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Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise is a medium tequila highball, sweet and fruity on the palate. Built and served in a highball glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official contemporary classics cocktails.

Tequila Sunrise cocktail: bright orange drink over ice in a highball glass, with a deep red grenadine layer at the bottom, an orange slice and a cherry

Flavor profile

Tart
52 out of 100
Sweet
81 out of 100
Fruity
81 out of 100
Herbal
39 out of 100
Boozy
43 out of 100

How to make a Tequila Sunrise

To make a Tequila Sunrise, build over ice in a highball glass: 2 oz tequila, orange juice and grenadine.

You'll need

1 drink

Pairs well with: Grenadine · All syrups

Make it virgin: the Virgin Tequila Sunrise.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.

  2. 2

    Pour in tequila, orange juice and grenadine.

  3. 3

    Stir briefly to mix.

Why build it in the glass? Tequila, orange juice and grenadine only need a gentle stir, so there's no shaker to wash.

Tequila Sunrise questions

What does a Tequila Sunrise taste like, and is it sweet?

Yes, it's on the sweet side: it's mostly sweet and fruity. It's a medium drink at about 13% ABV once mixed.

How much alcohol is in a Tequila Sunrise?

About 13% ABV after mixing with ice, about as strong as a glass of wine.

What's the difference between a Tequila Sunrise and a Tequila Fizz?

Both use tequila and grenadine. The Tequila Sunrise adds orange juice, while the Tequila Fizz uses lemon juice, egg white and ginger ale. The Tequila Sunrise is built in the glass and served in a highball glass; the Tequila Fizz is shaken and served in a highball glass. The Tequila Sunrise is the stronger of the two.

What can I use instead of grenadine?

Raspberry syrup will work.

How do I make a pitcher of Tequila Sunrises?

For 6 drinks, mix 12 oz tequila in a jug and chill it. Pour over fresh ice to serve.

What glass do you serve a Tequila Sunrise in?

A highball glass.