime. Excellent!
worldbeat
Oakland, CA
5/5/2016
Delicious! Served this to the book club girls for the book, My Latest Grievance by Eleanor Lipman. The book takes place during the 60's and 70's so these groovy decades were the theme for the evening. Was able to make the pitcher ahead of time, added the grenadine at serving time highlighting the sunrise effect. Very tasty. Would make again.
GShaw1
Woodland Hills, CA, USA
12/30/2006