Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise: A 1970s Icon
The modern Tequila Sunrise was created in 1972 by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the Trident bar in Sausalito, California.
They developed the drink for Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones during their 1972 American tour, and the band's endorsement helped popularize the cocktail nationwide, according to Liquor.com.
However, an earlier version of the Tequila Sunrise existed in the 1930s and 1940s, which combined tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water. This original recipe bore little resemblance to the modern version, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The 1970s version simplified the formula to just tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. The grenadine is poured last and sinks to the bottom, creating the signature gradient from red to orange to yellow that mimics a sunrise. This visual appeal contributed significantly to the drink's popularity during the disco era, according to Punch.
The Tequila Sunrise became one of the most recognizable cocktails of the 1970s, further popularized by the Eagles' 1973 song "Tequila Sunrise." The drink remains a classic despite criticism from craft cocktail purists who consider it overly sweet. The cocktail's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and striking presentation.
RECIPE:
2 oz tequila (blanco)
4 oz fresh orange juice
1/2 oz grenadine
Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Method:
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and orange juice, then stir to combine.
Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom, creating the sunrise effect. Do not stir after adding grenadine.
Garnish with orange slice and cherry.