Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Prepare glass

Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes until roughly three-quarters full. Using fresh ice helps keep the drink properly chilled and upright for the layered effect.

Add tequila and orange juice

Measure and pour 2 oz tequila over the ice, then pour 4 oz fresh orange juice into the glass. Stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine tequila and orange juice evenly without over-mixing.

Create the sunrise

Slowly pour 0.5 oz grenadine down the inside edge of the glass or over the back of a bar spoon so it sinks through the orange juice and settles toward the bottom, creating the characteristic gradient sunrise effect. Do not stir after adding grenadine.

Garnish the drink with one orange wheel on the rim and a maraschino cherry dropped on top or skewered. Optionally serve with a lime wedge on the side for those who prefer a splash of acidity.

Serve immediately with a straw or without so the layered look can be enjoyed before drinking. Encourage the drinker to gently stir if they want a uniform taste, or leave un-stirred to enjoy the visual gradient as they sip.

Use a jigger to measure spirits and grenadine for consistent balance. A bar spoon is recommended for gentle stirring to avoid breaking the layered appearance.