The cocktail notebook · Tequila & agave
Tequila Sunrise
Orange-led, sweet and lightly tart. A layered highball made by stir.
- Base
- tequila
- Method
- Stir
- Glass
- Highball
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. Reference quantities follow IBA. Glass capacity, product selection and local service procedures require venue confirmation.
Tequila Sunrise recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 45 ml≈ 1.5 US fl oz | tequila |
| 90 ml≈ 3 US fl oz | fresh orange juice |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | grenadine syrup |
Ice: Cubed ice. Garnish: Half orange slice.
Learning bar service? Find the Tequila Sunrise in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Fill a highball with fresh cubed ice.
- Measure tequila and orange juice into the glass.
- Pour grenadine carefully so a red gradient forms.
- Do not stir after adding grenadine; add the orange garnish.
Why it works: This recipe intentionally preserves a colour gradient. The percentage diagram still represents composition, not its exact physical layers.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Uniform colour
do not stir after grenadine.
Too sweet
check the exact grenadine product and measure.
Poor gradient
pour gently rather than agitating the glass.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Orange-led, sweet and lightly tart. This recipe intentionally preserves a colour gradient. The percentage diagram still represents composition, not its exact physical layers.
Dietary and product checks
Check exact products, declared allergens and cross-contact controls before service.
Variations
- Any adaptation needs a recorded recipe and an honest description. Explain that it shows ingredient shares; the photo illustrates the intended gradient.
Where does the Tequila Sunrise come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The drink’s name describes its red-to-orange presentation. It is useful to distinguish a visual service effect from a recipe ratio: the same quantities can look different after stirring. Earlier drinks using the same name may differ, so this course identifies the modern tequila, orange and grenadine reference rather than claiming an exact original.
Tequila Sunrise questions
Why is the final stirring step omitted?
The reference deliberately preserves the sunrise colour effect.
What preparation detail matters for this order?
This recipe intentionally preserves a colour gradient. The percentage diagram still represents composition, not its exact physical layers.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Tequila Sunrise is an optional reference recipe in Essential Cocktails & Bar Foundations. Useful unstirred grenadine-finish reference; do not imply all diagram bands are real layers.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.