Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe –
A Classic with a Mexican Soul

The Tequila Sunrise is one of the most iconic tequila cocktails in the world — a vibrant, layered drink that combines the boldness of 100% agave tequila with the sweetness of orange juice and the deep red swirl of grenadine. First popularized in the 1970s, it’s a favorite at beach bars, brunches, and poolside lounges around the globe.

At Cancun Tequila Tasting, we serve variations of this classic in our mixology classes at Lighthouse Restaurant, where guests learn to balance its flavors like a true bartender. Here’s how to make it at home — with a few pro tips from our certified agave specialists.

Why the Tequila Sunrise Stands Out

Unlike the Margarita or Paloma, the Tequila Sunrise is as much about **visual drama** as it is about flavor. The slow descent of grenadine creates a stunning gradient — a "sunrise" in a glass. But beyond the show, it’s a well-balanced cocktail: the earthy notes of tequila pair perfectly with the citrusy sweetness of orange juice.

Fun fact: The drink was famously associated with singer José Feliciano and later popularized by The Rolling Stones on tour — but its roots trace back to Tijuana in the 1930s.

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) 100% agave Blanco tequila
• 4 oz (120 ml) fresh orange juice (not from concentrate)
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine syrup (preferably pomegranate-based)
• Ice
• Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry

How to Make a Tequila Sunrise

1. Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
2. Pour the tequila and fresh orange juice over the ice.
3. Gently pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom.
4. Do not stir — the layers are the signature of the drink.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the view — then mix it up with your straw!

Cocktail Tips from Our Tequila Masters

• ✅ Use fresh orange juice — bottled OJ lacks brightness and can dull the flavor.
• ✅ Choose high-quality grenadine — avoid artificial red syrup; opt for pomegranate-based ones like "The Bitter Truth".
• ✅ Chill your glass — enhances the refreshment and keeps the drink colder longer.
• ✅ Try it with Reposado tequila — for a smoother, oak-aged twist on the classic.
• ✅ Add a splash of pineapple juice — for a tropical variation (a favorite in Cancun).

Want to Learn More Cocktail Secrets?

This recipe is just the beginning. In our Tequila & Mixology Class, you’ll create your own signature cocktail, learn pairing techniques, and taste 7 premium 100% agave tequilas — all in the scenic setting of Lighthouse Restaurant.

Want to Taste This Tequila at Home?

The tequilas we use in our mixology classes — like the Blanco and Reposado in this El Diablo recipe — are available for purchase and delivery to the United States.

Each bottle is hand-selected by our certified agave specialists for its quality, origin, and flavor profile. No mass-market brands — only authentic, 100% agave tequilas from trusted distilleries in Jalisco.

When you buy from us, you’re not just getting a bottle — you’re continuing the experience you started in Cancun.

Love This Tequila? Take It Home.

The Blanco tequila used in this Tequila Sunrise is available for purchase and delivery to the United States. We only sell 100% agave tequilas that we personally taste and approve in our master classes — no mixtos, no imposters.