I usually don’t really like the taste of tequila, but I do like Tequila Sunrises, though that’s probably because the sugar in the orange juice masks the taste of the alcohol.
Interestingly though, the original tequila sunrise didn’t actually include orange juice, but instead consisted of tequila, crème de cassis (a black currant liqueur), lime juice, and soda water. Though, for either version of this recipe, you should have a very pretty drink that, if you poured the grenadine right, should hopefully look like a sunrise.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz orange juice (you can use premade juice if you must, but I think it’s worth squeezing it fresh)
- 1/2 oz or so grenadine
- 2 oz tequila of course (I recommend using 100% agave silver tequila)
- 2 oz Pineapple juice (optional) (substitute tequila with this if making non-alcoholic version)
- 2 oz Some sparkling water (optional) (substitute tequila with this if making non-alcoholic version)
- An orange slice (optional)
- A maraschino cherry (optional)
Step 1: Prepare & Juice Oranges
First, we’ll squeeze our fruit juice, so for your orange juice, grab a citrus juicer and squeeze enough juice for your drink, about 2-3 oranges. But before juicing all of your oranges, slice a couple of orange wheels or slices for garnish, if you wish.
Step 2: Prepare & Juice Pineapple
If you want to use pineapple juice, to get the juice from this fruit, first cut off the bottom and top of the pineapple.
Then, use a long, sharp knife to slice off the peel and then if you need to, go back in with a smaller paring knife and cut any remaining eye bits.
Next, chop up your pineapple into small enough pieces to fit in your juicer or blender.
Then, when you’re ready, place your pineapple chunks into your blender and well, blend. If you need to, you can add some water to help loosen it up, but once it’s blended into a smooth puree, you can use it as is, or if you want to remove the pulp, grab a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to squeeze out the juice.
Step 3: Mix Liquids Together
Then, once your juices are ready, grab a tall glass and fill it with some ice.
Next, add in your tequila or alcohol of choice and then add in your orange juice, pineapple juice, and/or sparkling water and give this a stir.
Then, for the grenadine, you can pour it straight into the glass, but I find it easiest to take a spoon and place it against the glass with the back of the spoon facing up and then slowly pour the grenadine syrup over the back of the spoon down the side of the glass and the grenadine should sink to the bottom.
Step 4: Add Garnish & Serve
Finally, add your garnish of orange slices and cherries, if desired, and your Tequila Sunrise is ready to drink.