The Tequila Sunrise is a delicious cocktail that was most likely created at the Agua Caliente resort in Tijuana, Mexico, around 1934ish. The original recipe calls for crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water. However, I didn’t have most of those ingredients. But I do have orange juice and grenadine, so I’m going to make the modern version. This version was created by some guy in the 1970s on a cocaine-fueled bender who also had the same ingredients that I have today... well, minus the cocaine.
Ingredients for the Tequila Sunrise:
2 oz tequila (because let’s be real, after the day you’ve had, you deserve the good stuff)
4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed if you’re feeling fancy, or straight from the carton if you're not)
1/2 oz grenadine (the magical potion that makes this drink look like an Instagram filter)
Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish (for that extra touch of class, because why not?)
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice. The more ice, the better – it’s all about that aesthetic, and also because no one likes warm tequila.
Pour in the tequila and orange juice. Try not to spill any – every drop is precious.
Slowly add the grenadine. This is where the magic happens – the grenadine will sink and then gradually rise, creating that beautiful gradient effect that will make you feel like a professional mixologist.
Give it a gentle stir to create the sunrise effect. Not too much though, you don’t want to turn it into a Tequila Murky Sunset.
Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry on top. Voilà! You’ve just made a drink that’s fancier than you.
Pro Tips
Quality Matters: The quality of your tequila will make a significant difference. Go for a 100% agave tequila for the best experience. And remember, life’s too short for bad tequila.
Fresh OJ: If you can, use freshly squeezed orange juice. The natural sweetness and flavor can’t be beaten. But if you’re in a pinch, the carton will do just fine – we won’t judge.
My Review of the Tequila Sunrise:
So, how does it taste? Imagine this: you’re sipping on your first Tequila Sunrise, the orange juice hits your palate with a refreshing tang, followed by the smooth warmth of tequila, and finally, the sweet kiss of grenadine. It’s like a sunrise in your mouth – vibrant, warm, and a little bit magical. After a couple of these bad boys, you'll forget about all the political chaos of 2024. Seriously, nothing makes sense anymore. It’s like the world collectively decided to see who could outdo the other in a game of “Who Can Be the Most Ridiculous?”
And speaking of things that make no sense, I’m pretty sure I’m training an AI to do my job. I’m here, pouring my heart and soul into these blog posts, while somewhere in the cloud, a virtual me is getting smarter and wittier. But you know what? A Tequila Sunrise (or ten) will wipe away all that stress. Because in the end, whether it's a political circus or an existential crisis, a good cocktail always makes things a little brighter.
Rating: 5/5