Gulf Sunset Recipe

If your glasses are not chilled, place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail ingredients.

Measure and set out all juices, liqueur, grenadine and bitters so assembly is smooth.

Combine & Shake

Fill a cocktail shaker with 4–6 large ice cubes. Add vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters if using. Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 8–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and the ingredients are well combined.

This shaking chills and lightly dilutes the mixture while integrating citrus and spirit notes.

Strain & Add Ice

Discard any ice or water from the chilled glass. Fill the glass about 3/4 full with fresh cubed ice (about 4–6 cubes). Strain the shaken cocktail over the fresh ice into the glass.

Layer the Grenadine

Slowly pour 1/2 oz grenadine down the inside edge of the glass or over the back of a spoon so it sinks through the cocktail to the bottom, creating a gradient 'sunset' effect.

Do not stir after adding grenadine; the slow sinking will produce a layered visual reminiscent of a Gulf sunset.

Thread the maraschino cherry onto a pick and place it on the orange wheel or simply float the cherry and rest the orange wheel on the rim.

Serve with a straw placed toward the back of the glass (so the drinker can experience the layered look before mixing).

Optional: provide a small cocktail stirrer so guests can blend the grenadine if they prefer a uniform flavor.