The Tequila Sunrise

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Put on some soft rock and kick back with the chilled-out, 1970s vibes of a Tequila Sunrise.

I’m a child of my culture. Since I grew up in the eighties and nineties, my head is filled with cultural references that go back to before I was even born. Growing up, if I heard the name of tonight’s drink, the Tequila Sunrise, the last thing I’d be thinking about is a cocktail. First, there’s the smooth Eagles song, “Tequila Sunrise” that will start playing in my head. And as that’s going on a loop, images of the 1988 action film Tequila Sunrise, with Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer start making an appearance, like some crazy music video. What’s weird is I’ve never seen the movie, so why I’d think about it is sort of a mystery to me.

The first time I ever had a Tequila Sunrise was when I made them for a friend’s birthday party. And that was this past summer, so it was pretty recent. I’m usually asked to play bartender, and this was the cocktail my buddy requested. I grabbed a nice, top-shelf bottle of silver tequila, some orange juice and grenadine and got to work. Simple enough to make, and with the grenadine float mixing with the orange juice, you had what looked like a beautiful little sunrise in every glass.

The creation of the Tequila Sunrise, as is usually the case with cocktails, is up for dispute. Though some point to Prohibition-era Mexico, during which our friendly neighbors to the south were only too happy to whip up a special cocktail to help us forget our troubles back home, most credit Gene Sulit of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel for making the first drink that had the name in the 1930s.

The 1970s though, is where the modern version of this drink was born. Created by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the Trident Bar in Sausalito, California, it soon became the cocktail of choice for none other than the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, the Rolling Stones. At a launch party for their upcoming 1972 tour, either Mick Jagger or Keith Richards—probably Keith—fell in love with the drink and it went on the road with the band. As a result, the “Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise Tour”, as it was unofficially dubbed, helped propel the drink into popular culture. The release of the Eagles track only went on to cement the drink and its name in the history books.

Why Does A Tequila Sunrise Look Like That?

The use of grenadine was no accident, and was in fact science! The grenadine syrup is heavier than the orange juice and sinks to the bottom. As it makes its descent, it diffuses and creates a lovely reddish, orange hazy look. Bobby Lozoff, clearly remembering his grade-school science classes, chose grenadine for this reason. Once you’ve added this ingredient, don’t stir. Just sip normally and enjoy the Sunrise.

What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Tequila Sunrise?

I prefer a silver, or blanco, tequila when making this cocktail for either myself or my friends. Its clear color will mix nicely with the orange juice and grenadine float, helping to create the look that inspired the drink’s name. This type of spirit has peppery and sometimes creamy notes, melding with the orange flavors for a nice, citrusy bite in every sip. Remember, the more you spend on a quality tequila, as with any liquor, the better your cocktail will be.

What Glassware and Garnish are Used?

You can use a tall collins or highball glass, filled with ice, or a lowball or Old Fashioned glass, also with ice. Any of these will carry your cocktail nicely and won’t affect the sunrise look you’re going after. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for an extra zing of citrus and pop of red color against the orange.

What is a Tequila Sunset?

A slight variation on the Sunrise, the Tequila Sunset uses blackberry brandy instead of grenadine as the float. The brandy gives the drink a darker, almost somber feel, but is no less delicious.

Similar Cocktails to the Tequila Sunrise

The three ingredients that make up the Tequila Sunrise are no stranger to the world of mixed drinks on their own, especially the tequila. If the Southwestern notes of that spirit is your preference, as is simple and easy-to-make cocktails, you’ll want to peruse Twist & Toast’s site for any number of recipes that match your tastes. Try a few of these out below for a start.

• Malibu Sunset – If you’re looking for something different and the same, coconut rum takes center stage in this tropical riff on the Tequila Sunrise.
• Corona Sunrise – Add your Tequila Sunrise to a bottle of bubbly and refreshing cerveza.
• Orange Margarita – Close to a Sunrise, but the triple sec and lime juice make this a Margarita.
• Tequila and Beer Cocktail – A mix of suds and a classic Margarita, this thirst-quenching dram is made for getting relief from the heat.