Tequila sunrise is a delicious and gorgeous cocktail. It is sweet, fruity, and evokes relaxation. It is almost like a vacation in a glass. The bright colors slowly blend together in ribbons of what is reminiscent of a summer's sunrise. The fresh citrus, sweet grenadine, & tequila mix up the best summer cocktail recipe.
The layers are what give this tequila cocktail the classic look and must be served without stirring to ensure its beauty. A few unique ingredients in this recipe make for a fun new flavor on the traditional tequila sunrise. Change up the citrus juice and make it without orange juice. Just like the classic, these two tequila drink recipes follow the same basic premises: bold bright colors and do not stir!
Stunning streaks of brilliant colors
Tequila Sunrise with Two Twists
The classic tequila sunrise cocktail consists of the following ingredients: orange juice, tequila, and grenadine. A few ingredients make a lovely-looking cocktail. But this isn't just "another tequila sunrise...", these cocktails are made with an ingredient swap out to make it special.
I wanted to try something different and as I looked at our tangelo tree with still plenty of fruit on its branches, it hit me. Our homegrown tangelos are very juicy but sometimes they are a bit tart so just in case I wanted plan B. We had some frozen pineapple orange juice concentrate in the freezer so I now had two plans. This recipe for tequila sunrise with pineapple or tangelo juice is even better than the original OJ and tequila classic cocktail.
Homegrown tangelos
So after getting out the tequila and grenadine, the boys started juicing the tangelos for me. I also made the pineapple orange juice from concentrate. We did have some grapefruit juice too but decided against that even though I LOVE grapefruit juice. It was ruby red and dark so I didn't think that beautiful layering would be as much of a pop of color.
As the juice preparation went on, I decided I needed to make two versions of the cocktail and try both and the best one was going on the blog...well, spoiler alert - THEY BOTH ARE AMAZING! So that is why you will see both juices used here for two great cocktails from one perfect recipe. Not everyone has a tangelo tree in their yard or access to tangelo juice so another citrus will do.
Juiced tangelos
Tequila Sunrise Ingredients
For my recipe, I am using Codigo tequila. We highly recommend it, especially for those that like to sip tequila. Read more about it here at the CODIGO website. It is a smooth tequila and does not have that strong scent that many tequilas can have. It is mellow and Ian and I both enjoy it. George Strait has a song about it, so yeah it is that good! He sings it - "Best tequila, baby, don't you know". You can also use what your favorite brand is.
Grenadine is also a must as you want that sweet red syrup for not just the taste but for that superb layering that the drink has. Grenadine weighs more than the other liquids in this drink so it will slowly sink to the bottom. It is a good mixer to keep in your liquor repertoire. This is not just because it adds great color or sweetness to so many drinks, but it also has a long shelf life. Rose's grenadine will last once opened, up to 6 months in the cabinets, or even a year in the refrigerator.
Tequila Sunrise with a Twist ingredients
Tequila Sunrise with a Twist Ingredients:
- Tequila, Blanco
- Pineapple Orange Juice and/or Tangelo Juice
- Grenadine
- Ice
- Tangelo or Orange Slices for garnish
How to Make a Tequila Sunrise
Fill two high ball glasses with ice cubes.
Add ⅔ C juice to each glass. Follow this 1.5 oz of tequila. Add a straw and any garnish you wish. I do this at this point so that once the grenadine goes in, there is very little movement that will be needed that could disturb the layering.
Tangelo is in the center & pineapple orange bottom right corner
The last step is to slowly pour in 1 oz of grenadine and let it sink to the bottom. Remember, DO NOT STIR! You want the layers.
Slowly pour in the grenadine
Once the grenadine settles, sip and enjoy!
PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail: Two Unique Twists on a Classic PIN
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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Another beautiful cocktail recipe using grenadine is my CANDY CORN MARTINI
It is made with grenadine, whipped cream vodka, and more!
CANDY CORN MARTINI
TEQUILA SUNRISE COCKTAIL: TWO UNIQUE TWISTS ON A CLASSIC
Ingredients
- ⅔ C citrus juice tangelo or pineapple orange
- 1.5 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz grenadine
- ice cubes
- orange or tangelo slices for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a high ball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the citrus juice. Add the tequila.
- If using a straw or adding a garnish, do this now.
- Lastly, slowly pour in 1 oz of grenadine. Let it trickle down to the bottom of the glass. DO NOT STIR.
- Enjoy.
Jodi says
This sounds amazing! I cannot wait to try this and will definitely be using the George Strait tequila. Love George and he talked about his tequila in his last concert as an introduction to his song about it.
Angela says
Great, it is some amazing tequila for sure. Enjoy the cocktail.
Crystal says
These are my moms favorite! Might have to surprise her with some this summer!
Tricia Snow says
I look at these and feel like I am in a tropical paradise! They look so refreshing! Thanks!
Angela says
That is exactly what this drink is meant to have you feel.
Beth Shields says
Oh my goodness - I haven't had one of these in years....when I was younger, they were the big thing. These look delicious and refreshing. And we are coming into that time of year. I think I would try crushed ice as well - kind of turn it into a slushy! These looked great. Thanks for the post. Pinned to my cocktail board!
Angela says
Oh, a slushie version sounds amazing. Glad you like it and share your idea.
Douglas J. says
Must admit I had never heard of a tangelo. I will have to check it out.
Danielle Ardizzone says
These look delicious!
Holly says
One of my all-time favorite drinks.. when I bartended in Hawaii the one with pineapple was called the Hawaiian sunset.. yum
Angela says
Thanks for sharing HOlly. I love that, Hawaiian Sunset is something I would love to enjoy every day (the drink and a real one!)
Lisa Manderino says
Such a beautiful color, makes me want to relax on a beach!
Angela says
Exactly! If we may have a lot more staycations in the near future this will help make it more relaxing and tropical feeling for sure.
Kirsten says
These look yummy. I'll have to find a substitution for the alcohol...they'd be great for a party!
Angela says
YOu can have it without the tequila and maybe add soda water.
Debbie says
Candy corn martini looks great!!
Angela says
Both are great cocktails, I hope you enjoy.
Lee Anne says
Yum! Looks so refreshing! I'm going to try this or something similar as I am not familiar with tangelos. If I can find them, I would love to try them!
Katherine Wolfe says
These are so pretty and remind me of my mom who would order one on occasion while on vacation!
Angela says
What a great memory, thank you for sharing.
Eva Keller says
Looks like a delicious drink! I love drinks with color contrasts like this one.
Angela says
Me too, pretty summer-like drinks are the best.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I could use one of these now! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Have a wonderful week.
heather J jandrue says
Pretty summertime drink!
Angela says
Great for summer, but I am pretty sure I will love this in winter too.
Kendra says
I love that you get to use fresh oranges for this! I'm not a traditional margarita girl, but I'd go for one of these for sure!
Angela says
It is a lovely tequila drink. I am not a huge margarita fan but this tequila sunrise is the best!
LIsa Maslyk says
Looks delicious will definitely try!
Angela says
Thanks Lisa.
Ethel says
I’ve just been taught to make a mimosa by my daughter, lol and I’m starting to take interest in cocktails. I should try this on a weekend and impress the daughter.
Angela says
Great, let me know if you do make this for your daughter. Would love to hear how you both love it.
Charlene says
I love your drink recipes! My daughter wants to be a bartender - I've been sharing these with her so she can practice by making them for me!
Angela says
Charlene, you have a great plan there! I hope you both enjoy all the cocktail recipes (maybe not all at once-haha)
Santana says
I don't really drink, but maybe I should start! 😂 looks pretty good!
Angela says
You can enjoy it without the tequila and substitute some soda water instead.
Tonya | the Writer Mom says
Ooh, it looks so summery and delicious!
Angela says
Thank you. This is drink is a great summer tequila cocktail.
Sandi says
These look beautiful. Just in time for summer.
Angela says
Yes, happy summer Sandi.
Cindy says
Those drinks are so pretty! Bet they taste amazing too.
Angela says
Yes, they sure do taste amazing.
Alice says
These are two great recipes!
Angela says
thank you
Tiffany says
You know, I am a huge fan of "the Rock" and he has a line of tequila that I would love to try but actually have no recipe where I actually want to drink tequila - this might work for me! Looks tasty!
Angela says
Ooh fun, try it out and let me know. Lots of famous people have their alcohol investments for sure.
Melissa Jones says
Very fun!
Ruth H Iaela-Pukahi says
I do not care for alcohol but it looks delicious. How would you make it so it would be a virgin drink? With sprite?
Angela says
YOu can use sprite or just plain sparkling water.
Rochelle says
Tequila is my liquor of choice. And Tequila sunrise is something I often order but never made at home. Really looking forward to making this 🙂
Angela says
It is a tasty and pretty drink and I hope you give it a try at home and enjoy!
Beth says
What a pretty drink and a beautiful way to use those tangelos from that gorgeous tree. And I love that shot showing the grenadine sinking to the bottom, yum.
Angela says
The slow drizzle is a beautiful thing to watch in anticipation of this tasty drink!
Myrah Duque says
I love tangelos and Tequila! It is so colorful and inviting. My husband's birthday is coming up, I will make this for him.
Angela says
Great, happy birthday to him. Cheers.
Saif says
Not a fan of Tequila but I love when you incorporate the fruits in this recipe. It looks refreshing.
Angela says
I am not a tequila fan either but this brand of tequila and all the fruit juices sure changed my mind!
Ai says
Sounds absolutely delicious! Tequila Sunrises were one of my favorites when I used to drink! Yum 🙂
Angela says
YOu can enjoy this with seltzer water instead of the tequila, the layering may not be as distinct but still yummy!
Alpa says
This is a perfect refreshing summer drink. Love oranges and pineapples.
LaRena Fry says
Love when a vintage recipe gets a modern update. I think pineapple orange would be the bomb.
Simone says
I haven't had a tequila sunrise in decades, I'll have to try this version!
Angela says
Now is the time to get reacquainted with the Tequila Sunrise!
Jacqueline Debono says
Tequila sunrise always makes me think of summer and the beach! I've never tried tangelo juice. I'll have to look out for that!
Angela says
If you find tangelos, give it a try. They are slightly more tart than oranges so it works in this drink to balance the sweet grenadine.
Lathiya says
Just the name of this drink is so refreshing. this sunrise tequila is perfect for any BBQ parties.
Tanu Tiffin says
it looking so refreshing and healthy!! thanks for sharing such an amazing drink
Jackie says
So happy I found this recipe, I did not have orange juice but had pineapple juice. This was a pretty and sweet cocktail and just what our staycation needed here in the hot midwest.
Angela says
Glad you enjoyed a pineapple tequila sunrise on your staycation. Cheers to us getting to travel next summer.
Ari says
Had these tequila sunrises with pineapple today and it was the best. I like it even better than with orange juice and so glad I was out of orange juice and tried this instead. Thank you for the happy accident and this recipe.
Angela says
Glad you enjoyed a pineapple tequila sunrise -or three! Cheers!
Deborah says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I'm going to have to check out the brand of tequila that you suggested. If George likes it, it must be good!
Angela says
Great, another George Strait and Tequila fan!