1940's Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Build and chill

   Fill a highball glass (or Collins glass) with cubed ice to chill the glass and keep the drink cold.

2. 2

   Combine base

   In a cocktail mixing glass or shaker without ice, add 2 oz blanco tequila and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice. (No need to shake; this is a lightly built, stirred/top‑up style cocktail.)

3. 3

   Add grenadine and soda

   Pour 0.5 oz grenadine into the bottom of the chilled highball glass over the ice. Carefully add the tequila + lime mixture over the ice. Top with 2 oz Fever-Tree soda water, pouring gently so the soda layers lightly and maintains effervescence.

4. 4

   Float crème de cassis

   Using the back of a bar spoon (or pour very slowly), float 0.25 oz crème de cassis on top of the drink by letting it run down the spoon or the inside of the glass. The cassis will sink slightly and create a rich, sunset gradient reminiscent of the classic Tequila Sunrise variation from the 1940s.

5. 5

   Finish and garnish

   Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim; add a cocktail cherry if desired. Serve with a straw so the drinker can stir if they'd like more cassis integrated.

6. 6

   Notes

   If you prefer a sweeter or more vivid red gradient, increase grenadine to 0.75 oz and reduce soda to 1.5 oz. For a slightly more integrated cocktail, stir gently once after adding the cassis.