A well-made tequila drink is something that everyone enjoys. Almost any flavour combination goes well with this robust but smooth alcohol. Although tequila has been around for centuries, it has only recently become associated with wild parties and sophisticated drinks. One such amazing tequila drink is tequila sunrise which is one of the most preferred tequila cocktails. In this article, we are going to learn more about tequila sunrise and check out the ultimate recipe for making the tequila sunrise cocktail.
What is Tequila Sunrise?
The truth of the origin of tequila sunrise is still a mystery, but considering the information available, it was invented in the 1970s, when it first appeared on the menus of bars and restaurants. For a time, it was immensely popular, but its appeal faded rapidly after that.
It is not yet known where the first tequila sunrise was made, but according to cocktail mythology, it was created by a San Francisco bartender after he and some companions had too many drinks. They drank it to celebrate the sunrise of the day and to say goodbye to what was a historic night.
Have you ever wondered what made the tequila sunrise so popular? In the early 1970s, Mick Jagger and his crew attended a party and tasted it. They liked it so much that they continued to drink them throughout their tour.
Tequila Used in Making Tequila Sunrise
Tequila sunrise can be made using a plethora of different tequila brands. Tequila is a prominent ingredient in many cocktails, so we have compiled a list of some of the most popular brands.
1. Casamigos
George Clooney and Rande Gerber are the owners of this amazing tequila brand, and because of their efforts, this brand is now known all over the world. This tequila brand is known for being crisp and smooth with hints of grapefruit and agave. This makes it a good match for the fruity flavours in your tequila sunrise drink.
2. Don Julio
Don Julio is among the best tequila brands for making tequila sunrise drinks. The original Don Julio tequila sells between $20 to $50 a bottle. It is a double-distilled spirit with citrus and black pepper for a great taste.
3. Patrón
Patron is one of the best tequila brands to make tequila sunrise drinks. It is created from blue agave, which makes it easier to drink as a mixer than other forms of agave. It is one of the best drinks to make tequila sunrise.
Also read: How to Drink Tequila
Ingredients Used in Making Tequila Sunrise
When it comes to making a Tequila Sunrise, the quality of the ingredients you use has a major impact on the flavour:
1. Orange Juice
Orange juice made from freshly squeezed oranges is a great way to enrich your beverage experience. Adding it to your tequila sunrise drink will enhance its quality and taste.
2. Tequila
You can keep the vibrant colours of the drink and the flavours of orange juice and grenadine by using light or white tequila. You should avoid using expensive tequilas like Anejo and reposado, which can change the vibrant colours of the cocktail.
3. Grenadine
The vivid red hue of commercial grenadine creates a beautiful tequila sunrise, but nothing rivals the taste of homemade. You can make grenadine syrup at home by reducing pomegranate juice with sugar until it achieves a syrupy texture. If you do not have grenadine, you can substitute it with blackberry brandy.
Ultimate Tequila Sunrise Recipe
To make the best tequila sunrise, you must be very precise with your ingredients. So here is the best recipe that you can follow to make a tequila sunrise.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounce tequila
- ½ ounce grenadine
- 3 ounces orange juice
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry to garnish
Recipe
To make the best tequila sunrise follow these steps:
- Put all ingredients into a tall glass like a Collins or highball glass filled with ice cubes and whisk it properly to mix.
- Slowly pour the grenadine inside the glass as you tilt the glass. Make your drink look like dawn by letting the grenadine settle to the bottom of the glass.
- Then add the orange and cherry slices nicely on top to garnish the drink.
Also read: Tequila Snowfall Sunrise
Tequila Sunset: Good Replacement for Tequila Sunrise
As per the old theory, tequila sunset was created for folks who wanted the cool, layered effect of the sunrise but did not want the added sweetness of the grenadine. Tequila, orange juice, soda water, and red food colouring will be required to make a tequila sunset cocktail. You can add red food colouring to the soda water to give it a brilliant red hue.
Add the orange juice and tequila to an ice-filled glass, and then whisk it properly. Rather than grenadine, this time, you will use red soda water in its place. It should float to the top of your drink.
However, this is not the only way to make it; some believe it is the same as the Tequila sunrise, but with blackberry brandy in place of the grenadine.
Other Alternatives for Tequila Sunrise
As popular as tequila cocktails, sunrise and sunset are, there are many more to choose from. There is a tequila cocktail for everyone, regardless of their mood or taste preferences. So here are some of the best alternatives for tequila sunrise cocktails that you will surely like.
1. The Classic Margarita
The classic margarita is a mixture of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. This is one of the best alternatives for tequila sunrise.
2. The Paloma
Paloma is a very simple drink to make. Its main ingredients are tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. It has a tangy taste.
3. The Tequila Collins
Tequila Collins is a mixture of lemon juice, tequila, agave, and club soda. It is a great way to make a traditional drink in the new style.
Also read: Bramble Margarita
Conclusion
This is all you need to know about tequila sunrise. So follow the recipe discussed above and enjoy the great tequila sunrise drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What glass do you serve a tequila sunrise in?
A. Collins glass is the best glass to serve the tequila sunrise drink.
Q. Is tequila healthy alcohol?
A. As tequila has no sugar, no carbohydrates, and fewer calories, it may be a healthier choice than other types of alcohol.