Sunrise Tequila

The origins of this 3-ingredient 70s classic are in rock and roll.

The Tequila Sunrise drink brings to mind a summer dawn with its brilliant stripes of color.

The three ingredients of this traditional beverage are tequila, grenadine, and orange juice, which are served unmixed to maintain the color of each layer.

Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice invented the Tequila Sunrise in the early 1970s at the Trident bar in Sausalito, California.

After one of the Rolling Stones—some accounts say it was Mick Jagger, while others say it was Keith Richards—tried the drink, it gained notoriety.

at a celebration to mark the beginning of The Rolling Stones’ 1972 tour.

The tour, which the band dubbed “the cocaine and Tequila Sunrise tour,” contributed to the drink’s growing popularity by having it ordered at stops all over the nation.

The recipe was printed on the back of Jose Cuervo tequila bottles in 1973, and the Eagles’ song “Tequila Sunrise,” which was included on their “Desperado” album, was released that same year.

Since these infusions into popular culture brought the beverage into the mainstream, it has remained a mainstay in the cocktail repertoire.

The Tequila Sunrise

Although the Tequila Sunrise is simple to create, it requires careful assembly to get the sunrise appearance.

Ice is put into a highball glass, followed by tequila and then orange juice (fresh is best). Despite being added last, grenadine settles to the bottom due to its density, forming a red layer at the base of the glass. Instead of using the bottled, bright-red grenadine that you may find in stores, consider creating your own to enhance the beverage.

The cocktail gains a more complex taste from this straightforward activity, which is well worth the work.

This tequila drink may be enjoyed even if you’re not a rock star. Mix one anytime you feel like it since it’s tasty, sweet, and refreshing.

However, nothing will enhance the 1970s ambiance like listening to a Rolling Stones or Eagles album.

Sunrise Tequila

Components

• two ounces of tequila blanco
• freshly squeezed, four ounces of orange juice
• grenadine, 1/4 oz
• Orange slice for garnish
• Cherry for garnishment

Actions

1. To a chilled highball glass full of ice, add the tequila and then the orange juice.
2. The grenadine should be placed on top, where it will settle to the bottom of the glass and produce a layered effect.
3. Use an orange slice and cherry as garnish.

What kind of tequila is ideal for a tequila sunrise?

An unaged blanco tequila is necessary for the Tequila Sunrise recipe.

Since blanco tequila’s fresh, bright notes tend to mix well and bring out some of the same vibrant flavors, it’s often ideal for cocktails that use citrus juice.

With that in mind, some reposados can enhance the tropical tastes and add earthy, sophisticated undertones to your Tequila Sunrise.

This could also produce a somewhat sweeter cocktail.