The Tequila Sunrise has changed a lot since it’s original recipe in the 1930’s, here is how to make the modern version of this classic cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.
Many classic drinks have interesting backstories and origins, but the Tequila Sunrises story strings along a few decades and has been endorsed by a few notable figures to make it what it is today. The original recipe for it dates back to 1930’s Phoenix Arizona where it was first served at the Biltmore Hotel by Gene Sulit. This version consisted of Tequila , crème de cassis , lime juice and soda water (we will be covering this in a future blog recipe for those that are interested).
What we know as the Tequila Sunrise of today originates from two young bartenders Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice who during the early 1970’s created this variant of the drink at the Trident bar located in Sausalito, California. As popular as is was locally, it really got its exposure from the famous British rock band The Rolling Stones . During a 1972 tour the stones hosted a private at the Trident and founder of the band Mick Jagger ordered a Tequila Sunrise and encouraged the rest of the band to do the same. They carried on drinking them across the USA and even called the tour the “cocaine and Tequila Sunrise tour”.
This is a fairly simple recipe and done correctly creates a drink that both looks like a summers night and tastes great. Here is how it is done.
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Tequila ( Silver, Anejo or Reposado)
4 oz. (120ml) Fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 oz. (15ml) Grenadine
A Maraschino Cherry and or an Orange wheel for garnish
Preparation
Add the Tequila and orange juice into a highball glass
Build the glass with ice
Slowly pour the Grenadine over the top of a bar spoon so it goes into the glass and creates the sunrise effect.
Garnish with your Maraschino Cherry and Orange wheel
Further Information
Remember to use fresh orange juice to get the most out of your drink
Do not stir or shake this drink , neither are need and this will ruin the sunrise effect and the intended taste of it.
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