Original Tequila Sunrise Recipe

Chill glass

If desired, chill a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before preparing the drink to keep the mocktail colder longer.

Fill the chilled glass with about 1 cup of fresh ice cubes, leaving a little headspace at the top for pouring liquids.

Pour 6 oz fresh orange juice over the ice, holding the glass at a slight angle so the juice flows gently and distributes evenly.

Add 2 oz sparkling water (or club soda) to the glass. Pour slowly so you retain some carbonation and avoid excessive foaming.

If using, add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup now and stir gently once to incorporate. These are optional and adjust sweetness/brightness; typical tequila sunrise mocktail is simply orange juice and grenadine.

Hold 1 oz grenadine syrup in a small measuring cup or spoon. Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside edge of the glass or gently drop it in the center; because grenadine is denser it will sink to the bottom and gradually rise slightly, creating the sunrise gradient.

Do not stir after adding the grenadine — the visual gradient (red at the bottom to orange at top) is the signature of the drink.

Garnish the rim with an orange wheel and place a maraschino cherry on top or on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately with a straw positioned to the side so the drinker can choose to mix or enjoy the layered look first.