Tequila Sunrise

You don’t need to know what’s in a tequila sunrise to become a rock star—but it may help.

In the early 1970s, Sausalito-based bartenders Billy Rice and Bobby Lozoff transformed a mostly forgotten Prohibition-era cocktail into the drink we know today. As legend has it, Mick Jagger and Don Henley soon became fans. The tequila sunrise was also reportedly the unofficial drink of the Rolling Stones’ 1972 tour, and the Eagles’ 1973 album Desperado included a song called “Tequila Sunrise.”  

Even if you don’t have a shelf full of Grammys, the storied drink is easy to whip up. Simply mix orange juice and a few ounces of tequila in a pitcher and then put a dash of grenadine syrup in as many tall glasses as people you plan to serve. Top each with ice cubes and the tequila mixture and garnish with orange slices for extra aromatics and, sure, some vitamin C.

Like many semiclassic cocktail recipes, variations abound. To make a tequila sunset, swap the orange juice for grapefruit and/or the grenadine for crème de cassis or blackberry brandy, depending on which bartender you ask.

Or customize the original tequila sunrise recipe to suit your palate. Add a little orange liqueur if you prefer a sweeter drink or a few tablespoons of lime juice if you like tart flavors. Out of grenadine? Swap in an equal amount of pomegranate molasses. And while blanco tequila is traditional, try reposado for an earthier agave kick.