Tequila Sunset

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Wind down after a long day with this tequila-filled favorite.

Sometimes the cocktails in our lives can be a little confusing. And not in a bad way. More in a “what’s it called again” kind of way. Take the drink we’re looking at and making tonight, the Tequila Sunset. The recipe we’ve got below calls for tequila, orange juice and grenadine. Delicious, right? And we’ve all probably had this mixture at some point in our drinking lives, as it’s a popular combination. The Tequila Sunset!

Wait… or is it the Tequila Sunrise? While working on this article, I must confess, I got a tad confused and befuddled while poking around and doing research. If you go anywhere in the world and order a Tequila Sunrise, you’ll get silver tequila, orange juice and grenadine. But if you order a Tequila Sunset in any given bar, you’ll either get a Sunrise, or a version made with grapefruit juice instead of orange, or blackberry brandy in place of the grenadine.

While some folks will refer to a version of the drink made with either grapefruit juice or blackberry brandy as a Sunrise, they’re technically Sunsets. Sometimes, you’ll ask for a Sunset and get a version of the Sunrise instead. Ultimately, if you’re out at a bar and want one version over the other, specify what you’d like to your bartender to avoid any embarrassment or discomfort. If you’re at home, you’ll know what to do. And if it’s wrong, you only have yourself to blame.

So what is a Tequila Sunset exactly? Is it the same as a Tequila Sunrise? It can be. Is it made with grapefruit juice instead of orange? Or does it use blackberry brandy instead of grenadine?

Yes. Because at the end of the day, it’s up to you.

What is the Best Tequila to Use in a Tequila Sunset?

Many of our recipes here, when it comes to tequila concoctions, often call for the blanco, or silver, variety of the spirit. Reposado and añejo tequilas are aged and a little more complex in the flavors they play with, as well as being amber-hued and darker in color. Blanco tequila is clear, unaged and brings a smooth pepperiness, while melding seamlessly with the other ingredients in your drink.

What glassware and garnish are used?

You can use a highball or rocks glass, filled with ice, to make your Sunset in. Garnish with a maraschino cherry to complete the ensemble.

Why is there confusion between the Tequila Sunrise and Sunset?

I’ve discovered throughout my cocktail adventures that many drinks have muddled or questionable histories. There are definitive and different versions of both, and sometimes a lot of folks refer to both with either name. It’s really not that big of a deal unless you’re at a bar and order a Tequila Sunset expecting a Sunrise, and vice versa.

Similar Cocktails to the Tequila Sunset

If you’re in the mood for a strong sipper, and have a hankering for something tasty and relaxing as well, you can’t go wrong with a Tequila Sunset. This might spark some interest, getting you to think about other tipples in a similar, refreshing realm. Twist & Toast can point you in the right direction, if you’re unsure where to branch out. Or if you do know what you’re looking for, we’re here to get you what you need too. Check out some of these recipes below, and make sure you explore the site for even more ideas.

• Watermelon Vodka – It’s an endless summer with this thirst-quenching dram.
• Swamp Water – Feel like getting swanky? This cocktail from the 1970s will get your motor running.
• Tequila Sour – Smooth, spicy and heavenly, the Tequila Sour is a great way to end the day.
• Tequila Old Fashioned – Grab a glass of this peppery and robust take on the classic drink.