The Tequila Sunrise is an iconic sunset cocktail whose modern three-ingredient form—tequila, orange juice and grenadine—became famous in late-1960s and 1970s California while its roots trace back earlier in American cafés. What makes a great version is bright, fresh-squeezed orange juice, a clean blanco or lightly rested reposado tequila for depth, and a slow, deliberate pour of grenadine to achieve the signature gradient. One practical tip: pour grenadine over the back of a bar spoon for the cleanest layering; whether you're mixing this at home, enjoying one in Buffalo, or serving behind our store's bar, that technique makes all the difference.
Ingredients
| 2 oz | Tequila (blanco or reposado) |
| 4 oz | Fresh orange juice |
| ½ oz | Grenadine syrup |
| 1 cup | Ice (cubes) |
| 1 tsp | Orange slice (garnish) |
| 1 tsp | Maraschino cherry (garnish) |
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour the tequila over the ice.
- Add the fresh orange juice, then slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass so it sinks and creates a layered sunrise effect.
- Do not stir; allow the grenadine to settle and form a gradient.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
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