Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice invented the tequila sunrise at the Trident pub in Sausalito, California, in the early 1970s. The Rolling Stones member who sampled the cocktail at a gathering to launch the band’s 1972 tour—some accounts credit Mick Jagger, others Keith Richards—was the one who made it famous. The cocktail gained popularity as a result of the band ordering it at tour stops across the nation and even giving the tour the nickname “the cocaine and tequila sunrise tour”.

The Eagles released the song “Tequila Sunrise” on their “Desperado” album in 1973, the same year Jose Cuervo posted the recipe on the back of their tequila bottles. The drink became widely accepted as a result of these infusions into popular culture, and it has since become a staple of the cocktail canon.

Here, we explore 10 exciting variations of the tequila sunrise that will elevate your cocktail game.

Classic Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and orange juice.
3. Slowly add the grenadine, allowing it to settle at the bottom.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Frozen Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
1/2 oz grenadine
1 cup ice
Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend tequila, orange juice, and ice until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and slowly add grenadine.
3. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Pineapple Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
2 oz orange juice
2 oz pineapple juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Combine tequila, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
3. Add grenadine slowly and let it settle.
4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Blood Orange Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz blood orange juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Blood orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in tequila and blood orange juice.
3. Slowly add grenadine.
4. Garnish with a blood orange slice.

Mango Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz mango juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Mango slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Mix tequila and mango juice.
3. Add grenadine and let it settle.
4. Garnish with a mango slice.

Spicy Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Dash of hot sauce
Jalapeno slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Combine tequila and orange juice.
3. Add grenadine slowly.
4. Add a dash of hot sauce.
5. Garnish with a jalapeno slice.

Coconut Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz coconut tequila
4 oz pineapple juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Coconut flakes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Mix coconut tequila and pineapple juice.
3. Add grenadine and let it settle.
4. Garnish with coconut flakes.

Watermelon Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz watermelon juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Watermelon slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Combine tequila and watermelon juice.
3. Slowly add grenadine.
4. Garnish with a watermelon slice.

Raspberry Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
1/2 oz raspberry syrup
Fresh raspberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Mix tequila and orange juice.
3. Slowly add raspberry syrup.
4. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Herbal Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Combine tequila and orange juice.
3. Add grenadine slowly.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Each of these variations brings a unique twist to the classic tequila sunrise. Whether you prefer tropical flavors, a spicy kick, or a fruity twist, these recipes are sure to impress your guests during your cocktail summer party and add a burst of color to your cocktail.

5 Tips To Make The Perfect Tequila Sunrise

The tequila sunrise is a classic cocktail that is both visually stunning and delicious. Here are five ways to elevate your tequila Sunrise and ensure it’s perfect every time:

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Tequila: Opt for a high-quality blanco or reposado tequila. The better the tequila, the smoother and more flavorful your cocktail will be.

Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best. It offers a brighter, fresher flavor compared to store-bought juice.

Grenadine: Use real grenadine made from pomegranate juice rather than artificial syrup. This adds a richer, more authentic flavor.

Perfect The Pouring Technique

Layering: To achieve the signature sunrise effect, pour the grenadine slowly into the glass after adding the tequila and orange juice. Allow it to sink to the bottom naturally without stirring.

Slow and Steady: Pour the grenadine gently along the side of the glass. This helps create a gradual gradient from red to orange.

Add A Unique Twist

Fruit Juices: Experiment with different fruit juices for a new take on the classic. For instance, adding a splash of pineapple juice can give your tequila sunrise a tropical twist.

Flavored Tequila: Try using flavored tequilas, such as those infused with citrus or tropical fruits, to add an extra layer of complexity to your cocktail.

Garnish Creatively

Traditional Garnishes: An orange slice and maraschino cherry are classic garnishes that complement the drink’s flavors and appearance.

Innovative Garnishes: Consider adding a twist with a sprig of mint, a pineapple wedge, or a slice of blood orange. Edible flowers can also add a beautiful and unique touch.

Serve At The Right Temperature

Chill the Glass: Before making your cocktail, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This keeps your drink cold longer without diluting it with excess ice.

Ice: Use large ice cubes or ice spheres that melt slower, keeping your drink cool without watering it down quickly.

Bonus Tip: Presentation Matters

Serve your tequila sunrise in a highball or Collins glass to showcase the beautiful gradient and enjoy your tequila sunrise in a setting that enhances the experience—whether it’s on a sunny patio, at the beach, or during a relaxed brunch with friends.