2023’s Best Tequila Sunrise Cocktail from Taster’s Club

The Tequila Sunrise cocktail, adorned with vibrant layers of colors, reminiscent of a summer sunrise, is a true classic. It charms with its simplicity, requiring only three ingredients—tequila, grenadine, and orange juice—and remains unmixed to showcase the distinct hues of each layer.

In the early 1970s, Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice crafted the Tequila Sunrise at the Trident bar in Sausalito, California. Its fame skyrocketed when a member of the Rolling Stones—some accounts point to Mick Jagger, while others attribute it to Keith Richards—encountered the delightful drink at a party marking The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour kick-off. Enamored by its taste, the band began ordering it at various tour stops, leading to the tour being playfully dubbed "the Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise tour," further propelling the cocktail's widespread appeal.

Follow these simple steps to recreate this iconic cocktail at home, and enjoy your own taste of the sun-kissed summer skies.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice
• 3/4 oz grenadine syrup
• Ice
• Orange slice and cherry, for garnish

Directions:

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Pour in 2 oz of tequila.
• Add 4 oz of orange juice to the glass.
• Slowly pour 3/4 oz of grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. The grenadine will settle at the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunrise effect.
• Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
• Stir the drink just before drinking to blend all the flavors together.

1. Don Julio Blanco Tequila

Don Julio Blanco Tequila is the base from which all of the maker’s variants are derived. The expression’s crisp agave flavor and citrus hints make it an essential component to a variety of innovative drinks including margaritas. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Region: Jalisco | Tasting Notes: Fruit, Grass, White Pepper, Menthol | ABV: 40%

2. Patron Silver Tequila 

Patrón Silver is handcrafted from the finest 100% Weber Blue agave. Carefully distilled in small batches at Hacienda Patrón distillery in Jalisco, the expression has marzipan, dried fruit, citrus, and chocolate flavors, among other notes.

Region: Jalisco | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Marzipan, Fruit, Citrus, Lavender, Chocolate | ABV: 40%

3. 123 Organic Reposado Tequila Dos

Aged for six months in oak, 123 Organic Reposado Tequila Dos is the brand’s most complex expression. It’s quite light in color and has no detectable note of wood. You’ll get salted caramel, crème brûlée, and toffee flavors, plus agave on the nose that quickly dissipates. The finish offers minty, anise notes.

Region: Jalisco | Tasting Notes: Salted Caramel, Crème Brûlée, Toffee | ABV: 40%

4. Casamigos Blanco Tequila

Aged for two months, Casamigos Blanco Tequila comes out crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla, and sweet agave. The finish is long and smooth.

Region: Jalisco | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Vanilla, Agave | ABV: 40%

5. El Jimador Reposado Tequila

El Jimador Reposado begins with 100% hand-harvested Blue Weber agave, naturally fermented and double distilled. It then matures in handmade American oak barrels. The result is an exquisite golden tone, warm seasoned flavors, and a smooth, confident agave flavor that shines through.

Region: Jalisco | Tasting Notes: Hazelnut, Oak, Spice, Herb, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Fruit | ABV: 40%

5. Cazadores Blanco Tequila

This Cazadores blanco expression is tequila in its purest form, without aging, for intensity and real agave flavor. Citrus fruits, fragrant herbs, and a customary smooth finish make this tequila excellent in cocktails or sipped neat.

Region: Jalisco | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Pepper, Herb, Oak, Grass | ABV: 40%

The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that continues to be a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Its fruity and refreshing taste, combined with the stunning layered effect, makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. With the recommended tequilas above – which are all conveniently available in our bottle shop – you can make a delicious and well-balanced Tequila Sunrise that will surely impress your guests. So, whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a party, the Tequila Sunrise is a must-try tequila cocktail that you won't regret. Cheers!