Tequila sunrise

Tequila Sunrise

A classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail

The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that is known for its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. It is named for its appearance, which resembles a sunrise. The drink is traditionally made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, which creates a gradient of colors from red to orange.

History

The Tequila Sunrise has a storied history that dates back to the 1930s. The original version of the cocktail was created by Gene Sulit at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. This early version was made with tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water.

In the early 1970s, the cocktail was reinvented by bartenders Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the Trident bar in Sausalito, California. This modern version used the now-familiar combination of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. The drink gained widespread popularity after it was served to The Rolling Stones during their 1972 tour, leading to its association with rock and roll culture.

Historical marker for the Trident bar, where the modern Tequila Sunrise was popularized

Ingredients and Preparation

The modern Tequila Sunrise is simple to prepare and requires only a few ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine

To prepare the cocktail, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour the tequila and orange juice over the ice and stir gently. Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom. The grenadine will gradually rise, creating the signature sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if desired.

Variations

There are several variations of the Tequila Sunrise that incorporate different ingredients or techniques:

• Tequila Sunset: Similar to the Tequila Sunrise, but with the addition of soda water or lemon-lime soda to give it a fizzy texture.
• Caribbean Sunrise: Uses rum instead of tequila, offering a tropical twist on the classic.
• Amaretto Sunrise: Replaces tequila with amaretto, providing a nutty flavor profile.

Cultural Impact

The Tequila Sunrise has become an iconic cocktail, often associated with summer and beach parties. Its popularity was further cemented by the 1973 song "Tequila Sunrise" by the Eagles, which helped to immortalize the drink in popular culture.

Related Pages

• Cocktail
• Tequila
• Grenadine
• Orange juice