Nadia George
April 30, 2024
The Tequila Sunrise gets its vibrant hue that resembles the colours of sunrise through the layering of oranhe juice, grenadine syrup, and tequila over ice. Its origins are believed to date back to the 1930s at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.
The drink's popularity surged in the 1970s. It's said that Mick Jagger or Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones purportedly became fans of it. The band then ordered this cocktail frequently during their US tour, which they dubbed as the "cocaine and tequila sunrise tour."
Word soon spread to other people and places. 1973 saw the release of The Eagles' "Tequila Sunrise," which further cemented the drink's cultural signifance. And let's not forget the 1988 movie named after this cocktail, starring Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Mel Gibson.
Ingredients: 45 ml of tequila like Don Julio Blanco or Don Julio Reposado, 90 ml of fresh orange juice, 15 ml of grenadine syrup, Orange zest for garnish, Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Pour orange juice and tequila directly into a highball glass or any glass of choice filled with ice. Add grenadine to create that signature sunrise effect. Don’t stir. Garnish with orange zest and maraschino cherry.