The infamous Tequila Sunrise has sent many of us to bed by sunset – where we inevitably stay over the course of the next day, passing through the classic stages of a hangover: nausea, regret, headaches and hangxiety. Fresh Sundays? Not with tequila involved.
A cocktail menu staple due to its zesty taste and gradient colours, the modern Tequila Sunrise is a concoction of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine dating back to 1970s Califronia’s beach scene – a love child of the original tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice, and soda water cocktail served in 1930s Arizona.
With only four ingredients, our refreshing non-alcoholic alternative has the fun look of the cocktail, without the consequences. It may even help you to wake up in time to catch the sunrise this summer.
In the hopes that the British summer might bless us with 25C at some point, you’ll be sure to have a sweet sunrise with this refreshing recipe that could replace your morning OJ. Our Sunday Sunrise is also perfect for a brunch with your family or friends, where it’s only the pancakes that are bottomless.
So, if you are looking to be a more mindful host and cater to all ages, or just thinking about going sober for summer, this mocktail recipe is a great one to have in your locker. It’s certainly got our Dry stamp of approval. Remember to make enough to go around!
Things you’ll need:
- Orange juice – carton or fresh
- Cranberry juice
- Lemonade or sparkling water
- Grenadine syrup
- Ice – cubed or crushed
- Highball glass
- Optional maraschino cherry for garnish
- Optional straw
How to make a Sunday Sunrise:
If you are lucky enough to have never suffered through a hospitality job that requires you to act as part-waiter/ part-mixologist – fear not. This mocktail is quick and easy to make and no bartending skills are required.
Fill half a highball glass with cubed ice for a classic pour or, for a bit of a twist, add crushed ice and blend at the end to turn this drink into a Sunday Sunrise slushie.
Once you’ve filled your glass with ice, measure equal parts orange juice, cranberry juice and your choice of lemonade or sparkling water and add this to the glass.
If you fancy a healthier alternative, squeeze the juice from two large oranges and strain for a natural base. This mocktail also works with pineapple or tropical juice, if that’s what you’ve got left in the fridge from last week’s pre-drinks.
To get the famous sunrise effect – and impress your friends with minimal effort – pour a generous dash of grenadine syrup into the mix. As the grenadine is heavier than the other juices,it will sink to the bottom and create the cool layered effect.
Finally, garnish with a maraschino cherry or three – we don’t judge.
This mocktail is the perfect pitcher for any party or picnic, even in a crowd of your boozier friends. Simply add the grenadine to each glass after you pour and people can choose whether to add an optional shot of tequila to their drink. Either way, no one is left out of sipping on a sunrise and feeling refreshed this summer. Cheers!
Top tip: Pour behind a teaspoon at the edge of the glass to guarantee a clean separation between the juice and syrup to nail the sunrise look. And sorry 007 wannabes, this one isn’t shaken or stirred to keep the gradient colours.
Featured picture: Joe Coughlan, Picture editor: Charlotte Doyle