The Tequila Sunrise original recipe is a vibrant and visually stunning cocktail that combines the smooth taste of tequila with the sweetness of orange juice and grenadine.
This cocktail is perfect for bringing a splash of color and flavor to your campfire gatherings or parties at home. The best part is that it’s easy to pre-make and enjoy without any hassle!
Tequila Sunrise Original Recipe
Ingredients List [Per 1 Cocktail]
- 2 ounces tequila
- 4 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Total Wine should have you covered for all your ingredient needs!
Preparation Instructions at Home
- Scale for the total number of cocktails you would like. Start by combining the tequila, orange juice, and grenadine in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- For the best aesthetic effect, you can keep the grenadine separate. Pour the tequila and orange juice mixture into a sealed mason jar or a large plastic bottle, and the grenadine into a small separate jar.
- Store the bottle (or bottle and jar) in your cooler to keep the cocktail fresh.
If you don’t have containers and serving ware around your house you’d like to use, REI is a great place to find them.
Serving Instructions at the Campsite
- When ready to serve, fill a plastic cup with ice.
- Pour the pre-made tequila and orange juice mixture over the ice, filling the cup almost to the top.
- If you kept the grenadine separate, slowly pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine over the drink, allowing it to settle at the bottom to create the signature sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of elegance.
FAQ-Tequila Sunrise
Yes! Combine the tequila and orange juice in a sealed bottle at home and store it in your cooler. Keep the grenadine in a separate small jar so you can pour it in last for the signature sunrise layering effect.
The pre-mixed tequila and orange juice will stay fresh for 2–3 days in a cooler with ice. Since the ingredients are shelf-stable spirits and pasteurized juice, they hold up well as long as they stay cold.
You can use pomegranate juice with a splash of simple syrup for a similar color and sweetness. Raspberry syrup or cranberry juice concentrate also work in a pinch, though the color will be slightly different.
About 234 calories per cocktail, mostly from the tequila (2 oz) and orange juice (4 oz). You can reduce calories slightly by using a lower-sugar orange juice.
Tequila Sunrise Original Recipe Conclusion
The Tequila Sunrise is a refreshing and eye-catching cocktail that’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any campfire setting. By pre-mixing this drink, you can enjoy its delightful flavors with barely any effort.
Sipping a cocktail in nature is one of my favorite pleasures, so I wanted to share it with you. There’s something incredibly soothing about enjoying a well-crafted drink while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
Cheers to making our outdoor adventures even more memorable and enjoyable together!
Your Turn
Share your Tequila Sunrise moments with us on social media and tag us to showcase your colorful campfire cocktail creations!
@thedisperseddietitian #thedisperseddietitian
Complete Your Camp Happy Hour
Pair this Tequila Sunrise with my Campfire Nachos Recipe for an easy camp happy hour. Loaded with melty cheese, fresh toppings, and plenty of crunch, they’re the perfect match for this bright, citrusy cocktail.
More Camp Cocktail Inspiration
Looking for more drinks you can make before your trip? Browse all 11 Best Campfire Cocktails You Can Pre-Make for simple recipes you can batch at home and enjoy around the campfire.
Check out our whole blog for cooking ideas, wine pairing, and camping spots to complete your elevated outdoor trip!
Tequila Sunrise Original Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 4 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish optional
Instructions
Preparation Instructions at Home
- Scale for the total number of cocktails you would like. Start by combining the tequila, orange juice, and grenadine in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- For the best aesthetic effect, you can keep the grenadine separate. Pour the tequila and orange juice mixture into a sealed mason jar or a large plastic bottle, and the grenadine into a small separate jar.
- Store the bottle (or bottle and jar) in your cooler to keep the cocktail fresh.
Serving Instructions at the Campsite
- When ready to serve, fill a plastic cup with ice.
- Pour the pre-made tequila and orange juice mixture over the ice, filling the cup almost to the top.
- If you kept the grenadine separate, slowly pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine over the drink, allowing it to settle at the bottom to create the signature sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of elegance.