2024’s Best Tequila Sunrise Cocktail from Taster’s Club

The Tequila Sunrise is more than just a cocktail; it's a vibrant piece of Americana that has captivated the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts, pop culture fans, and history buffs alike. With its iconic blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, this cocktail delivers a perfect combination of refreshing taste and visual appeal, reminiscent of a stunning sunrise.

The story of the Tequila Sunrise dates back to the late 1930s at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Gene Sulit, a creative bartender, crafted this refreshing drink for a repeat guest searching for a poolside treat. Originally a mix of soda, tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice, its strikingly layered appearance echoed the colors of dawn, giving rise to its name.

In the 1970s, the Tequila Sunrise underwent a transformation at the hands of bartenders Bobby Lazoff and Billy Rice at California’s Trident Restaurant. They reinvented it with orange juice and grenadine, a version that quickly gained popularity. This mix caught the attention of pop culture, from being featured on Jose Cuervo bottles to inspiring the Eagles' song "Tequila Sunrise" and a Hollywood film title. The drink became synonymous with the disco era and continues to be a versatile favorite with variations like the Caribbean Sunrise and Vodka Sunrise.

Whether you're a tequila aficionado or simply a lover of classic cocktails, savoring a Tequila Sunrise is about enjoying the balance of flavors slowly, allowing the vibrant colors and tastes to transport you to sunnier times.

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!